exercise after ankle sprain

I don't know if this is the appropriate forum, but none of the others seemed to fit.  I severely sprained my right ankle 2 weeks ago tomorrow, slipping on some ice on the driveway.  I normally go to workout 4-5 days a week, and really need to get back in.  The edema is still not gone, nor is the bruising, but I can walk much better and usually without limping now.  I have been wearing an ankle support that works better than an Ace bandage.  When do you all think it would be ok to go start on the recumbent bike or the arc trainer?  I rarely use the treadmill anyway, and that would be nuts I think.  I really don't want to waste an orthopod's time by making an appointment and seeing if I need to go to PT.  I did have it xrayed at the ER right after it happened.  No one did evaluate me for any ligament tears though.  It still hurts a lot if I try to see how much range of motion I have.  Any opinions?

[JainMD]

Hi,
How are you?
Acute sprains of the lateral ligaments about the ankle are the most common injury in sports and also occur commonly in the general population.
Ankle sprains cause sequential disruption of antero-lateral joint capsule, anterior tibio-fibular ligament and calcaneo-fibular ligament.
The treatment in general should be partial weight-bearing with crutches in the acute phase (first 3 to 7 days), which is advanced as tolerated to full weight-bearing.
You should be stirrup ankle brace to facilitate early ambulation. NSAIDs may help with pain. Gentle active range of motion as tolerated is advised.
For severe sprains, consider a formal strengthening and proprioception retraining program with physical therapy.
Activity modification (rest, sports restriction) until strength returns.
I think you should be seeing an orthopaedician at earliest and decide regarding further management.
Hope this helps.
Bye.