Ankle problems

[Melo]

I made mention on here about how I have been running.

I went running with my marine friend last week, I think. Before this, I had been running on a track, then this time, we went running through one of the parks here, which was pavement paths. My ankles hurt, afterwards, but I didnt pay much attention, since they just felt sore. I skipped a couple days, made sure to stretch. They were still sore, but not as bad. My dad told me I just dont have enough muscle built up to support all the running, and that I need new running shoes, in addition to working out my legs more and stretching more.

I went running yesterday. Ran at the track, ran my mile and a half in 2 lap increments, doing push ups and sit ups in between. Everytime I would start running, my ankles would hurt, but would go away, then Id stop and they would hurt again. I also can not use as big of a stride, because it hurts to bend my ankles.

This morning, I got out of bed and immediately fell the f*ck over when I put weight on my left ankle. It will not hold my weight. It hurts, bad. Its not swollen that much, but it does hurt when I so much as touch it. Right one is the same way, but it will hold my weight. I can walk on both legs if I take short steps and dont bend my ankles overly much. I also was forced to sit down once while going downstairs. Bent my ankle too much and I fell.

Im not really sure what I can do. Should I try and take care of it on my own, with medicine, staying off of it, etc? Should I go to the doctor? What kind of doctor? Should I go talk to my recruiter and see what he thinks? Or should I not even mention this to them?

All I know is I cant leave for basic with this stuff going on. I'm incredibly upset... I dont know what to do.

[StoopTroup]

1) See a Doctor.

2) find out what he thinks.

3) talk to your recruiter once you've found out what's going on.

4) Don't panic...breathe normally.

[sooner_born_1960]

tendonitis.

[SoonerInKCMO]

In addition to what ST said, you might want to buy your next pair of running shoes at a dedicated runners' store where they'll check out your stride and fit you with shoes that'll help correct any stride abnormalities you might have... which you probably do if your ankles hurt this much after just a little bit of running.

[swardboy]

My dad had to deal with a Planter's wart in the bottom of his foot during basic in California....took his bayonet and removed it. It was on to the the Inchon landing in Korea from there. He is my hero.

[12]

Just make sure you wash the bayonet first, Melo.

[StoopTroup]

Get well soon Melo.

[Melo]

My mom bought me some new running shoes and some ankle braces.

Ive been stretching them all day, and they feel a little better. Im going to go do some light walking and the rest of my pt tomorrow, and just take it easy.

Hopefully it will work. It would suck to have to stay home, now that I made the decision to sign up.

[StoopTroup]

You might get a book on how to tape your ankles.

Sports medicine has come along way.

[StoopTroup]

Ankle taping (http://www.sportstek.net/ankle_taping.htm)

More taping (http://www.aofas.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=4253)

[StoopTroup]

Also...here's a link with some tips on recovery and prevention.

www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/Handouts/anklesprain (http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/Handouts/anklesprain/anklesprain.html)

[SoonerInKCMO]

Here's another one: http://www.howto.edu/dontbeasissy.htm


:D

[olevetonahill]

Punnany !:D
Hell we had to run in Full Field packs In Combat Boots thru sand .
Tuffen Up .;)
Really tho Hon Wait till you get in if you have to Then make them fix Ya .

[Cam]

I've had ankle problems for over half my life. I was a bad patient and didn't listen to my Dr's or therapists. After 8-9 sprains, I'm having surgery.

DO NOT DO BE LIKE ME!!!

Go see a specialist. Do what he/she says, and start physical therapy. Stay with your therapy program to strengthen your muscles.

These are the best braces I've found:

Kallassy Ankle Brace (http://www.amazon.com/Rally-Tennis-Kallassy-Ankle-Support/dp/B0009PD4S6)

They're awesome braces. Looks like they've actually gone down in price.

[jkm, the stolen pifwafwi]

My dad had to deal with a Planter's wart in the bottom of his foot during basic in California....took his bayonet and removed it. It was on to the the Inchon landing in Korea from there. He is my hero.

it could have been worse, he could have been with the 1st D already in korea which was being used as a fire brigade by the army. that is one of the most amazing seaborne invasions ever if you do some research on the flying fish channel

[LoyalFan]

Well, I can't speak for the AeroForce but when I was a callow youth in the Army, and once past Second Looie, I seldom had to run on a formal basis. Now, that said, when "incoming" was mentioned I could scoot to my tank or the nearest bunker with the best of them.
Being a Cavalryman, I considered it an imposition if I had to park more than ten feet from the Officers' Club door.
Buck up, Melo, and be tough. You can do it.

LF

[Chuck Bao]

I believe that some people aren't really built for running.

I ran track in high school (2 mile run) and my times were always better at the beginning of the season than at the end because my knees and ankles just gave out and I had problems just walking.

I ran every day until I was 39 and my knees and ankles just couldn't take it anymore.

Doctors' advise and new technology running shoes may help. But, if it doesn't I still recommend high cardio exercises like swimming and then you can still run and do well when it counts.

Good luck Melo, I continue to root for you.

[Okla-homey]

I agree with the advice to get good shoes, and see a doctor to make sure there's nothing wrong except soreness.

If an orthopedic injury or other condition is ruled out, then its just "mind over matter" from here on out. IOW, if you don't mind, it don't matter.

Also, "Icey Hot" is your friend.

[Taxman71]

My ankles hurt when I first started running 20 milers. I did the old RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and bought an ankle brace to wear while I ran (the ones that velcro over and simulate a taped ankle). Ice is most important after each run.

[Chuck Bao]

That's pretty funny.

I can just imagine the convo.

Me: Doc, I run like 2-3 miles every day for the last 25 years and I can barely walk because of the pain. Anyway the first half mile is excruciatingly painful, but I run through that, mind over matter sort of thing. It’s afterwards that really kills me. What can I do?

Doc: Have you tried swimming?

Me: No. I’m not so coordinated, pushing myself and in the water, well I could drown.

Doc: Well, then I’ve got nothing.

Me: Thanks anyways. What will that be?

Doc: Breast stroke yourself over to the cashier and pay the $150.

[fadada1]

it's gotta be the shoes, money.

get yerself a good pair - don't be afraid to drop the cash for something quality. if they still let you wear your own "sneakers" during boot camp (when doing PT - do they do PT in the air force????), DO IT!!!! don't use the crap they give you unless it's the grey new balance (NB). which it won't be because they're hella expensive.

if you haven't been running at all (like, ever), give yourself some time. those tendons, ligaments, muscles aren't used to the pounding you're giving them. stay off the pavement if you can to start. until your body gets used to it, keep on the grass or softer tracks - even cinder tracks are better.

[Melo]

I got new shoes. Spent some $$$ on em, and felt a difference just wearing them and walking around. Also invested in some ankle braces. Im staying off them as much as I can, taking pain relievers, soaking them in hot water when theyre especially sore, and icing them when Im done walking. Instead of running, Ive just been walking.

So thank you for all the advice, I will keep back with how Im doing.

[C&CDean]

WTF do you expect? You go from sticking safety pins through your face and lock washers in your ears to actually doing something physical and now you hurt because you haven't done **** for years??1!11

Seriously, it sounds to me like you're trying to do too much, too soon. Lots of people get these types of "injuries" when they go out and start a physical training regimen too quickly. Walk. Then jog. Then run. If you've been trying to keep up with your jarhead friend there's a good chance you've just over-exerted yourself. The best thing you can do is rest. Even walking on them right now isn't good. Rest, ice, etc. When you start jogging again, take it easy and build up slowly.

[C&CDean]

Yeah, I'm IT illiterate.

[Taxman71]

Actually, real running shoes are usually cheaper than your typical Nike, etc. at Finish Line. Check out RoadRunner (http://www.roadrunnersports.com) to get an idea of what you need and the price. Note that you can usually get them cheaper at OKRunner in Norman or Edmond. I would go there, let them see your stride and tell you what kind (cushion, stability or motion control) of shoes you need. Definitely wear your current running shoes to the store so they can see the treadwear.

I ran a marathon in Brooks Axiom 2 for about $80 a pair and they are very good.

[olevetonahill]

I guess during the Draft they didnt Care if Ya ****ed something up or Not.
Boot em Out grab anothere :eek: