Ankle sprain - out for how long?

[kNIOKAS]

I just played some terrible basketball before I sprained my ankle. I heard loud crack in my foot. Had to quit the game and go home. I put some gel on it, to relieve it, but now it starts to really hurt. Outside of my foot, below my tibia to the front of the foot is getting swollen.

What's the consequences of that? Should I freak out? I literaly do not remember last time I had to stop playing due to the ankle sprain. Always very durable...I believe this is only temporary, since nba players return after a couple of weeks, at most? Could it be like ruptured ligament because of the sound, or only sprained? I believe it's very mild but it had never happened to me before.

[JerryWest]

dont worry, you'll return faster than derrick rose!

[brantonli]

Firstly, don't compare yourself to NBA players. They have world class trainers (except for the Blazers) and often, NBA teams rush players back from injuries cause they need to play basketball (like a 1 month healing time would be shortened to 2-3 weeks).

Secondly, see a doctor. I sprained my ankle incredibly badly about 3 years ago, no cracking sound, but even today, it would sometimes flare up and I woud get pain in it. Don't take any chances man. Also, it's not going to be 'mild' if you had to leave court, and its starting to swell.

[CeltsGarlic]

One friend had to quit pro ball because of some great ankle sprain, I dunno your situation, but burn everything that reminds you of basketball.

Oooor wait couple weeks and play again.

[Rubio2Gasol]

Loud crack don't sound like no ankle sprain. Injuries are different for everyone, if you in good shape and you rest it properly you could get back playing in a month - not to say you'll be without pain or have no uncomfortable feeling - but once you slap on a ankle band to hold it together and ensure you don't twist it - it'll be fine.

Doctors always told me specific exercises - but I just think pressure - just not pressure in excessive amounts will help recovery.

[kNIOKAS]

Firstly, don't compare yourself to NBA players. They have world class trainers (except for the Blazers) and often, NBA teams rush players back from injuries cause they need to play basketball (like a 1 month healing time would be shortened to 2-3 weeks).

Secondly, see a doctor. I sprained my ankle incredibly badly about 3 years ago, no cracking sound, but even today, it would sometimes flare up and I woud get pain in it. Don't take any chances man. Also, it's not going to be 'mild' if you had to leave court, and its starting to swell.
Sucks for you... I do not want to go to the doctor because I haven't even registered to one. Again, such things has never been an issue for me, and I've seen lots of guys get chronic sprains, but return in a week.

You made me scared to a point where I'll just ignore the foot and be fine with that, thanks...

One friend had to quit pro ball because of some great ankle sprain, I dunno your situation, but burn everything that reminds you of basketball.

Oooor wait couple weeks and play again.
Will do both.

Loud crack don't sound like no ankle sprain. Injuries are different for everyone, if you in good shape and you rest it properly you could get back playing in a month - not to say you'll be without pain or have no uncomfortable feeling - but once you slap on a ankle band to hold it together and ensure you don't twist it - it'll be fine.

Doctors always told me specific exercises - but I just think pressure - just not pressure in excessive amounts will help recovery.
I would have said my leg ligaments was in the best shape ever, flexi-wise, as I've been doing extension excercises for some time now. I'll keep doing them.



Well thanks guys, but I think I really didn't want to hear your cautious
warnings. I rather suck it up and go get to show them I can play much better. I'm playing in a court in London and these guys are illiterate, fundamental wise, but I've been horrendous too, getting blocked by 5'5 black men and everything. I just never had to deal with that sort of antibasketball before.

I really think it's really minor and the crack was the same you can make doing extension excercises on your own. I'm Derrick-Rose motivated now, if anything.

[brantonli]

well I'm not going to lie, if you didn't want to hear it, you shouldn't have asked :P Anyway, if you are playing in London, send me a PM, I'm studying in london now in uni and haven't played ball for weeks. Wehre abouts is the court?

[kNIOKAS]

well I'm not going to lie, if you didn't want to hear it, you shouldn't have asked :P Anyway, if you are playing in London, send me a PM, I'm studying in london now in uni and haven't played ball for weeks. Wehre abouts is the court?
I happen to live very close to a lonely court in Hendon, North London. It's on Northern line, Edgware branch... You're always welcome, although court is full.

I've also been with a friend to a court somewhere near Old Street, it was pretty empty back then.


We could actually become besties because I don't really have a soul to talk to around here...

[kNIOKAS]

I managed to get to work on Monday, despite half-sleeping the whole night - I was so concerned I'd have to call in sick. From that point, it got better and better, and now I only have minor pains, and I'm so eager to go play again. So, nothing major, and that crack was not a torn ligament, because everything's so well now.


Splendid, friends.

[Burgz V2]

I just played some terrible basketball before I sprained my ankle. I heard loud crack in my foot. Had to quit the game and go home. I put some gel on it, to relieve it, but now it starts to really hurt. Outside of my foot, below my tibia to the front of the foot is getting swollen.

What's the consequences of that? Should I freak out? I literaly do not remember last time I had to stop playing due to the ankle sprain. Always very durable...I believe this is only temporary, since nba players return after a couple of weeks, at most? Could it be like ruptured ligament because of the sound, or only sprained? I believe it's very mild but it had never happened to me before.

well the sound to me makes me think its kinda bad but to be safe you should just get an x-ray.

the worst case scenario is something is broken, but if you can walk on it I highly doubt that. Probably a grade 2 sprain.

Make sure to follow the RICE method for the next three days, its the most crucial time after an injury if you are trying to get back to the court ASAP

Rest

Ice- as much as you can for the first three days, dont ice longer than 45 mins at once though, like 20 mins on 20 mins off, or 20 mins an hour. then 30 mins 3 times a day for the rest of the week

Compression - make sure to wrap your foot up nice and tight, in a neutral position. This is the same reason why people tell you not to take your shoe off when you roll your ankle, so the swelling doesnt have a chance to happen as quickly. Dont cut off your circulation lol, but make it tight enough. Use an ankle brace or plain bandage

Elevation - keep your foot elevated, at least at the same level as your heart or higher. this well slow the blood flow to your foot and slow the swelling down.

if you do those things for a week, and you have no change in symptoms, SEE A DOCTOR ASAP, something is probably wrong. But if it starts to improve, then you probably just have a bad sprain

oh and dont wear an ankle brace when you go back to play, strengthen and rehab your ankles (both) so that you dont need them. Your other ankle will become weaker from compensating and you will be at risk to spraining the other one. Wearing an ankle brace doesn't make your ankle any stronger, and you will just be putting more workload on your other ankle.

I had a history of ankle sprains, at once point I sprained each ankle alternating for every other month for a year. I finally did some strengthening, and read an article about Phil Jackson forcing his players to do yoga, and how his Bulls players only had like 3 total sprained ankles over their 2 three peats. I did and the last time i sprained my ankle was like 3 years ago, the longest I've ever gone. I rolled my ankles REALLY bad too, but because of the strengthening, I have avoided any serious injury.

[CeltsGarlic]

well the sound to me makes me think its kinda bad but to be safe you should just get an x-ray.

the worst case scenario is something is broken, but if you can walk on it I highly doubt..........

Thats very helpful. Thanks. I will use this in future (hopefully not tho)

[Rake2204]

Glad to hear it wasn't too severe. I know I've certainly had my share of ankle sprains over the years, just about running the gamut in terms of severity (some have been playable a moment later, some have taken weeks, some have taken months).

I'm actually always a little surprised initially when I find out there's experienced basketball players who haven't ever sprained their ankles. It seems like a right of passage to me. Yet, my 31 year old brother sprained his ankle two weeks ago and he was just about worried sick about it. Then I realized I don't think he'd ever sustained an ankle injury that wouldn't allow him to play before, so he didn't quite know how to handle it.

I don't even think it's about being prone to injury either. It just seems like, if I've been playing basketball for two decades, the law of averages is going to have me leaping and landing on someone's foot at least every year or two.


Loud crack don't sound like no ankle sprain.I think it'd depend upon whether it truly was a cracking sound or closer to what many would consider a popping noise. A popping sound is very common when spraining an ankle and is most likely the sound of ligaments stretching and/or tearing (which is the definition of a sprain - the stretching or partial/full tearing of one, two or all of the three ankle ligaments). I'd say I hear a popping or grinding noise on the vast majority of my ankle sprains, even the light ones.

[TheReturn]

Tear is 6 weeks for complete recovery. I had crutches for the first two weeks. During the recovery period there's a bunch of exercises that will take away the swelling and pain. Won't really speed up the recovery.

Assuming you're right about the cracking sound and you did tear it.. You'll really want to take the 6 weeks off. If you don't and you sprain it again, chances are this could be a lifelong weak spot for you.

[TheReturn]

Also, about the 'cracking sound'. My doctor said it normally sounds similar to when you'd forfully snap a shoelace. Like a pop, or something.

Hope that helps you.

[kNIOKAS]

well the sound to me makes me think its kinda bad but to be safe you should just get an x-ray.

the worst case scenario is something is broken, but if you can walk on it I highly doubt that. Probably a grade 2 sprain.

Make sure to follow the RICE method for the next three days, its the most crucial time after an injury if you are trying to get back to the court ASAP

Rest

Ice- as much as you can for the first three days, dont ice longer than 45 mins at once though, like 20 mins on 20 mins off, or 20 mins an hour. then 30 mins 3 times a day for the rest of the week

Compression - make sure to wrap your foot up nice and tight, in a neutral position. This is the same reason why people tell you not to take your shoe off when you roll your ankle, so the swelling doesnt have a chance to happen as quickly. Dont cut off your circulation lol, but make it tight enough. Use an ankle brace or plain bandage

Elevation - keep your foot elevated, at least at the same level as your heart or higher. this well slow the blood flow to your foot and slow the swelling down.

if you do those things for a week, and you have no change in symptoms, SEE A DOCTOR ASAP, something is probably wrong. But if it starts to improve, then you probably just have a bad sprain

oh and dont wear an ankle brace when you go back to play, strengthen and rehab your ankles (both) so that you dont need them. Your other ankle will become weaker from compensating and you will be at risk to spraining the other one. Wearing an ankle brace doesn't make your ankle any stronger, and you will just be putting more workload on your other ankle.

I had a history of ankle sprains, at once point I sprained each ankle alternating for every other month for a year. I finally did some strengthening, and read an article about Phil Jackson forcing his players to do yoga, and how his Bulls players only had like 3 total sprained ankles over their 2 three peats. I did and the last time i sprained my ankle was like 3 years ago, the longest I've ever gone. I rolled my ankles REALLY bad too, but because of the strengthening, I have avoided any serious injury.
Thanks for the comprehensive advice! Again, I'm pretty fine now, and it is minor, but since I wasn't used to it I had ambiguous feelings and felt cautious.

I did the most of RICE intuitively, even have never heard of the recommendation myself. For icing, just pouring some cold water from the faucet, and it was chilling. Worked instantly. Wore a sock for compression, because I didn't have any of those tapes, but yes, knew that people wear something in those occasions. Also elevated, because it got swollen a lot and I though I need to drain the bastard. So, all this pretty intuitive, but since having it read here, I'll do it next time no hesitation.

I always thought ankles were problem of overweight or just... Innate property, as some of the guys used to have constant problems with it, either being uncoordinated to step the foot down right, or maybe week ligaments structure. Again, I was very proud only finger to an eye or a cut seems like ever made me quit a game.

Good luck to you, have brass ankles everybody!!

[Rake2204]

Assuming you're right about the cracking sound and you did tear it.. You'll really want to take the 6 weeks off. If you don't and you sprain it again, chances are this could be a lifelong weak spot for you.I wanted to quote this for emphasis. Not being able to play gets old very quickly. And it's very tempting for us, upon the first day that ankle of ours feels "playable", to try to get back out there on the basketball court right away. But as TheReturn said, I suggest being very cautious about this.

I'm confident in saying that the vast majority of us here who have sprained our ankles have at least once tried to return to action prematurely, when you thought your ankle was "good enough", only to re-sprain it shortly thereafter. Not fun. Taking 4-6 weeks to rehabilitate an ankle sprain is way better than taking 6-10 weeks off after a careless re-injury.

[AirMike]

You really should visit a doctor, especially if you heard a loud crack, there is a lot of small bones and ligaments in that area that might not heal correctly, which would cause more problems in the future. You may think it's not a big deal but without an x-ray picture you can't tell how serious the injury actually is. I was suprised myself the last time I sprained my ankle because I had to wear a plaster for two months. The doctor essentially told me the same I am writing here, that with just a bandage, it wouldn't heal as it should and would cause complications.

[kNIOKAS]

...

I think it'd depend upon whether it truly was a cracking sound or closer to what many would consider a popping noise. A popping sound is very common when spraining an ankle and is most likely the sound of ligaments stretching and/or tearing (which is the definition of a sprain - the stretching or partial/full tearing of one, two or all of the three ankle ligaments). I'd say I hear a popping or grinding noise on the vast majority of my ankle sprains, even the light ones.
Yes, looking at how you put it, it was rather popping sound, the one you usually hear in knees when you do standups in the morning, or when you stretch your fingers hand-by-hand. I just don't know where's the line in that sound where the ligaments are stretched, and when they are torn. They weren't torn at all, it seems, because now it's almost completely back up.

Also, about the 'cracking sound'. My doctor said it normally sounds similar to when you'd forfully snap a shoelace. Like a pop, or something.

Hope that helps you.

Tear is 6 weeks for complete recovery. I had crutches for the first two weeks. During the recovery period there's a bunch of exercises that will take away the swelling and pain. Won't really speed up the recovery.

Assuming you're right about the cracking sound and you did tear it.. You'll really want to take the 6 weeks off. If you don't and you sprain it again, chances are this could be a lifelong weak spot for you.
Well it sucks having crutches. It'd be fun when you're in school and cannot do shit you usually do, get more oranges from the grandma and everyone is looking at you, but when you in a foreign country working day by day and not wanting to find out what's the health system there is, it's a thing to stay away from.

[kNIOKAS]

It's been 3 days and I'm ready to come back. I feel funny stretching it, and have no problem to see how it goes. Don't tell me I have to wait when wheather is like that!

I might wait until Friday but come on. Playas gotta play :confusedshrug:

[Rake2204]

Yes, looking at how you put it, it was rather popping sound, the one you usually hear in knees when you do standups in the morning, or when you stretch your fingers hand-by-hand. I just don't know where's the line in that sound where the ligaments are stretched, and when they are torn. They weren't torn at all, it seems, because now it's almost completely back up.

Well it sucks having crutches. It'd be fun when you're in school and cannot do shit you usually do, get more oranges from the grandma and everyone is looking at you, but when you in a foreign country working day by day and not wanting to find out what's the health system there is, it's a thing to stay away from.Yeah, a pop could also just be the sound of a partial ligament tear as well, hence why you feel good and ready to go so soon after the initial occurrence.

And I understand your tentativeness in seeking medical attention. It's not always the easiest route. It sounds like your ankle's not in too rough of shape though, so that's good. However, if you ever suffer a severe ankle sprain, one that does not allow you walk very well (or at all), I'd definitely recommend sucking it up and finding a doctor. I've never gone to the doctor for an ankle injury but in hindsight, I think there's a few times where I wish I had.

[Rake2204]

I wanted to quote this for emphasis. Not being able to play gets old very quickly. And it's very tempting for us, upon the first day that ankle of ours feels "playable", to try to get back out there on the basketball court right away. But as TheReturn said, I suggest being very cautious about this.

I'm confident in saying that the vast majority of us here who have sprained our ankles have at least once tried to return to action prematurely, when you thought your ankle was "good enough", only to re-sprain it shortly thereafter. Not fun. Taking 4-6 weeks to rehabilitate an ankle sprain is way better than taking 6-10 weeks off after a careless re-injury.So... I sprained my ankle on July 1st this year. I was very cautious and didn't even think about playing basketball on it for weeks. I waited all the way until I had 99% flexibility with no pain. Then I waited longer after that. Biked in the interim, worked on flexibility, all that. I played for the first time last Wednesday, July 31. Felt pretty good. Took some more time off just to be sure. Played again tonight...

Sprained it again.

I am an idiot.

[LBJMVP]

sprained my ankle bad my senior year... my family was coming in from ohio to watch me play in a week and a half. (i live in georgia) they had already booked flights, and my schools athletic trainer told me ill be out like three week which was the rest of the season... my ankle was the size of a baseball or worse.

i iced my ankle as much as could and did as many stretching routines as i could do. he told me id be wearing a boot for a week, but after one day i took it off so that i could gain some strength back slowly.

the first day i could put any pressure on it, but i pushed through.

i was back practicing in one week... play two of the best game i've played in front of my family, and then in our final homegame hit the gamewinner on a fastbreak layup.

it was awesome.

[imdaman99]

So... I sprained my ankle on July 1st this year. I was very cautious and didn't even think about playing basketball on it for weeks. I waited all the way until I had 99% flexibility with no pain. Then I waited longer after that. Biked in the interim, worked on flexibility, all that. I played for the first time last Wednesday, July 31. Felt pretty good. Took some more time off just to be sure. Played again tonight...

Sprained it again.

I am an idiot.
at this point, just invest in ankle braces. the ones with the laces. i wore those even when i had a sprain and i was fine. its not like i played the next day, i rested maybe 4-5-6 days and then i got restless (i think it was summer) and said theres a reason i bought these a while back. strapped the brace on and felt comfortable/secure enough to play hard and run on it.

http://www.amazon.com/ASO-Ankle-Stabilizing-Orthosis-Medium/dp/B000TGUN7A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376034261&sr=8-1&keywords=ankle+brace

or try those out. the reason i dont like the lace ones is that those take forever to put on and take off. small price to pay i guess :oldlol: which is why i got something like that ^^^

after a month or 2, i felt good enough where i said f the braces, time to go raw. and i have been playing with my high top sneakers TIED PRETTY TIGHT. i guess its been 3-4 months and no re-sprains since, KNOCK ON WOOD.

we are getting older, it takes longer for us to heal. just remember that. wear protective gear to prevent these injuries. i dont work out (ok maybe pushups/crunches) so ball + metabolism is the only thing keeping us in shape.

[KNOW1EDGE]

Basiclaly the same thing happened to me a few months back when I was playing indoor soccer.

I rolled it worse than I ever had. I hurt a pop. It immediately felt like it was on fire and I could not step on it or put any weight on it whatsoever.

I couldn't sleep that night cuz it hurt so bad. I ended up calling out for work the next day.

I was on crutches for a few days before I started limping around. It took nearly a month for me to be able to walk completely normal without a limp.

But to this day, it still hurts when I move it a certain way. I have played basketball a few times and had no issues. It is forever weak though, and it is always sore after I play ball or go for a run.

If you have health insurance I would go to the doc and try to get an MRI. Otherwise ice it, take it easy, and then slowly rehab it and come back.

[B-Easy8]

Depends on how big a bitch you are.

A friend of mine did his and was out for 2 months, I did mine and was out for 1 week.

Suck up the pain, tape it, gel it and ice it.

[Rake2204]

at this point, just invest in ankle braces. the ones with the laces. i wore those even when i had a sprain and i was fine. its not like i played the next day, i rested maybe 4-5-6 days and then i got restless (i think it was summer) and said theres a reason i bought these a while back. strapped the brace on and felt comfortable/secure enough to play hard and run on it.

http://www.amazon.com/ASO-Ankle-Stabilizing-Orthosis-Medium/dp/B000TGUN7A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376034261&sr=8-1&keywords=ankle+brace

or try those out. the reason i dont like the lace ones is that those take forever to put on and take off. small price to pay i guess :oldlol: which is why i got something like that ^^^

after a month or 2, i felt good enough where i said f the braces, time to go raw. and i have been playing with my high top sneakers TIED PRETTY TIGHT. i guess its been 3-4 months and no re-sprains since, KNOCK ON WOOD.

we are getting older, it takes longer for us to heal. just remember that. wear protective gear to prevent these injuries. i dont work out (ok maybe pushups/crunches) so ball + metabolism is the only thing keeping us in shape.I appreciate the knowledge. Somewhere along the lines I soured on ankle braces a little - I think it's because I threw my nasty old one away years ago and wanted to justify not buying a new one. I've just been telling myself that I didn't want to have to rely upon a brace for stability - that I want to build my ankle up to be strong enough and stable on its own. But at this point, I'm pretty sure you're right, I'm going to have to break down and go the brace route, at least for a little bit.

Question, the type of brace in your link, is that kind typically more expensive than the laced up ones? Also, aside from the laces, in your experience are there any differences between the two in terms of stability or flexibility?

[imdaman99]

I appreciate the knowledge. Somewhere along the lines I soured on ankle braces a little - I think it's because I threw my nasty old one away years ago and wanted to justify not buying a new one. I've just been telling myself that I didn't want to have to rely upon a brace for stability - that I want to build my ankle up to be strong enough and stable on its own. But at this point, I'm pretty sure you're right, I'm going to have to break down and go the brace route, at least for a little bit.

Question, the type of brace in your link, is that kind typically more expensive than the laced up ones? Also, aside from the laces, in your experience are there any differences between the two in terms of stability or flexibility?
Yeah I agree with you on ankle braces, they do restrict some movement. There are different levels of support. I believe theres 3 different levels from least support to most support. I think the laces is somewhere between most support and medium support.

This is what the website says

Protection Level I, Primary:

General purpose protection
Minor pain, sprains, and instability
Relief from arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis

Protection Level II, Advanced:

Minor to moderate protection
Slight ligament instabilities or pain
Offers more protection than simple sleeves

Protection Level III, Maximum:

Ultimate in protection
Moderate to major instabilities and pain
Provides the maximum level of support

And I was wrong, the laces one offers the most support

http://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Lightweight-Ankle-Brace-Medium/dp/B000UVVXPA/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1376057701&sr=1-3&keywords=ankle+brace

Honestly, I prefer Level 2 protection. I think this one is one of those. It is more comfortable and a helluva lot more flexible. That being said, it is only called an ankle stabilizer because it doesn't offer the protection the laces one does.
http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Adjustable-Ankle-Stabilizer-Black/dp/B0027VKR5S/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1376057701&sr=1-5&keywords=ankle+brace

[IamRAMBO24]

Sounds like you're gonna die.

[Burgz V2]

Yeah I agree with you on ankle braces, they do restrict some movement. There are different levels of support. I believe theres 3 different levels from least support to most support. I think the laces is somewhere between most support and medium support.

This is what the website says

Protection Level I, Primary:

General purpose protection
Minor pain, sprains, and instability
Relief from arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis

Protection Level II, Advanced:

Minor to moderate protection
Slight ligament instabilities or pain
Offers more protection than simple sleeves

Protection Level III, Maximum:

Ultimate in protection
Moderate to major instabilities and pain
Provides the maximum level of support

And I was wrong, the laces one offers the most support

http://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Lightweight-Ankle-Brace-Medium/dp/B000UVVXPA/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1376057701&sr=1-3&keywords=ankle+brace

Honestly, I prefer Level 2 protection. I think this one is one of those. It is more comfortable and a helluva lot more flexible. That being said, it is only called an ankle stabilizer because it doesn't offer the protection the laces one does.
http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Adjustable-Ankle-Stabilizer-Black/dp/B0027VKR5S/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1376057701&sr=1-5&keywords=ankle+brace

i use McDavid ankle braces, and that's only during the recovery phase, I rarely go more than a week wearing them, I'd rather just strengthen my ankles and have good range of motion or otherwise not play. I'd rather not depend on them. Don't want my ankles to feel naked when I eventually stop using them. Adds a whole psychological aspect to the recovery process that can otherwise be avoided if you take the care to recover properly.

[dr.hee]

It's been 3 days and I'm ready to come back. I feel funny stretching it, and have no problem to see how it goes. Don't tell me I have to wait when wheather is like that!

I might wait until Friday but come on. Playas gotta play :confusedshrug:

You shouldn't stretch it until you're sure there has been no damage to ligaments whatsoever. Also, I wouldn't use ice, it does more harm than good if you use it longer than say 30-45 seconds at once.

To the guys wearing ankle braces...how would you compare them to tapes in terms of comfort and stability? Never tried one, but less time consuming than taping everytime.

[Carbine]

Adizero Speedwraps are the best basketball brace. Protection where you need it, none where you don't.

[Rake2204]

Yeah I agree with you on ankle braces, they do restrict some movement. There are different levels of support. I believe theres 3 different levels from least support to most support. I think the laces is somewhere between most support and medium support.

This is what the website says

Protection Level I, Primary:

General purpose protection
Minor pain, sprains, and instability
Relief from arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis

Protection Level II, Advanced:

Minor to moderate protection
Slight ligament instabilities or pain
Offers more protection than simple sleeves

Protection Level III, Maximum:

Ultimate in protection
Moderate to major instabilities and pain
Provides the maximum level of support

And I was wrong, the laces one offers the most support

http://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Lightweight-Ankle-Brace-Medium/dp/B000UVVXPA/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1376057701&sr=1-3&keywords=ankle+brace

Honestly, I prefer Level 2 protection. I think this one is one of those. It is more comfortable and a helluva lot more flexible. That being said, it is only called an ankle stabilizer because it doesn't offer the protection the laces one does.
http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Adjustable-Ankle-Stabilizer-Black/dp/B0027VKR5S/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1376057701&sr=1-5&keywords=ankle+braceAwesome stuff. I truly appreciate the knowledge.

[LBJMVP]

You shouldn't stretch it until you're sure there has been no damage to ligaments whatsoever. Also, I wouldn't use ice, it does more harm than good if you use it longer than say 30-45 seconds at once.

To the guys wearing ankle braces...how would you compare them to tapes in terms of comfort and stability? Never tried one, but less time consuming than taping everytime.
I like tape better. I only used it after I hurt my ankle for a month. Use braces or tape too long and your ankles become week.

[Rake2204]

Random update: Six months after my initial sprain and pain has still not subsided after full flex during play.

Here's what the first one looked like:

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g423/Rake2204/198b5668-c961-4880-9a90-e893dc6bebc3.jpg

Then the second (the two pics below are from around August 10, 2013, having rolled it again after six to seven weeks of recovering from the first sprain):

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g423/Rake2204/3ef056e0-3de6-4301-b61a-0262acfffc29.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g423/Rake2204/975d63ba-cfdd-41bf-853b-d7937faaaebc.jpg

[CeltsGarlic]

Wow, thats one major ankle sprain. How painful was that, and how did you managed to get it so baaad?

[Rake2204]

Wow, thats one major ankle sprain. How painful was that, and how did you managed to get it so baaad?The first sprain didn't really hurt a ton initially. It felt like a two-weeker. I was surprised what happened to it in subsequent days though (blew up my entire foot, created pretty serious walking difficulties).

The second sprain (photos 2 & 3) was probably worse because it was like a tornado rolling through a community that was still rebuilding after being hit by a hurricane. I thought my ankle was healthy (after five weeks) and it felt good, but rolling it again basically destroyed everything I'd begun to re-build (and then some). That's why I felt like such an idiot, reading my earlier posts in this thread about not rushing a comeback and whatnot.

[Burgz V2]

Rake2204, i have had similar sprains. looks like a (pretty bad) grade 2 sprain. the pain hasnt fully gone away because you likely have scar tissue build up. One of my friends is a yoga instructor, he gave me some good tips about ankle sprains. Main thing in the first couple of days is compression and ice. If you keep it tightly wrapped and ice for extended periods of time, it prevents it from swelling up like that most of the time.

Are those recent? If so, try wrapping your foot tightly in some bandage and putting your foot in a bucket of ice water. Do it as much as you can, you'll be pain free in no time. Then really focus on strengthening.

[T-Time3]

a month tops.
ugh i hate the swelling part

[Rake2204]

Rake2204, i have had similar sprains. looks like a (pretty bad) grade 2 sprain. the pain hasnt fully gone away because you likely have scar tissue build up. One of my friends is a yoga instructor, he gave me some good tips about ankle sprains. Main thing in the first couple of days is compression and ice. If you keep it tightly wrapped and ice for extended periods of time, it prevents it from swelling up like that most of the time.

Are those recent? If so, try wrapping your foot tightly in some bandage and putting your foot in a bucket of ice water. Do it as much as you can, you'll be pain free in no time. Then really focus on strengthening.Oh no, those are not recent. The first picture was from July 1st, the second and third from around August 10th. I'm usually pain free now, but sometimes setting my feet to jump (where my toes bend toward my shin) results in pain on the inside of my ankle. Three days later and it kind of feels like a super-minor re-sprain, but only when I flex the ankle in that manner.

[Bandito]

@Rake: Go to the doctor and try to get a boot. If you don't want to spend money just put it in a bucket of ice and don't put any weight on it. Get a cane.

[Bandito]

Oh no, those are not recent. The first picture was from July 1st, the second and third from around August 10th. I'm usually pain free now, but sometimes setting my feet to jump (where my toes bend toward my shin) results in pain on the inside of my ankle. Three days later and it kind of feels like a super-minor re-sprain, but only when I flex the ankle in that manner.
Try some exercises for the ankle. After nay big injury like that your muscles and tendon tend to be weaker so you have to strengthen them again.

[Rake2204]

Try some exercises for the ankle. After nay big injury like that your muscles and tendon tend to be weaker so you have to strengthen them again.Word. Those photos are from a few months ago. The ankle feels mostly good, just the inside seems susceptible to re-injury when over-stretched.

[Rake2204]

A for-the-sake-of-information update: Six weeks after my last post about the lingering pain on the inside of my ankle, things have been slowly returning to normal, altogether almost eight months after the initial sprain.

This has been a public service announcement for letting your ankle sprains heal to the absolute fullest before returning to action.

[kNIOKAS]

Hey Rake - I hope you're doing good. That ankle looked bloody awful.


It's actually close to a year when I sprained my and made this thread - just recently I stopped feeling bothered by the tendon in the foot. It has stayed for quite a while... I tried stretching it and make it flexible, but it wasn't helping. Only now I can stretch it and there's no pain. So, I guess it takes time. You'll be fine, too.

Although I kept playing whenever I could - but I don't play more often than once a week anyway.

[Rake2204]

Hey Rake - I hope you're doing good. That ankle looked bloody awful.


It's actually close to a year when I sprained my and made this thread - just recently I stopped feeling bothered by the tendon in the foot. It has stayed for quite a while... I tried stretching it and make it flexible, but it wasn't helping. Only now I can stretch it and there's no pain. So, I guess it takes time. You'll be fine, too.

Although I kept playing whenever I could - but I don't play more often than once a week anyway.Glad to hear things turned out well. In terms of the initial flexibility issues you had, I read (maybe in this thread) about the build up of scar tissue, so it kinda felt maybe I had to play on the healed ankle and sort of work through the tissue build up. After a period of time, as with you it sounds, that extra bit of pain seemed to dissipate.

[Levity]

After your ankle heals from a severe sprain, youre going to experience A LOT of stiffness. dont over do it, but you will need to keep your ankle active and stretch it every day in order to prevent a chronic stiffness to it. When you find yourself just sitting in a chair, write the alphabet in the air with your affected foot, lower case and capitals. its a great stretch for it.

and for those of you with with lingering ankle injuries that youre pretty sure youll have to deal with your whole life, your best bet is to actively treat the ankle. if you experience swelling after activity, always ice, and elevate. and if you have a strong stomach, ibuprofen is the way to go.


also, those "frozen peas" pads they sell at cvs are great. they can be heated up or put in the freezer for therapeutic purposes which work great on ankles