Dear Neil, I am 37 years old. I have been a runner for 18 years. 30 to 40
miles a week. Over a year ago, I broke my tibial and fibula in my ankle.
Metal plate and 4 screws on one side and on the other side one screw. I walk
and ride a bike. I would like to get back to running again. I would like to
work up to 3 miles 3 times a week. Although I am experiencing pain from work
and after I walk. Please give me your advice on how I can run again. Are
their other runners who has broken ankle and are still doing well running? If
you can please have other runners with the same problems email me. Please
help me.
Thank you
Leo
PS The stretching and therapy
doesn't seem to be helping
Leo, the problem you face is that there are several steps before you return to running. The sequence for you to follow is that balance must preceed excursion, and you must have excursion before you can tolerate changes in elevation (step up/step down). Additionally, you must be able to load and unload before you begin to jump (take off on one leg land on two) and hop (take off on one leg land on the same leg). My advice is to do everything you can on your feet, but stat in the shallow end of a pool so you are effectively lighter, and gradually increase your weight bearing in a pain free fashion. When you can walk pain free, then running becomes an option, but not before.
Good luck.
