In case you need some hope…
7 weeks ago, I missed a stair at the gym and got a grade 3 ankle sprain. MRI eventually showed AFTL tear and damage to the spring and deltoid ligaments. For almost 6 weeks, I felt like I was making no progress. It took over a month to get into physical therapy, I had to be out of work for almost 3 weeks, and haven’t been able to handle any weight. The pain has been nonstop, sometimes so bad I couldn’t hold a conversation. I’ve been pushing myself as much as I can handle physically, doing all the PT exercises twice a day and trying to go farther on my knee scooter to keep muscles engaged and rebuild stamina.
Around week 6, things changed. The past week has been exhausting since I went back to work, but I can hobble around my apartment in my boot, bear weight during physical therapy, and even shower more easily!! Pain has gone way down.
All this to say, if you’re stuck in that stagnant phase and feeling like this will never end, it can get better!! I was in such a low place mentally even a week ago, and knowing how far I’ve come has made me feel like a new human entirely. (pic is my cat providing healing vibes via ankle cuddles, something that was too painful until this week and now is just super comforting!!)