Sprained ankle, braces, and riding

So I haven't ridden in over a week due to a high ankle sprain when going for a run last Monday.  The swelling has gone down and I can hobble about without much pain and I don't have to wear my walking boot anymore (technically).  I was told by the physical therapist to get a level 3, lace up ankle brace since the walking boot caused more pain with it on than off.

I need the joint to heal stronger because of a line of work change that is coming and being in shape is a must, so I am by no means looking to skimp on my therapy process.  Plus riding is my way of commuting and getting a 2 1/2 year old, and 9 month old up each morning and loaded into the car so my wife can drive me ends up being a bad deal for her for most of the day.  Loads of grumpy pants for her to deal with.

I will obviously wait to get cleared to ride again (was originally told 2-3 weeks probably) but has anyone found an ankle brace that works well to support the joint and allow flexibility to ride?  

Side note:  If you've never had a sprain like this, your ankle turns fantastic shades of purple, green, yellow, and black!  And it includes your whole foot and shin!

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on February 26, 2015 at 4:28am

Ouch! Sorry to hear that!! Hope you are able to get better and get back on the bike quickly.

I have a chronically sprained ankle (gymnastics/inline skating overuse when I was younger). I don't know about having an ankle brace - I haven't done that. I did benefit from going to a physical therapist - they worked on strengthening supporting muscles so that less stress was on my ankles, causing less swelling. 

I don't know your experience with your current physical therapist but I had a really good experience by going to one that is also a cyclist and works with a lot of the racers. There was a lot of focus given to getting me back on the bike. 

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on February 26, 2015 at 4:39am

I've done this - not fun.  The combo that's worked well for me is using a brace something like this one under a regular sock with a hiking boot.  Last summer when I was recovering from an ankle fracture, that combo helped me to transition back into riding. 

http://www.braceplanet.com/SAI-Figure-8-Ankle-Support.html?gclid=CO...

Permalink Reply by kpnick on February 26, 2015 at 5:01am

I severely sprained my ankle in early January (with the fun colors, foot/lower leg swelling & all!). I started riding 2 1/2 weeks after the injury date. Similar to Anne Alt, I've been riding with a brace and hiking boots. The ankle brace I wear when I ride has plastic inserts along the sides.

Walking was a struggle for a while and stairs still so, but I've had zero issues riding.

Hope you have a smooth, fast recovery!

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on February 26, 2015 at 5:11am

I agree with Yasmeen. Although I have not had your injury, a physical therapist can work wonders; mine was a pinched sciatic nerve. Your primary care physician can write you a prescription for a physical therapist (then it is covereed by insurance), and you can choose your own. I went to Athletico, and they zeroed in on my problem, and it healed quickly.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on February 26, 2015 at 5:47am

If you're able to get a physical therapy Rx and insurance approval to cover most of the cost, that can make a HUGE difference.

When I was recovering (even when I was still in a huge orthopedic boot), I found it much easier to ride than to walk.  My brother went through the same thing after spraining his ankle in college and had similar results.  His bike was a lifesaver on his commute to/from classes.

Permalink Reply by Chitown_Mike on February 26, 2015 at 8:56am

Thanks for the reply all, I am going to get a brace tonight.  Yesterday was my first PT appointment and the person helping me didn't seem to want to get me healed quickly, or at least that's the impression I got.  I mentioned I need to get my ankle to a point I can ride to work (only 4.3 miles one way luckily) and she said it could be 2 months, when I pressed the issue she mentioned getting a lace up brace and seeing where I am in about a week.  I had a sigh of relief....this one car thing is sucky to the max!

I will see a fellow therapist on my next visit, and I am hoping I am progressing well.  Amazingly I have lost weight since I hurt myself so it isn't all that bad since I had plateaued before that and wasn't dropping weight!

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on February 26, 2015 at 9:10am

Lace-up braces are great for lateral stability but aren't comfortably compatible with all shoes. At the very least, you can wear one around the house with slippers. If you have a pair of shoes that will accommodate one (low flexible sides), that's great.  You may find that it works okay for riding but not as much for walking.  This varies a LOT by shoe type.

It might not work with hiking boots, or with most footwear suitable for winter conditions. Just my experience.... Your mileage may vary.

Permalink Reply by Chitown_Mike on February 26, 2015 at 10:01am

Thanks for the further input Anne!

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on February 27, 2015 at 4:04am

Good luck! I hope you heal well.

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