I haven't been able to work out in a week and I'm feeling so restless! For those of you who I haven't already talked to about this, here's the deal: my regular workout of 3 miles 4x per week has been suspended for a while due to torn ligaments in my ankle. It all started two Saturdays ago when my ankles were feeling kind of tender. I had just upped the distance on my runs, so I thought maybe I was just sore and should push through it until I wasn't sore anymore. So I went again the following Monday and Tuesday. I was more sore after that than I was on Saturday, but again, thought I should push through it. I went again last Thursday. I only made it 2 miles before deciding that I needed to stop since I was in constant pain. It was no longer feeling sore, it was now full-blown pain.
So, being as I could barely walk, I decided to not push it anymore and take ibuprofen and ice my ankle. My right ankle was just tender, but my left one felt like it was on fire. When I still wasn't showing any improvement (and had increased swelling in my left ankle) by Tuesday, I decided to go to the doctor. After spending all morning there (thanks Jami for watching the boys for me!) and getting x-rays, they determined that I didn't have any stress fractures (thank goodness), but that I had torn ligaments in my left ankle. I am still hobbling around the house and not feeling significantly better, but I'm also not able to rest it as much as I'm supposed to. What mother of 2 young boys could keep it elevated and iced all day? I am hoping that it gets better soon, as I'm feeling very impatient to be working out again. Just when I'm in a great groove, feeling great about the progress I'm making, this happens! Grrrr.... But I know I need to rest it to be fully recovered so I don't prolong it by working out before it's really better. I wish I was a faster healer though.....
3 comments:
That always seems to happen - right when you are in the groove WHAM! Well, I hope your ankle gets better soon. If it makes you feel any better, Will is the king of ankle injuries and it usually only takes him a week to recover. He rolled/sprained his ankle (obviously not a major sprain) last month and that one did take a couple of weeks, but he was back to hiking/running again really soon. You just have to remember that as BAD as you want to work out, you have to let it heal. Otherwise you'll just be doing the viscious cycle for longer and it will drive you even more crazy.
Bummer! Hope you feel better soon and can get back into the routine.
When I sprained my ankle- badly- a couple years ago I was devestated I had to stop training for an upcoming race! Instead, I bought workout DVDs that worked the upper body, core, buns and thighs, etc that didn't put ANY impact on my ankle. That way, I could still get that great rush of exercise without risking further injury- and my doctor agreed! I STRONGLY recommend pilates- there are so many good videos out there and if you get a good one you get a GREAT cardio workout and your abs will be so sore afterwards! :)
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