A Not So Great Ankle Roll

Everyone loves rolls! Picture hot yeast rolls with butter! Mmmm! Warm cinnamon rolls in the morning with a hot cup of coffee or tea! Delicious! Lobster rolls made with fresh Maine lobster and just enough mayo to keep it together. Spring rolls with some pad Thai. Yep, rolls are great. Except…

Yesterday, I was served a fresh ankle roll when I stepped on the edge of the sidewalk I was walking on at exactly the right spot where the ground fell away about two inches. My left ankle felt like it rolled nearly perpendicular to my leg, although I know it didn’t quite go that far. It hurt quite a bit, and I tested it. After a minute or so, it felt OK, so I kept going towards the start of my two mile hike around Belle Isle, plus a half mile out and back from the car. The smarter thing would have been to turn around and drive home and ice it. But I have had minor ankle strains before and just kept going. And truthfully, it felt OK. I was careful with the rock hopping on the hike, but that was about it.

Today, I noticed that it did hurt some. So I iced it tonight. I am in the position of backing off once more on training with the half-marathon just 12 days away. Hard to believe, but I need to let this thing heal, along with the calf muscle.

My recipe for an ankle roll: Take one foot. Step quickly and forcefully on an uneven edge until you feel a lot of pain, but don’t stretch those ligaments so far that they tear. Soak in ice water for 10 minutes or until you can’t stand it any more. Rest as much as needed. Repeat as necessary.