My plan would be.....
I finally had to have my right ankle repaired but here is how I managed to put it off and still continue to have a reasonably normal life.
Arnica - both homeopathic beads and gel (it is so common you should be able to get it at the regular drug store. Take the beads in a clean mouth (meaning nothing to eat or drink, except water, for half an hour before and half an hour later). Repeat the beads every 2-4 hours. Arnica will help with the swelling and bruising.
Traumeal (sp?) - this is another excellent post-injury cream but it is expensive and harder to find. I usually have to go to the health food store to buy it. You can use it and arnica gel alternately.
Rub the arnica gel into the ankle every two hours. Ice the ankle, keep it elevated and stay off it until you have to go. If it hurts, stop and rest during the hike. Try to elevate the ankle when you stop. Always keep reminding yourself that for every step you go forward there is a step back. You don't want to wind up having to be rescued. If you have a walking stick - use it.
Oh, oh, take the beads on the hike and do the beads, gel, ice and elevation once you get home. If you have a choice, try to make sure that the the hike is on reasonably level ground (avoid climbing if you can). Up won't feel too bad but coming back down will be much more uncomfortable.
For pain and inflamation
Take: one asprin
Next hour take: one Tylenol
Next hour take: one asprin
Next hour.....
Keep in mind that a trip like this, so close to the time of an injury, can actually do more damage to the ankle so what was a mild sprain can turn into something more serious.
Let me know how it works out.
Judy
