Hi Doctors!

I am really looking forward to Helvetia this weekend. Up to this point, training has gone pretty well, with some minor pains, but no major breaks in schedule.

Last weekend, however, I twisted my ankle pretty badly (I rolled it, not on my long run). I've iced it--though probably not enough--and rested it a bunch. I haven't run since I did 10 miles on Friday, 5/28. Walking on it no longer hurts, but it's still slightly swollen and hurts a bit when I turn it certain ways.

I have a couple of questions:

1. Is it better to stay off it until the race, or should I be trying out shorter runs, even though it is still a bit swollen? I want to know if I can run on it, which is pushing me to want to try it out before the race.

2. More generally, am I going to be ok running Helvetia even though I missed the 11-miler this weekend? I'm not sure if I need to post this question separately in the general forum.

My info:
5'9" 200 lbs, 32yo female
Long run pace around 12min/mile (which usually feels quite easy)
Longest run thus far 10 miles

Thanks for your help!

HI C-lin
Sorry to hear about your ankle. What timing?

I will be honest with you. It sounds like you are not ready to run, much less the half marathon. Tough to hear, but let me explain. Further insult to your ankle injury will geometrically add WEEKS to your overall recovery. Over 3/4 of sprained ankles resprain within 2 weeks of the initial sprain. This is thought to be due to lack of active rehabilitation. You are still swollen, and there is pain with rotary movements of the ankle? This is actually grounds for an x-ray to make sure there is no fracture or avulsion.

If your goal is the Marathon, I would recommend not running the half and starting an active rehabilitation program. Your cardio needs to be maintained (exercise bike, swimming, elliptical), and a program that strengthens, stretches, and focuses on proprioception of the ankle is in need, STAT!


I bet you could run this weekend. I bet you would feel miserable during and after....not to mention, walking with a limp. There is a high likelihood your marathon endeavor would be challenged or shut down.

Heal up, get 100% recovered, and push forward.....let this one go.

Please let us know if we can help you.

Dr.Greg

Thanks, Dr. Greg. What a total bummer; that is definitely not the answer I wanted to hear.

Is there any point in deciding to wait and see how it is closer to the race? It's definitely been improving significantly over the last couple of days, so I can only imagine it will be much better by Saturday (though I can't guess by how much). Or do you think, if it's even a little swollen at this point--5 days before the race--that I shouldn't run even if it feels back to normal on Saturday?

Obviously I'm looking for a little hope.

Thanks again!

C-Lin

Geesh, I don't like to sound like a downer....just being honest with you. I'll reiterate what I've already said.....I think you could run this weekend, at a great cost to your overall well being. There is a high likelihood your ankle will exacerbate tremendously....shutting down your running for the summer. The weather is only going to get warmer and much nicer....I would hate for you not to be able to run in it because of not being patient.

In the end you will have a choice to make. If you run, you might have a great time and be fine.....you may also not be capable of running for the remainder of the season due to injury.


Let me know what you choose to do and if I can help with anything.


Dr. Greg

PS A sprained ankle is like a car tire with some of the lug nuts missing or not fully tightened up. Would you drive in your car knowing this?

Thanks again! I really appreciate the advice, and I think I'll be following it. Just have to fight the urge to overdo it on this one!