Tendonitis and TM trailhead in 4 weeks...HELP!

[Pilgrim490]

A few weeks ago i rolled my ankle on one of my test hikes preparing for my 7-day Yosemite trek. It was minor enough that i was able to 'walk it off' and finish the last mile out of the park. But the pain still comes back. Doc said it was tendonitis and that I should rest, hit it with painkillers and ice, and wear a sock that laces up for stability.

Any ideas on actually healing this injury before i hit the trail (not just mask the pain)? While on the trail, what can i do besides ibuprofen to help keep my ankle happy?

Anyone have any helpful stories of injuries / flare-ups in the wild?

[backpacker3]

I would definitely recommend some trekking poles. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[hotrod4x5]

Tendonitis in the elbow is commonly called tennis elbow. I had it for years. I was told by my DR that it really never fully goes away. I wore an arm band that relieved the pressure on the tendon's connection to the bone, that worked great. I had to wear it every day for years. When I quit the job that exacerbated it, I eventually stopped wearing it. The pain now rarely comes back.

So the point is, if you truly have this in your ankle, you might just have to learn to live with it.

[TigerFan]

Is the "doc" you mention your primary care physician or a specialist that you saw (e.g. orthopedic surgeon)? If you can ask for and get a referal to see an orthopedic surgeon who is associated with a sports medicine clinic/practice or a physical therapist who specializes in sports medicine, I think you'll get more detailed and aggressive strategy toward getting you ready for the hike. Doctors who care for atheletes often have to work within time and performance requirements and will look beyond "ice and rest."

I can't offer any experience with tendonitis but, last fall, my 11 year-old son fractured two toes a week before a 5-day Grand Canyon hike. His pediatrician basically told me to cancel the hike. I have several friends who are in sports medicine and they sent us to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who had a completely different attitude. She had me bring in my son's hiking boots, which she examined, she asked very specific questions about the hike and we talked about what we can do on the trail -- ibuprofin, soaking in streams each afternoon, taping if necessary, etc. Her top recommendation was a stiff supportive hiking boot.

You may also be able to explore direct shots into the area right before the hike. My husband got one for his knee. I'm assuming they're some sort of steroids. It's not for masking the pain, but for keeping internal swelling down.

[Pilgrim490]

no, it wasn't a specialist i saw, but i will try to get a referral asap. I like the cold stream dip idea, and if i can gimp it to Red Peak Pass, I should be able to take advantage of a nice snow compress.