i have been wanting to do a triathlon for years now. two weeks ago i got serious about it and decided this was the time. i have been running everyday for a couple weeks (not much). well, today while running i rolled my ankle and almost fell:eek:. i was able to keep from falling but walked the rest of the way. it felt fine, but less than two hours later i could barely walk. i have been in bed all day with it wrapped and elevated (man am i bored!). while it is starting to feel better, it still hurts when i walk on it. i checked webmd and found this http://a876.g.akamai.net/7/876/1448/v00001/images.webmd.com/images/hw/media61/medical/hw/n5551870.jpg mine is the inversion sprain. my question is, how long should i stay off of it? i realize i shouldnt run on it while it hurts, but is there a "grace period" after it doesnt hurt that i should wait to run? can i bike now, while it hurts?
thanks! cool website!!:cool:

ouch! sorry to hear about the sprain. for now i would suggest doing exactly what you are doing... protect, rest, ice, compress, and elevate (PRICE). you can also try taking ibuprofin for the swelling and pain. this should get better in about a week or so. but just because it's not swollen or painful, don't go right back into running. work up to it gradually. you need to be careful that you don't over-stress the ligament that you strained. cause you'll just re-injure it or worse. but that doesn't mean do nothing. try some gentle exercise at first... just moving your ankle around, walking.... and see how your body reacts. and listen to it! keep icing, esp. at the end of the day. swimming and biking should be fine, but careful with your kicking (pointing your toes puts the ankle in a weaker position). you can also try heel raises and toe raises, squats, etc to keep your legs strong. and stretch your calf! if you play sports or do anything that may put too much strain on your ankle, wear a brace. but you shouldn't need a brace for everyday activities. just watch where you're walking and don't slip off any curbs! :) my two cents... hope it helps.

:) annie