First Time posting here, and I was hoping whether the soccer community was able to help with their experience and knowledge.
I pretty much suffered a ligament tear since 11th Feburary. How it happen? I was running full pace back for defensive duties, however one of the arrogant midfielders passed the ball just below the tip of my toes, I heard a clicking noise before I fell. The pain was pretty immense, and did not return back to the field. At the time I did not know how serious this injury was, until the next day, when it swelled up to a small balloon.
Naturally I went to hospital where I had an x-ray done, turns out no bones were broken, but I injuried it to the extent the ligament had torn. Since then, I had regular phyiso every week. My Physio uses an ultrasound, and I read up on the net how on to heal my ankle.
I would usually ice my foot, to reduce the swelling, and after a week, my physio would suggest I use heat packs to increase the blood circulation in my left ankle. As ankle sprains and ligament goes, my physio suspected that my injury was classified between 1 and 2 seriousness. (3 being the worst where you require surgery) My Physio would often suggest I balanced on one foot and close my eyes, while facing the ceiling to give it strength.
5 weeks after Feburary had passed, I went back on to the field, and even tho I still managed to score a hat trick
my left foot swelled up the next day and I was limping again. I did not return to the field until another 3 weeks later when my soccer club commenced. Although I gotten approval from my physio, it had swelled back up, and I decided that I would not return to the field until I was 100% confident in returning to the field. I now go to two physios, to get regular treatment. I'm pretty dedicated to getting back on track.
I exercise on the wobble board for 3 mins
Ride the gym bike for 10 mins
Swim 3 times a week for 30 mins
Stand on one foot, close my eyes, and try to hold it for 1 min
Use the rubber wrap to strengthen my ankle
Now its been 4 months down the track, I know my ankle is still not better
I only ice my foot if i ever get swelling, but reuse heat packs once the swelling is gone. I suspect my ankle sprain is classified as level 2, I'm always worried my ankle will swell back up if I do anything too intense. I know time is the key to good recovery. But I do wonder whether it will ever heal? This was my first ankle injury, I've been sitting on the side lines watching my friends play.
As for my two physios, I do have conflicting views.
One suggests I should get back and play. He reckons if I'm out of action for too long, the str of my ankle may still take longer than I may need. Therefore I should strap it back up and start jogging.
My other Physio suggests that I should still continue to give it time. She believes that you shouldn't return, unless your 90-95% better.
I feel that if I follow my second physio, I may take 2 months, 4 months or maybe till the end of this year. But I know she is only looking after my best interest, even if it is conservative.
I'm at a loss, but I will more than likely follow my second physio's advice. If anyone has some good advice on ankle recoveries, please share it. I know this post is quite a long one, but I reckon the more infor someone knows, the better they can assess the problem and come up with a solution. My thanks to everyone in advance.