running on a sprain

I tripped over the baby gate last week and I think I sprained my ankle. I thought it was just bruised so I kept running on it. There is no swelling just a little pain and tender to touch. If I tape it or put on a brace can I run after a couple days rest. I run because I enjoy doing it. It's my me time and helps keep me sane. I get very cranky when I can't run. I don't want to make it worse but I don't want to sit out for weeks. I am still a beginner runner and this is my first injury so I am not sure what the "rules" are.

Thanks

Re: running on a sprain

If it's painful to run, you shouldn't. If there isn't pain, then you could probably test it out on a short run. I have rolled my ankle while running and I give it a mile to see how I feel.

Re: running on a sprain

Ice it!! If you are in pain, I would suggest taking a day off and seeing how it feels. Sometimes just a day of rest is all you need. If you are not getting better, maybe see a podiatrist who can confirm what it is. If you do decide to see one, I highly recommend seeing one who is a runner and/or who treats runners. Those are the people who will do what they can to get you better and back to running as quickly as possible. Good luck and I would imagine it's nothing to worry about. As Erica suggested, if there is no pain, do an easy short run to test it out.

Re: running on a sprain

Be careful. I hurt my ankle a few years ago, continued to run on it, and ended up hurtig it so badly that I wasn't allowed to run at all for 6 weeks (doctors orders). Take it easy a few days and then try just a short run and see how you feel. If it doesn't start getting better, listen to your body.

Re: running on a sprain

Thanks for the advice. I have stayed off it for a few days now. I am going to try to run a mile or so on Saturday. That is a week from when it really started hurting. So far it feels great just a twinge every now and then if I move the wrong way.