Re: Can traditional roller skates hurt the ankles?

Question
I used to skate on traditional rollers.  However, about 5 years ago had an accident that left my ankle with a 7" plate, steel rods & screws.  I tried to jog for awhile, but that makes my ankle swell up.  I would like to start skating again, because it kept me trim for being 40.  Now I am almost 46 and need to exercise just to loose & then to maintain my weight & stress levels. I tried biking, but it just doesn't get my heart rate going enough.  Do you think that after I skate awhile that my ankles will adjust or is there just too much metal holding my ankle together to ever skate again?  Please help.
Sincerely,

Linda H.

Answer
Hi Linda,
   I wish I could answer your question but my first thought is to ask your doctor what he thinks so you don't do more damage than good to your ankle.  

I suppose it depends on how much mobility you have in your ankle because there's a lot of ankle bending in skating.  If you were to try skating, I would highly recommend that you wear a regular roller skate that has a boot with enough support to stabilize your ankle.  

Our bodies can adapt to pretty much of anything but go at it slowly and give your ankle time to adjust and the muscles time to build back up again.

I would really suggest your talk to your doctor before putting skates on again.  If he says it's ok, then you can feel safe in trying it at your own pace.

Good Luck.......I hope it works out for you.

Pat