General Inquiries & Answers

[Bahku]

Ok I have a question in regard to ankle injuries.

So about 3 years ago I had a bad fall and I ended up tearing a ligament in my right ankle. At the time due to some circumstances I wasn't able to get the proper rest needed for the ankle to heal properly....so till now once in a while my ankle starts paining.

Now I had gone to a vacation in India and I ended up spraining my left ankle. Even though this ankle injury wasn't as bad as the other one....its been about a month and the side still hurts a bit when I try to massage it.

So my question is that should I take it easy on my feet/ankle....or should I work out and play sports and stuff like I used. I mean I am 19 and they usually say if you get injured that working out/sports should help with the recovery.

I am not much of a hospital person, but I think I need to get some x-rays done before I end up messing up both my feet; but I just wanted to ask if anyone knew any exercises or anything that helps with an ankle sprain.

Actually I would recommend seeing a Sports Medicine specialist and getting an MRI as soon as possible ... a sprained ankle is a ligament injury primarily, but can also involve the tendons, bones, and other tissues surrounding, so it's very important to find out exactly what's going on, what areas and tissues are affected, and to what extent. Until you do so, I would definitely recommend you do NOT do anything strenuous, especially sports, and be as careful as possible, or you may end up increasing your time of recovery substantially. Hope that helps.

[Bahku]

Why did President Obama completely blow off the Anniversary of D-Day?!? He made no statement or effort to recognize the day as such, and instead attended a celebrity event and party. Baffling ... and disheartening. Does anyone know?

[Rashi]

Ok I have a question in regard to ankle injuries.

So about 3 years ago I had a bad fall and I ended up tearing a ligament in my right ankle. At the time due to some circumstances I wasn't able to get the proper rest needed for the ankle to heal properly....so till now once in a while my ankle starts paining.

Now I had gone to a vacation in India and I ended up spraining my left ankle. Even though this ankle injury wasn't as bad as the other one....its been about a month and the side still hurts a bit when I try to massage it.

So my question is that should I take it easy on my feet/ankle....or should I work out and play sports and stuff like I used. I mean I am 19 and they usually say if you get injured that working out/sports should help with the recovery.

I am not much of a hospital person, but I think I need to get some x-rays done before I end up messing up both my feet; but I just wanted to ask if anyone knew any exercises or anything that helps with an ankle sprain.

Actually I would recommend seeing a Sports Medicine specialist and getting an MRI as soon as possible ... a sprained ankle is a ligament injury primarily, but can also involve the tendons, bones, and other tissues surrounding, so it's very important to find out exactly what's going on, what areas and tissues are affected, and to what extent. Until you do so, I would definitely recommend you do NOT do anything strenuous, especially sports, and be as careful as possible, or you may end up increasing your time of recovery substantially. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the reply Bahku.....will def go get the MRI done asap.

Tp.

[LB3533]

Ok I have a question in regard to ankle injuries.

So about 3 years ago I had a bad fall and I ended up tearing a ligament in my right ankle. At the time due to some circumstances I wasn't able to get the proper rest needed for the ankle to heal properly....so till now once in a while my ankle starts paining.

Now I had gone to a vacation in India and I ended up spraining my left ankle. Even though this ankle injury wasn't as bad as the other one....its been about a month and the side still hurts a bit when I try to massage it.

So my question is that should I take it easy on my feet/ankle....or should I work out and play sports and stuff like I used. I mean I am 19 and they usually say if you get injured that working out/sports should help with the recovery.

I am not much of a hospital person, but I think I need to get some x-rays done before I end up messing up both my feet; but I just wanted to ask if anyone knew any exercises or anything that helps with an ankle sprain.

Actually I would recommend seeing a Sports Medicine specialist and getting an MRI as soon as possible ... a sprained ankle is a ligament injury primarily, but can also involve the tendons, bones, and other tissues surrounding, so it's very important to find out exactly what's going on, what areas and tissues are affected, and to what extent. Until you do so, I would definitely recommend you do NOT do anything strenuous, especially sports, and be as careful as possible, or you may end up increasing your time of recovery substantially. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the reply Bahku.....will def go get the MRI done asap.

Tp.

If it has been about a month and you are still experiencing pain then:

I would recommend soaking both ankles in a warm-hot water bath (as much as you can bear) & practice moving the feet (in the water bath) to test range of motion and which movements causes pain.

*The warm-hot water will promote better circulation & bring nutrients and blood to help heal the damaged tissues/cells.

I would avoid ice as much as possible unless the pain is unbearable or if your ankle is swelling up big time. If your ankle is swelling up big time after 1 month from the initial injury then there is something significantly wrong: maybe vessel damage or blockage. If you are still experiencing severe pain there may be nerve damage or structural damage that hasn't healed properly causing your normal walking or foot movements to become abnormal. Abnormal movements could throw off your whole spine alignment & gait.

*Ice is good for numbing the pain, but has no real healing therapeutic effect. Ice can deter normal blood from flowing to the applied area because blood hates cold & loves warm environment. Ice also can freeze damaged tissue and cells at the site of trauma which may cause future problematic issues: blockage/improper flow & circulation.

I suggest best time to use ice is shortly after the acute injury or trauma --- after applying compression or pressure to the injured area first. Compression immediately after the acute injury can stave off swelling without freezing damaged tissue/cells. The warmth of the compression can keep these damaged cells "moving" so that current blood/fluid flow can transport them away from the site.

Good luck with your recovery dude.

[Bahku]

Ok I have a question in regard to ankle injuries.

So about 3 years ago I had a bad fall and I ended up tearing a ligament in my right ankle. At the time due to some circumstances I wasn't able to get the proper rest needed for the ankle to heal properly....so till now once in a while my ankle starts paining.

Now I had gone to a vacation in India and I ended up spraining my left ankle. Even though this ankle injury wasn't as bad as the other one....its been about a month and the side still hurts a bit when I try to massage it.

So my question is that should I take it easy on my feet/ankle....or should I work out and play sports and stuff like I used. I mean I am 19 and they usually say if you get injured that working out/sports should help with the recovery.

I am not much of a hospital person, but I think I need to get some x-rays done before I end up messing up both my feet; but I just wanted to ask if anyone knew any exercises or anything that helps with an ankle sprain.

Actually I would recommend seeing a Sports Medicine specialist and getting an MRI as soon as possible ... a sprained ankle is a ligament injury primarily, but can also involve the tendons, bones, and other tissues surrounding, so it's very important to find out exactly what's going on, what areas and tissues are affected, and to what extent. Until you do so, I would definitely recommend you do NOT do anything strenuous, especially sports, and be as careful as possible, or you may end up increasing your time of recovery substantially. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the reply Bahku.....will def go get the MRI done asap.

Tp.

Please ... avoid any kind of therapy until you find out exactly what's wrong, especially where your first injury was not given the proper time to heal, or you could set yourself up for a lifetime of problems stemming from that one injury.

If you don't have a Sports Med person near you, just see your GP and he/she can order the tests or refer you. If you don't have a GP, just go to your local hospital's "Quick Care" unit or ER, (and if you're in the Greater Portland/Biddeford area, you might even see ME there! I've usually got a Celtics cap or jersey or ID strap on).

You really need to find out exactly what's going on, esp. due to the prior injury, and the length of the secondary injury, and examination by a doctor/X-Rays/MRI are needed.

[Bahku]

Put this in the category of "Advertising Peeves":

What percentage of people who buy Nature Valley Granola Bars actually eat them in the wilderness?

(And by the way, Nature's Valley is in the south cape coast of South Africa).  




 - Yes, this thread is open to rhetorical questions, too.

[Scott]

Why did President Obama completely blow off the Anniversary of D-Day?!? He made no statement or effort to recognize the day as such, and instead attended a celebrity event and party. Baffling ... and disheartening. Does anyone know?

I am not sure how I missed that.  This isn’t an answer but I find that extremely disappointing.  Such an anniversary shouldn't be forgotten or minimalized.   I apologize if I veer off topic here, but I would like to share something if I may…
 
Back in April, a few guys from my unit along with myself were afforded the opportunity to participate on a battle staff ride through St Mihiel and Normandy, France.  The entire week was an amazing experience of reflection…it was very sobering indeed.  To stand in the exact spots where these events occurred is just something that can’t be expressed into words.

The highlight of the week, was when we were asked by the caretaker of the American Normandy Cemetery to perform the retreat ceremony.  That was truly an honor that I will not forget.

[Bahku]

I think I'm invisible ... I've tried my doctor, but he refuses to see me. Any suggestions?

[lon3lytoaster]

I think I'm invisible ... I've tried my doctor, but he refuses to see me. Any suggestions?

Just a few questions..

Do you often suck the energy out of the room and make it cold?

Do you sometimes feel the need to scare people?

Is the room you are in currently cold?

Are you friendly? Or do you sometimes feel malevolent?

[Bahku]

I think I'm invisible ... I've tried my doctor, but he refuses to see me. Any suggestions?

Just a few questions..

Do you often suck the energy out of the room and make it cold?

Do you sometimes feel the need to scare people?

Is the room you are in currently cold?

Are you friendly? Or do you sometimes feel malevolent?

1. I try to avoid rooms with energy, (they tend to be messy).

2. I don't feel a need to scare people, it just happens naturally, (some say I have a innate talent for it).

3. The room is fine ... the cold doesn't seem to emanate from me, I seem to attract it from elsewhere.

4. I'm quite friendly, (I think), but can feel malevolent if provoked.

[lon3lytoaster]

I think I'm invisible ... I've tried my doctor, but he refuses to see me. Any suggestions?

Just a few questions..

Do you often suck the energy out of the room and make it cold?

Do you sometimes feel the need to scare people?

Is the room you are in currently cold?

Are you friendly? Or do you sometimes feel malevolent?

1. I try to avoid rooms with energy, (they tend to be messy).

2. I don't feel a need to scare people, it just happens naturally, (some say I have a innate talent for it).

3. The room is fine ... the cold doesn't seem to emanate from me, I seem to attract it from elsewhere.

4. I'm quite friendly, (I think), but can feel malevolent if provoked.

Well, with my expert knowledge you don't seem to be a poltergeist. My diagnosis is you're a ghost, of the Kasper variety.

[Bahku]

I think I'm invisible ... I've tried my doctor, but he refuses to see me. Any suggestions?

Just a few questions..

Do you often suck the energy out of the room and make it cold?

Do you sometimes feel the need to scare people?

Is the room you are in currently cold?

Are you friendly? Or do you sometimes feel malevolent?

1. I try to avoid rooms with energy, (they tend to be messy).

2. I don't feel a need to scare people, it just happens naturally, (some say I have a innate talent for it).

3. The room is fine ... the cold doesn't seem to emanate from me, I seem to attract it from elsewhere.

4. I'm quite friendly, (I think), but can feel malevolent if provoked.

Well, with my expert knowledge you don't seem to be a poltergeist. My diagnosis is you're a ghost, of the Kasper variety.

I can live with that, (no, wait ... I can't live with that, I mean). That explains my love for Soul music and white sheets. Thanks, man ... this could be fun! (TP)

[FLCeltsFan]

I thought I'd start it out, as this question is what gave me the idea for the thread:

Question:

I'm interested in ultralight and microlight aircraft, and was wondering if anyone here at CB is familiar with it, or maybe knows someone who is? During my college years I took flight lessons, (a certified Cessna course), but I just never had the time or money at that time to complete for my license. I'm not sure what the statute of limitations is for those lessons, but I assume I'd have to start at the beginning again.

However, I believe that ultralights and microlights require no special license, (just a driver's license here in Maine, I think), and I've heard you can build your own from a kit at significantly lowered cost, (and I just love to build stuff anyway). I've been reading and checking out some sites, but I'd really like to get info from someone with first-hand experience. Anything anyone can supply will earn a TP ... and thanks in advance!

My first husband was fascinated by ultralight aircraft.  We attended several ultralight fly ins and EAA sponsored events.  You can build your own from a kit and in Florida, at least, you need no license to fly them. 

They are very addicting once you get into them and there are fly ins all over the place, the biggest of which used to be in Oshkosh.  And as has been said, you can find a lot of info on the EAA site about experimental aircraft.  They have kits for everything from flimsy ultralights to more substantial homebuilts to gyrocopters. 

My husband ultimately got into gyrocopters and built a couple of those.  We went to quite a few gyro fly ins and they are very popular.  Unfortunately he was killed flying one.  So, my ultimate advice is keep your feet on the ground.  As with anything called experimental, they can be very dangerous. 

[Bahku]

I thought I'd start it out, as this question is what gave me the idea for the thread:

Question:

I'm interested in ultralight and microlight aircraft, and was wondering if anyone here at CB is familiar with it, or maybe knows someone who is? During my college years I took flight lessons, (a certified Cessna course), but I just never had the time or money at that time to complete for my license. I'm not sure what the statute of limitations is for those lessons, but I assume I'd have to start at the beginning again.

However, I believe that ultralights and microlights require no special license, (just a driver's license here in Maine, I think), and I've heard you can build your own from a kit at significantly lowered cost, (and I just love to build stuff anyway). I've been reading and checking out some sites, but I'd really like to get info from someone with first-hand experience. Anything anyone can supply will earn a TP ... and thanks in advance!

My first husband was fascinated by ultralight aircraft.  We attended several ultralight fly ins and EAA sponsored events.  You can build your own from a kit and in Florida, at least, you need no license to fly them. 

They are very addicting once you get into them and there are fly ins all over the place, the biggest of which used to be in Oshkosh.  And as has been said, you can find a lot of info on the EAA site about experimental aircraft.  They have kits for everything from flimsy ultralights to more substantial homebuilts to gyrocopters. 

My husband ultimately got into gyrocopters and built a couple of those.  We went to quite a few gyro fly ins and they are very popular.  Unfortunately he was killed flying one.  So, my ultimate advice is keep your feet on the ground.  As with anything called experimental, they can be very dangerous. 

Wow ... I greatly appreciate you sharing something that is so painful ... I had just talked to a man last week about the gyro-copter kits. I can see where they and ultralights can be easily addicting, but also dangerous. Of course, we all take risk when we get behind the wheel of a car, but I keep getting very different statistics shown to me about ultralights, etc, and wonder what the real story is. Thanks so much, Fl ... I will take this thing much more seriously now. I'm so sorry for your loss, and for bringing up a subject so painful. God bless always, friend.

[FLCeltsFan]

Thanks Bahku. After doing a lot of research, Paul came to the conclusion that gyros are safer than regular ultralights. He built 2 of them and did a lot of flying. He loved flying and even knowing the dangers he would have done it again.  I'm not sure about ultralights, but there are instructors for gyros that take you up in a dual control one before you have to fly one solo so you aren't on your own.  If you do it the right way, you do a number of hours with the trainer before going solo.   There are a lot of gyro groups out there and the best way to get into it is to find one and then go and talk to the people there and get the info first hand from the guys who fly them on both building and flying them.  Attend a couple of fly ins and then you will pretty much know if it is for you or not.  But I know first hand that once you get that itch for flying, nothing can stop it until you get up in the air one way or another. I flew in the dual gyro a couple of times at the fly ins and it is neat, but I never really had that desire to fly.  Those were plenty for me.  But I also know that nothing, not even knowing how it would end, would have kept Paul out of the air.