Hi

I was rocking the purple group from weeks 1 to 7 and looking forward to helvetia, then hurt my ankle pretty badly. i havent been back since, and am in phys therapy right now to help strengthen my ankle back up and get this walking cast off.

the issue was explained as my ankle would swell up, and the excess fluid would cause "fusion" where my ankle couldnt move freely and wasnt lubricated properly. Caused massive pain in the behind the ankle, as well as under both the interior and anterior ankle areas. also cramping and pain in the arch.

anyway fast forward 8 weeks and im almost recovered but am being told walking shoes wont cut it anymore. My phys therapist says i need flat walking boots for the ankle support.

I was just wondering if you could recommend any such boots. He mentioned a couple brands like lowra and echo, but didnt give me model numbers. most boots look like they are built for rock climbing, not street walking, so im at a loss.

Any help would be appreciated.

oh forgot to add vitals:
What is your training goal full/half etc.?
to make it through the program and at least get up to 25k

Are you a walker, runner or mix?
Walker

How long have you been training as a walker/runner?
new. i have always been a hiker, but not this continuously or agressively

What is your current injury?
as described above

How long it’s been a problem?
8 weeks

What makes it worse?
walking

What is your height, weight, shoe size?
6'4", 365 lbs, size 13 to 14 shoe.

Thanks
Rob

Rob,
Would you clarify something for me? Are you in a walking boot or walking cast?

Dr. Greg

walking boot i guess. plastic brace, velcro straps. not a plaster cast.

I ended up buying a pair of merrell ventillator mid heights. they seem to help a little, arent stifling hot, and they were approved by my physical therapist. The lowa vertex xcr i wanted to buy are no longer sold.

i'm weaning off the walk boot...my first full day without it. But i think im a long way off of rejoining the club at the current distances

Goku,
I would like to start with my two bits. Those involved in sports medicine at the collegiate and professional level of athletics are called ATC's, aka certified athletic trainers. Having been in the arena of, and still very much an athletic trainer at heart, I am very biased, thus concerned when someone who is caring for you does not rehabilitate you to not only your pre-injury status, but better! That’s what sport medicine is all about, getting active people back in the game equal to or better than before the injury.
My impression is this was your first major ankle issue. You should be rehabilitated to the point you do not require bracing. Had this been the third or fourth major ankle issue, I'd say you may need some assistance. Let me know if my impression is correct.
If you are not back to 95% or better, you should not be released from care, nor training for a marathon. You still have work to do. Think of your ankle as a car tire. It popped, so the air got out of it. The gas station attendant (PT) has been pumping it up....but only half way and hasn’t filled the hole. Now you want to continue on your road trip with 3 normal tires and one half pumped tire with a hole in it. Do you think that's a good idea? My question is why didn't the gas station attendant fix the hole and offer to pump your tire up all the way?

I'd have a talk with the PT and your insurance and let them know you are wanting to experience a marathon at some point. If your PT won't help you, find someone who will.

Let me know what you choose to do.

Dr. Greg