Bad ankles from car accident, need ideas

[Lindsey]

Ever since the car accident I haven't been able to get my ankles down enough for riding and jumping so I don't have a good base and it's just causing trouble and setting me back. I have started doing some stretches on the stairs and putting my ankles down but I can't only do it for a minute or so before it gets too painful. I think I jammed them in the impact and did somthing to the muscles and now they are tight. Anyone know of any good stretches?

[twnpnds]

Lindsey, have you seen a doctor about your ankles? You should before starting any stretches. If you have some kind of injury you could do more harm than good with any kind of stretches, sweetie. Your doctor may be able to tell you what kind of exercises/stretches to do that will help with your problem. Might even send you to physical therapy. It's going to hurt and these things take time, so be patient. Stairs are good. Knee bends are also good. Especially with something like a broom handle under the balls of your feet. You can also sit on the floor, legs extended and toes facing up. Slowly reach for your toes. Go as far as you can and hold for about 5 seconds. No bouncing. Then relax and repeat. Try to go farther each time and hold longer. I knew a trainer that kept a few pairs of men's work shoes at the barn. After her student mounted the horse, she would go and take their shoes off and put a pair of the work shoes on their feet. The student had to keep her toes up or the shoes would fall off. (feet out of stirrups) Of course you would need someone to help you with this one. Any kind of shoe that's too big would work. No boots though. Good luck and keep working on it. It will get better.

[meghan2006]

I have a feeling for ice cubes in cold water might take the pain and swelling down

[ShainaTN]

I know how much of a pain that bad ankles are. I sprain mine constantly in basketball, and they stay swollen *surprisingly never broken one knock on wood*. Seeing a doctor would be best at the moment. Also doing the exercises helps, but when you start hurting, you need to stop and ice them down. To help with your riding, you could possibly wear ankle braces until they get fully repaired. I have to wear heavy duty ankle braces any time I'm doing extracurricular activities. Hope you get better, I know how upset you can get when your ankles are problematic!

[Lindsey]

There is no pain or swelling, they are healed as much as they are going to heal. It's just the tighting of the muscles. I will try a few of those and see if anything changes, if not I will see a doctor.