Ankle support when jumping?

[Twizzel]

Recently whilst I've been jumping my left ankle has had quite sharp pains running through it, below the joint on the side. It only begins to hurt when I have my stirrups at jumping length, and I find it hard to keep a forward position without my ankle hurting.

Have spoken to my instructor about it and we both think it's some kind of ligament injury (probably from wearing rediculously high heels when I go out!!). Last night I tried shortening my stirrups and jumping a bit longer but it didn't really make any difference. My ankle is fine with stirrups at flatwork length.

Does anyone know of any support that I could buy just to give my ankle a bit more support? Or any other advice?

Thanks
Rach

 

[pnap]

I have a similar problem following a totally knackered ankle after a fall - shouldn't have drunk as much milk as a kid and then my bones would just snap and it'd heal a lot quicker!

Anyway I found that using one of those little support things you get out of sports shops for runners etc has helped a little. It's still not painfree but it isn't quite as sore.

 

[jesterfaerie]

Could you possibly use something to this http://www.return2fitness.co.uk/Supports_And_Braces/Ankle_Supports ?
Also maybe trying some stirrups which give a little may help, so that you don't get as much shock going into your ankle?

 

[marieE]

could try bendy stirrups?! the ones i use have firm rubber at the sides, doesnt feel you have to force your heels down due to the flexibilty of them, as i also got pain in ankles with normal pedals! also think the rubber is concealing some sort of spring device tht is suppose to help with concusion u experience when jumping. might be worth a go, think mine were £30

 

[WishfulThinker]

I have a bioskin ankle support as I have the same problem. Unfortunately it doesnt fit inside my boot!!

 

[TarrSteps]

Try the shock absorbing stirrups - I found they helped a bit.

Other than that, I've not had much success with supports to ride in - most are too bulky and by definition they prevent flexing the ankle to put weight correctly into the heel. I destroyed my ankle (chucked frontwards off a galloping, falling horse and caught my foot in the stirrup, tearing just about everything) almost about 7 years ago now and I have to say it's never really "right" - usually it gets numb when I ride and it hurts pretty much all the time. I did tape it with Vetrap (whatever it's called here) during the initial stages (hmm, perhaps not letting it heal was the first mistake . . .) but even that was at least as uncomfortable as not wrapping it most of the time.

What I can do, though, is manage it.

I have to be very careful about the boots I wear, making sure they have proper support for both walking and riding. I do best with steel shanked boots that don't twist with a soft but supportive ankle piece. Mountain horse protective boots work well for me. I never ride or walk in crap boots. (I also hardly ever wear heels - sorry but they're just bad for you and I'd rather ride!

But then again I'm 5'10"

)

You're probably not in enough trouble to warrant physio but do your exercises. Anything that strengthens you leg, supples the joint and works on your balance/proprioception will help more than you'd think. Even some stretching before you ride and regular ankle circles when you're taking a break will help a lot. Also, make sure you aren't jamming your heel down or standing on your toe as any incorrect positioning will just put more strain on the joint.

Take care of it. I know I sound like someone's mother but ankles are very tricky - lots of carefully fitting bits - and they're very important, especially to riding.