Ten Weeks on the Injury Bench – From Beach Steps to Moon Boot
Ten weeks ago, Joe dragged me off the last steps to the beach, it was all enthusiasm to get into the sea from a set of steps we’ve done so many times! It was an awkward twist, resulting in a very bad sprain, and just like that I was benched. Given I’d just been for a sports massage that morning with the goal of getting back out – it was the kind of “injury bench” no runner wants to be sat on.
The Longest Afternoon
At the time, I didn’t quite realise how bad it was. Joe certainly didn’t – to him, nothing had happened at all. He just wanted the sea, to get battered by waves and have fun. So there I was, ankle throbbing, uneven sand and rocks beneath me, trying to keep up with him in the water.
Strangely enough, the seawater helped. Cold and numbing, it took the edge off the pain and might even have slowed the swelling. The challenge was the uneven ground – every wave sent a jolt through the ankle. Getting back up the steps to the car was even harder.
Driving home was fine (thankfully), but it was a long afternoon and early evening until Joe was finally asleep. Only then could I head to hospital.
Hospital, X-rays, and the Moon Boot
A&E, to my surprise, wasn’t too busy that night. I was triaged, x-rayed, and diagnosed within about an hour. The verdict: no break, just a very bad sprain and possibly an avulsion (A piece of bone is pulled away from the main bone by a ligament or tendon) so every day is a school day. Relief I suppose!
Another 20-30 minutes later, I was strapped into a moon boot and sent on my way. All things considered, the NHS was brilliant – efficient, reassuring, and quick. The advice was 2 weeks in the boot. However the Orthopaedics specialists called me the next day to confirm there was no break but to ware the boot for 4 weeks.
Life Didn’t Stop
Injuries never arrive at convenient times. This one landed in week two of the six-week school holiday. By mid-August, my wife and daughter were away have a much needed break, leaving me solo-parenting Joe.
So I didn’t stop. Moon boot or not, I still took him to the woods, to parks, to country trails. Slower, sore, and clunkier than usual, but we kept moving. Parenting doesn’t come with a pause button – and Joe certainly doesn’t.
The Boot and Beyond
The hospital advice was four weeks in the boot. I lasted three. Stairs were painful either way, and I felt more steady without it. So it came off especially at home.
By weeks three and four, things eased slightly. Swelling came down a little, bruising faded, and short walks were possible again. I filmed a couple of clips: Joe puddle-jumping which I put on Facebook and Instagram. I’m trying out the video content thing slowly.
NHS Follow-Up Frustrations
One thing worth mentioning: when discharged, I was sent a text about Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU). The idea is great – rather than automatically book you in, you get a link to arrange your own follow-up if you need one.
Except, when I tried to use it in week nine, the link had expired. No warning, no mention in the message. A phone call confirmed they only last six weeks. Beyond that, you need to go back to your GP for a referral.
Where I Am at Ten Weeks
Now, ten weeks on, I’m walking fairly well. Flat ground is fine, but uneven surfaces and sideways knocks are still sore. Swelling lingers a little (at least I think it does) when comparing ankles.
Running hasn’t happened yet – but I’m hopefully getting close. The plan is short, easy intervals on my own first, then back to club in the run/walk group. No heroics, just the sensible route back.
Lessons from the Injury Bench
- The sea makes a surprisingly good ice bath.
- Moon boots are heavy, stairs don’t care.
- Parenting doesn’t stop for injuries.
- The NHS is excellent in a crisis, but the fine print on follow-ups matters.
- Recovery is slow, uneven, and humbling – but it is happening.
Ten weeks benched. The next post I write, I hope, will be about finally stepping back out there with the running shoes on.