Repeat Sprained ankle

[shootingman99]

Rangers,
I sprained my ankle last summer doing a 6 mile trail run, and since then it has been very weak. I sprained it a month ago, and had to take 3 weeks off running( ) Then I went on a backpacking trip with a friend this weekend. It was a 2 night trip and I got really protective boots before hand so as to be sure NOT to sprain my ankle. We were carrying 50 pounds (way too much for 3 days I know) and I sprained my right ankle again just 30 secs outside of our campsite on the second day. I brought an ankle brace with me just in case and immediately put it on, and took some ibuprofen later in the day. It went from hurting very badly to not at all throughout the day. I found out when I got back from the trip that mnay members of my family including my uncles, cousins, and dad have had the same problem with rolling their ankles a lot. So my question is: What is the problem with my ankle and what can I do to prevent this from happening again? I have a 5 day backpacking trip in Yosemite in 9 days and can't have my ankle getting sprained again, it would be a trip ruiner.

Thanks!

[RangerX]

See an ortho doc. I had the same issue. Some grow out of it, others require surgery.

[shootingman99]

Ranger X:

Thanks I saw a physical therapist the other day! He put me on a program of inversion/ eversion band strengthening exercises, plus some balance work and stretching. Leaving this Wednesday for backpacking in Yosemite so hopefully it will stay healthy.

Thanks,
Shootingman99

[merlyn]

shootingman99,
I injured my ankle, during a cross country race.
I came down on it wrong; and inverted my
foot so badly that i broke a bone in my foot.
However, bones heal....not so well as tendons
and muscles. I also had a very weak ankle, and
even reinjured it. It was because of this 2nd
injury that I ask for physical therapy. My
therapist started working with me on what
is called a BAPS board. BAPS is an acronym
for Biomechanical Ankle Platform System.
This is still used in physical therapy rehab.
It was an invaluable experience for me. I
would highly recommend it to you. Best of
luck in all you do.

[shootingman99]

shootingman99,
I injured my ankle, during a cross country race.
I came down on it wrong; and inverted my
foot so badly that i broke a bone in my foot.
However, bones heal....not so well as tendons
and muscles. I also had a very weak ankle, and
even reinjured it. It was because of this 2nd
injury that I ask for physical therapy. My
therapist started working with me on what
is called a BAPS board. BAPS is an acronym
for Biomechanical Ankle Platform System.
This is still used in physical therapy rehab.
It was an invaluable experience for me. I
would highly recommend it to you. Best of
luck in all you do.

Thank you! I went on my backpacking trip and my ankle did great, however I have to keep doing the ankle exercises because I keep forgetting. I will keep a look out for that baps though.

[merlyn]

shootingman99,
How's your ankle holding up?
Sounds like you are on the right track.
Take care.

[whocares175]

ask your PT or orth doc about doing a subtalor manipulation on you. its a very quick, simple procedure that can help with repeated sprains or a sprain that wont heal. basically your talus, the bone that sits between your tibia and heel (calcaneous) with rotate or sublux, causing instabilty. a subtalur manipulation puts the talus back where it should be.