Injured and feeling like an idiot

[Faye]

First time I've been to the gym in more than a month, extremely happy that I got myself out of the house and looking forward to doing pk to get my mind off of the impending finals I've got. And I roll my ankle on the first run I do across the floor, popping something in my ankle. It's swollen up and now is bruised up the bottom part of my calf.

I'm super annoyed at myself right now. Let this be a lesson for all the kids, make sure you know exactly where you're putting your feet at all times. Also, be careful in the gym when you're more used to outside terrain when you're wearing shoes.

After nearly nine months of doing pk, I've gotten my share of injuries, mostly just bumps, bruises and some extremely sore muscles, yet the one night I seriously injure myself is at the gym where I thought there was at least a decreased chance of hurting myself. Gah. I'm an idiot. I really should have been paying more attention.

And I paid.

Bleh. Now it's time to just rest it up, ice, ibuprofen and not walking on it. I really hope I don't have to go to the doctor about this.

And I just realized my Tae Kwon Do test is next week. Please, please, please don't let it be more than a strain...

[Kirill]

I would suggest putting an iodine type grid on the swollen area. Iodine warms the joint (Scientifically proved) and does some other stuff. (Im a crappy medic).... Agh whatever just try it. It made by big bruise on my kneecap go away in about a day. And it was a pretty big bruise! Soooo.....good luck :) I hope you heal in time. Just remember ...dont stress it.

[technique]

That sucks. You got the RICE & Ibuprofen message from everyone else, so I gotta throw in something new. Advice from my accupressure book - http://skitch.com/jawong/7xd1/amazon-online-reader-acupressure-s-potent-points-a-guide-to-self-care-for-common-ailments. It's worked well for nausea, and clearing up some eyestrain, so please try this and tell me if it helps at all :-).

[Philosofist]

Well...guess you can work on push ups and other types of conditioning while your on hold. I broke my foot after the first month, like anyone, I didn't have the right start. But with every injury your judgement does improve, I know mine does at least. Although not very helpful on the method part. Make sure you don't get to anxious and start again before you're fully healed, like I did. Or an ankle sprain can last months. Best wishes, take care. Think positive!

[monk]

sorry that happened Faye! you make a really good point about injuring yourself at the gym-- the place where i just let loose and throw myself at everything because i think i can and it won't hurt.

good luck with your tae kwon do test next week

[Bio]

Elevation! Basically what's happened is that you're bleeding inside your ankle, and the blood there is causing swelling and general unpleasantness. Keep the ankle elevated above the level of your heart if possible (logistically difficult, I know), and then some blood will drain from the injury site and decrease the pressure. That'll make the injury heal faster.
Try putting a pillow or something under it when you go to bed at night.

[Sin]

once the swelling goes down try some heat to help relax the muscles. good luck, get better

[Nick Romero]

Agh, hate when that happens.. and along with your rest, ice and drugs, elevate it with a few pillows while you sleep.

[SafeNSure]

:(
ICE it!
...on and off, 20 minutes at the time.

It makes a world of difference, keep on icing it also tomorrow, if it feels warm (inflamed) at touch.
DON'T immobilize it (unless doc says otherwise!) gently use it, but very careful with shoes choice...
Good luck!