Can I exercise with a sprained ankle and foot without causing further damage?

Question:

I sprained my left foot & ankle early this summer, and my school/work schedule has severely slowed the healing process since i'm on my feet most of the day. I just need to know, if I ride my stationary bike at a moderate pace a few times a week, will I cause further injury?

Answers:
If it was only a sprain, then moderate exercise would help, but a hot whirlpool bath would be beneficial both before and after. Before relaxes, and after soothes the ligaments, tendons and muscles. Go slow. You may need an ankle support but walking is also beneficial and will help strengthen the ankle. If you can find it on the internet, follow suggestions for skiers to strengthen ankles. Use common sense and adjust exercise to your level. If the ligament was torn, your physician should have told you so, but for safety, give him a call.he has your records. I sprained my ankle years ago in a mountain climb and there is still residual weakness. I am a physician.

Not sure about that (stationary bike) but a rowing machine is pretty good cardio and your foot is strapped in with no weight on it.

most likely. your better off sticking to low impact excercise like swimming. it still works your heart and rests your feet. dont use a bike as you are using your legs and feet to move thus causing pressure on your ankle you should really be resting not walking as much also.

If it hurts stop. Simple as that.

it will further injury if you are not completely healed.

Take it from someone who has broken borth ankles.the answer is NO! You will definetely cause further injury, which could very well last your lifetime. You need to get to an orthopedic surgeon who can x-ray it to make sure you haven't torn any ligaments. You don't want it to heal incorrectly. Once it's healed you have to do strengthening exercises for your ankle, bands work great.

no, but you should be icing it and taking ibuprofen if there is still some swelling. riding a stationary bike shouldn't cause you any further injury. you should have started ankle strengthen exercises by now.

here's how: while you are sitting down, whenever, eating, watching TV, in bed before you go to sleep, do the alphabet with your foot. use your big toe as the ink pen and make exaggerated upper case letters. once or twice through the entire alphabet. do everyday.

good luck.

Wrap it real tight with a support bandage. Ask a doctor or sports trainer about how to do it properly.

The answer on your question is YES! BUT, don’t do any exercises on your own. It could worsen your sprain. See a professional – such as gymnastic or dance teacher – and he/she will pass you right exercises to strengthen your ankle. Normally you do your exercises until it starts hurting and stretch it before and after the exercises.
If you haven’t enough time to rest your ankle/foot you can use some supports or just tape your ankle. This will avoid pain but will not strengthen your ankle.

Did you ask your doctor/orthopaedist? Most likely they will tell you that you need rest and non-weight bearing forms of exercise.

you're already taking enough risks-wrap it and don't use it any more than necessary

Can I exercise with a sprained ankle and foot without causing further damage?

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