should i ride with a strained ankle?

[young Ed]

i have weaker ankles then most
so i easily sprain them. i was doing as about an hours running on hard hotrolled tarmac on thursday didn't fall and didn't notice anything till i woke up friday morning and was hobbling about and my ankle is visibly sprained feels better now and i am mainly walking normally but it is still very visible, so should i ride or not? I was only thinking 10 or 15 miler?
Cheers Ed

 

[Julia9054]

Get on your bike and have a go. If it hurts, stop - if it doesn't, carry on!
I hurt my Achilles' tendon last year. Walking was painful for several weeks but cycling didn't seem to affect it.

 

[midliferider]

Why do you say you have weaker ankles? Have you had this problem before?
By Ankle you meaning Achilles Tendon?

 

[Firestorm]

Get on your bike and have a go. If it hurts, stop - if it doesn't, carry on!
I hurt my Achilles' tendon last year. Walking was painful for several weeks but cycling didn't seem to affect it.

Strains and sprains usually are a result of ligament damage which usually limits sideways movement of the foot.
Cycling is generally less about that, although take care when stopping etc and if you a clipped in.
As for achilles damage. I suffered a complete rupture last May and have not got back on the bike yet. Stationary bikes in the gym are ok for a bit but supporting my body weight on the toes of one foot is not something I am capable of yet.
Maybe in the summer...

 

[fossyant]

Just take it easy. You want to watch the running over extended time. You'll have the fitness, but unless you are running regular, your muscles won't be used to it. As a kid I used to go over on my ankles quite a bit, so don't worry, I think it's an age thing.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

If in doubt stop and get it looked at! Achilles tendonitis can become chronic so easily, it's not worth the time off.

I should know

 

[young Ed]

Why do you say you have weaker ankles? Have you had this problem before?
By Ankle you meaning Achilles Tendon?

yeah done it all to many times before and am now a pro at wrapping a bandage one ankle or wrist! not a good thing
and no i don't think it is the achilles tendon because it looks no different or unusual at the back just big bulge/lump thingy on the sides
Cheers Ed

 

[young Ed]

i tend to run about an hour in one go once a week probably too little for my ankles to really develop those muscles etc
Cheers Ed

 

[Julia9054]

I would go and see a sports physio and get some advice. They will be able to give you exercises specifically to strengthen the muscles which support your ankles once your current injury heals.

 

[young Ed]

I would go and see a sports physio and get some advice. They will be able to give you exercises specifically to strengthen the muscles which support your ankles once your current injury heals.

will look into that thanks
Cheers Ed

 

[midliferider]

This is my suggestion if you have recurrent injuries. This is what I practice. I run, cycle and walk to keep fit and to be honest it helps me to eat what I like.
Do small manageable, meaning injury free, amount more frequently. I suggest you do 5K 2-3 times a week.
Do proper stretches before and after all forms of exercises
Check your shoes with regard to running. They do matter although opinions differ.
Strain on muscle and bone while they are healing, does lengthen the healing process.
Bulging/lump on the sides generally mean that you have damaged your soft tissue around the ankle. There is a remote possibility that you may have a small fracture in your calcaneus bone. So it pain and swelling persists, you may need to see a doctor.

 

[young Ed]

This is my suggestion if you have recurrent injuries. This is what I practice. I run, cycle and walk to keep fit and to be honest it helps me to eat what I like.
Do small manageable, meaning injury free, amount more frequently. I suggest you do 5K 2-3 times a week.
Do proper stretches before and after all forms of exercises
Check your shoes with regard to running. They do matter although opinions differ.
Strain on muscle and bone while they are healing, does lengthen the healing process.
Bulging/lump on the sides generally mean that you have damaged your soft tissue around the ankle. There is a remote possibility that you may have a small fracture in your calcaneus bone. So it pain and swelling persists, you may need to see a doctor.

very good post well done
incoming like!
is that 5k running walking or cycling?
did sprain my ankle once to the size of a tennis ball on each size literally! and i think i got that x rayed and it wasn't a fracture so hopefully this isn't but i expect it to be in a lot more pain if it was
Cheers Ed
Cheers Ed

 

[steveindenmark]

I am an ex long distance runner. 6 marathons and countless half marathons and 10 milers. Plus all the training miles.

I am 55 now and have worn all types of trainers. Regardless of what you wear, if you run long distances over a long period of time, it will, without doubt cause problems with your leg joints, either hips, knees or ankles.

Now I ride a Kickbike and don't run anymore. I have found the Kickbike drops right in the middle of the two things I enjoy most, running and cycling, but without the battering the legs get when running. I get the workout I need, help save my legs and cover greater distances.

I wish I had known about Kickbikes years ago.

I found the best medicine for strains and sprains is rest. Twice as much rest as you think you need.



Steve

 

[midliferider]

Aha, I just had a look at your profile. It says you are just 15. When facts chan

very good post well done
incoming like!
is that 5k running walking or cycling?

I run 5K
Walk usually about 8-12 miles when walking with the local group.
Cycle usually about 30-40 miles over the weekend
You will find that all those activities at those levels are usually considered "leisure" or moderate and not challenging. They are very similar in effort needed.

 

[Roadrider48]

Strains and sprains usually are a result of ligament damage which usually limits sideways movement of the foot.
Cycling is generally less about that, although take care when stopping etc and if you a clipped in.
As for achilles damage. I suffered a complete rupture last May and have not got back on the bike yet. Stationary bikes in the gym are ok for a bit but supporting my body weight on the toes of one foot is not something I am capable of yet.
Maybe in the summer...

Excellent advice! Cycling is non weight bearing, but getting on and off the bike might be painful.