# Treating a hurt ankle while waiting to see the Doc **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 19, 2014, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/treating-a-hurt-ankle-while-waiting-to-see-the-doc/707675 "2014-12-19T16:48:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2014, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/treating-a-hurt-ankle-while-waiting-to-see-the-doc/707675/1 "2014-12-19T16:48:56Z")
This is directed especially to the runners among us, though I’ll appreciate input from anyone. As the title implies, I have a doctor appointment but that won’t occur until after Christmas so I’m just looking for some home remedy type hints in the meantime. Basically my outer ankles are very sore and swollen , from, I _think_, running on the treadmill / doing aerobics with shite shoes on. I just rejoined a gym, though I’d been consistently walking prior, and stupidly wore some cheapo shoes. I didn’t feel any sudden pain \*while \*I was exercising, and I can flex, point and move my feet in a full range of motion. This makes me wonder if I have an “actual” injury like a sprain or something, or if it’s just temporary soreness from misuse. I cannot, or at least I have the hardest time, walking barefoot or in flat shoes. Yes, I actually feel better in high heels! Which is good, since that’s all I own. Also, how likely is it that I would sprain both ankles at the same time, especially without even noticing it when it happened? My biggest question, I guess, is am I compounding the damage or slowing the healing process by wearing heels, even though it feels infinitely better? And just why in the heck would an injury feel better with the foot in an unnatural position? Also, it doesn’t hurt in the slightest using the elliptical, but I again, I don’t want to aggravate the situation. Would icing it at this late date help (the damage was done 1 week ago)? Is it just a rest it and wait to see the doc situation? Any wisdom you seasoned vets (that includes _veterinarians_ 😛 ) can share will be greatly appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2014, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/treating-a-hurt-ankle-while-waiting-to-see-the-doc/707675/2 "2014-12-19T16:55:51Z")
Guy here, so no high heeled shoe experience, but I would guess that supportive shoes without big heels would be better on your feet/ankles. If you have pain or swelling, use ice. You can also use heat to promote healing. Ibuprofen when needed. If using the elliptical doesn’t cause pain then I’d keep using it. That’s what I do when I have a running related injury (like right now). ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2014, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/treating-a-hurt-ankle-while-waiting-to-see-the-doc/707675/3 "2014-12-19T16:58:17Z")
It’s most likely from the aerobics. Sideways movements will stress the peroneal tendon. Wearing heels all the time will shorten the Achilles( surprised you don’t have trouble there) and I would presume have a similar effect through the foot. Do the elliptical, pain is a signal you’re doing bad things. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2014, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/treating-a-hurt-ankle-while-waiting-to-see-the-doc/707675/4 "2014-12-19T17:01:18Z")
There’s been some recent discussion over icing or not, that it may be less beneficial than thought. You do want to use some compressive wrapping for support. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2014, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/treating-a-hurt-ankle-while-waiting-to-see-the-doc/707675/5 "2014-12-19T17:18:38Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Guy here, so no high heeled shoe experience, but I would guess that supportive shoes without big heels would be better on your feet/ankles. You would think this, but if you habitually wear heels, changing it up (for any reason) is going to cause some discomfort until the foot adapts to its new way of going. Plus, depending on exactly what you strained, the pressure may be relieved by lifting the heel. The foot’s a complicated object. That said, high heels aren’t the greatest for stability. You might try a heeled loafer or boot as a sort of compromise. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2014, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/treating-a-hurt-ankle-while-waiting-to-see-the-doc/707675/6 "2014-12-19T17:19:17Z")
Thanks for the advice so far. **Running Coach** , prior to this I have had no issues with my feet / ankles and I’ve been wearing heels for 30+ years. Not that I’m unaware of the damage they’re likely doing - starting with the inability to walk in flat shoes ☹