Playing with a sprained ankle

[goblue107501]

8 days ago I turned my ankle and sprained it on a piece of sidewalk that wasn't level. It seemed pretty bad the first couple of days, but since I was on vacation with the family I had to fight through it. I didn't have too many problems walking on it, as it only hurt on the side (outside portion, right foot). I don't get to play much as it is, so I could have went a month without playing and never known. However...

My company bought 4 spots for the big pro-am at the Nationwide event that comes through town every year. I am one who gets to play. It is 4 days away and I really don't want to miss it. I took some mock swings and it doesn't bother me at all. Although I have a feeling when I get on the course it might be different.

Has anyone ever tried to play with a bum ankle?

[ks8829]

have your doctor look at it and give you his opinion and possibly some meds, his opinion to prevent long term damage.

playing in one Nationwide pro-am is not worth future damage.

Invitation to play in the Masters is not even worth future damage.

invitation to win a million dollars is not worth future damage.

Paul Cassey withdrew from this weeks tournament because of pain in his ribs and may have to miss next weeks Major tournament.

[mirv]

i agree - you shouldn't be playing on a sprained ankle at all. see your doctor and allow him to assess the damage and give you a timeframe on when it's likely safe to hit the links again. in regards to it not bothering you much in practice swings, not too long ago i pulled a muscle in my back. i knew i should probably take a day or two off from the course, but i couldn't resist making a few practice swings in the yard. after about 15 or 20 swings, my back hadn't made a peep about it, so i proceeded to head on out to the course. i made it through the first three holes just fine, but when i hit my drive on the fourth tee box, that pulled muscle came back with a vengeance. i couldn't even hardly stand up straight for about an hour afterwards, let alone finish my round. i wouldn't be hugely surprised if something like that were to happen with your ankle if you went on out to the pro-am.

[ks8829]

options

1) play and risk injury
2) wait to see if you can play, but the morning of you are stuck because its too late to ask another player
3) tell your boss and have an alternate ready
4) decide not to play and have an alternate play in your place.

[whetstone]

Unless the pain is deep in the joint, and is making it uncomfortable to walk, take 800mg of ibuprofin (motrin) an hour before the round, and again at the turn. A real injury feels different than being merely hurt. Only you can tell the difference.
P.S... a doc is probably going to tell you to stay off of it.

[wrx_junki]

I've been playing on a sprained ankle for about a month. Ice it down after your round and you will be fine as long as its not a serious sprain.

[kregan]

I just rolled my left ankle over a couple of hours ago... I was getting out of a tractor and stepped on a root, bam... rolled over quicker then I could react.

I iced it immediately for about 30 minutes and popped 3 advil. I can walk on it but it is a little swollen. I hope I can still swing a club in a week or two.

[wrx_junki]

I just rolled my left ankle over a couple of hours ago... I was getting out of a tractor and stepped on a root, bam... rolled over quicker then I could react.

You'll definitely be able to play within a week. Freeze water in a paper cup and ice it down by applying the ice directly and letting it melt, rip away the paper cup as it melts, do this for about 10-15 mins every few hours. Keep it elevated and try to stay off of the ankle as much as possible. If and when you need to use it, use a compression ankle brace. When you can withstand the pain, start doing light stretches with the ankle. Hope this helps and you get back to playing real soon!

[ryohazuki222]

i dont see why not... depending on your swing. you can figure that much out.

ive been a tennis player much longer than golf. i hurt my left ankle (light sprain). It was kind of hard to play golf because i tend to over shift the weight putting pressure on the left ankle. but i was visiting family so i just went out anyway. i knew i couldnt swing hard.... so the whole time i had a nice control swing.... turns out i barely lost distance. and if i started getting to crazy i had a nice and painful reminder so i can stop.

i say listen to your body. you know best.

obviously best bet is always to see a doctor though

[sooperstring]

If nothing is torn, and it's a mild sprain, make sure you tape it up really well before you play. Otherwise, you should be fine. The danger with a mild sprain is that you roll it again, and really hurt the weakened ligament - so make sure you give it plenty of support.

As a PS, if you had torn a ligament, you wouldn't be asking if it's possible to play.