sprained left foot

Question
Hello Nick:
I was playing volleyball last night and step on top of another person's foot, and slightly sprained my left foot. I felt a couple of little "cracking" at the right moment, I was able to continue playing though (15 more minutes).
Back home I put ice and some salt bath with warm water. Later on I was able to walk supporting most of my weight over my heel. I have not taken any pills.
It hurts but is not bad to barely walk.
what care should I take, in case I'm planning to run a half marathon in February in Georgia?
thanks!

Carlos

Answer
I'm sorry to hear about your ankle!  Your ankle should be alright to go in February, the tricky thing will be to be able to train before that. I have three suggestions. Use one or all of them.

1) Ice, ice, ice.  Ice at least twice a day and for no more than 15 minutes at a time.  

2) Swim.  Swim workouts will help you keep in shape without having to stress your ankle.

3) See a physical therapy doctor.  They have accesss to modalities that will help the ankle to heal faster (i.e. ultrasound, diathermy, and light therapy).  Plus, they will give you some exercises to help prevent this from happening again.  

If you want further direction on any of this please respond with a follow-up.  I want you to be able to run your half marathon in February!