[lizkirk82]

About 2-3 weeks ago I severely sprained my ankle and it was put in a cast straight away. The doctor I saw explained that he would like to keep it immobilised for up to 6 weeks (treating it like a break).

However, on doing some research it seems that there are many cases where severe ankle sprains are mobilised early in order to prevent scar tissue developing and aid in regaining full range of movement. Has anyone had any experience of this? I feel I would like to start walking on it sooner rather than later. I do also plan on seeing a sports physio this week,

Any advice or experience would be appreciated,

Thanks

[psychomansam]

I'm talking out my arse here. Maybe one of the resident doctors will give an opinion. Failing that we do have a thread in which you can consult with our guest physios.

Here comes the out-my-arse bit. It strikes me that the answer to your question will depend in part on the severity of the sprain and is best answered by someone holding an MRI scan, and ideally a medical degree. If it has been MRI scanned, you've got good reason to trust that judgement.

On the other hand, if you go see a surgeon, they'll suggest surgery, if you see a medical doctor, they'll diagnose a course of drugs and if you see a physio they'll probably recommend mobilising it and doing physio.*

*If you see a herbal practitioner, they'll prescribe you some dandelions or some shit, which I wouldn't recommend, although it might be less harmful than surgery (and dandelions are nutritious apparently).

[tregiffian]

For a long story, my dislocated ankle was non weight-bearing for the thick end of a year. It hurt A LOT to get it moving again and has never regained full movement. The sooner you can get, gently, on to it the better.

[Boredboy]

Immobilisation is not usual unless you've ruptured the ligaments and been left with a very lax ankle. It's usually a few days rest then get it going as pain allows. Make sure they've not potted it with your toes pointing away from you, otherwise you could have a tight calf after 6 weeks.

[TobyD]

If this were my ankle i would:
1 ask for the cast off and a removeable hobbling boot on.
2 do non weight bearing range of movement exercises as much as possible straight away eg tracing alphabet in the air with your toes - boring but very effective, and foot in a theraband stretching it away, left, right etc.
3 start doing some rehab in weight bearing as soon as it doesn't swell up lots every time you do anything on it, eg walking and basic balance exercises in the shallow end of a swimming pool

The only good reasoning for casting if no fracture as far as i can think off the top of my head would be to allow reattachment / hopeful regrowth of the ATFL if you've totally ruptured it. 

I hope that helps in some way and good luck

[T_B]

You're going to have a lot of muscle wastage in 6 weeks, plus you're achilles tendon will tighten up massively. I'd get another opinion from a foot and ankle specialist - consider paying for a private consultation.

[lizkirk82]

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies, yes I am asking for the cast off tomorrow and will get a removable boot and try and get it moving again asap, see how it goes with some rehab exercises and hopefully I can use it again soon(ish)!