Christy,

Well, it might be a good opportunity to see if the locals have any
medicine-man remedies! Seriously, though, I would at least ask a
sportsmedicine specialist- these kinds of docs are most likely familiar with
people who are injured but want to get right back at it.

First and foremost I would make sure it's even better than Ace-bandaged.
Someone somewhere must have a heavy duty support that will keep it straight
and take pressure completely off at least for the early part of the trip. (I
think over time docs like you to be using your ankle to heal, though.) You
might hobble a bit when walking, but something solid (I'm thinking cast but
suggesting something not that extreme if your doc agrees) could let you
participate in more, and have to treat it less gingerly because you won't
have to think so often about how to not tweak it the wrong way.

Stay off of Cipro or any related antibiotics! (Problems with ankles were
said a side effect, strangely enough, of this antibiotic.)

Might go looking at Chinese medicine for a good healing concoction... also,
acupuncture (though I'd rather shiatsu massage) may help. I saw this
mentioned at SpiritHealth (.com, .net or .org - forget which!)... which
might come in handy on the road:

"Twisted or Wrenched Joints
You've just twisted your ankle, wrenched your shoulder - you know the doctor
will tell you to ice it and take Tylenol or Advil, but is that enough?
Chinese medicine can help. Herbal formulas geared to reducing swelling,
mobilizing blood flow, and stopping pain are incredibly effective. Some are
taken internally, while some are applied locally either as a liquid or
plaster. If you are unable to get in for treatment right away, a good home
remedy for a swollen, red joint is grated potato mixed with white flour.
This will help clear the heat and eliminate the swelling. If the joint is
swollen but not red or hot, buckwheat mixed with flour can help clear the
swelling. These home remedies can help tide you over until you are able to
get in for treatment. "

There's an article here mentioning use of glucosamine (to help repair):
http://nene.essortment.com/jointpainrelie_rfef.htm ... personally, I'd think
a good thing to do between now and your trip would be to fire up the crock
pot and make some very long-cooked bone broths (oxtail soup, whatever), and
drink readily.


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