My $3 Solution to Waking Up with Sprained Ankles Every Morning

 Bedroom  3 Responses »
Jul 042015
 

This cutaway view shows how the pool noodle is placed under the fitted sheet at the side of the bed.

This cutaway view shows how the pool noodle is placed under the fitted sheet at the side of the bed.

As my legs continued to become weaker I started waking up with sprained ankles. My feet would simply fall over toward the outside, stretching the tendons. I knew there were special boots you could buy to wear in bed, but that would add just one more complication to an already very complicated nighttime routine. I discovered the solution while watching the activities director at our facility leading an exercise class.
Seeing an exercise class using these pool noodles gave me inspiration for solving my falling foot problem.

Seeing an exercise class using these pool noodles gave me inspiration for solving my falling foot problem.


She had purchased some “pool noodles” which they were using to strengthen their hands and arms. I realized that having one on either side of my bed would give me a comfortable place to rest my feet. One of the advantages of being nearly completely paralyzed from the waist down is that once a foot is placed in bed, it won’t go wandering around during the night.
Before I made this modification, my feet were to weak to rest in an upright position and would fall over during the night. By morning both ankles would be sprained.

Before I made this modification, my feet were to weak to rest in an upright position and would fall over during the night. By morning both ankles would be sprained.


So for three dollars, I bought one of the 3 inch diameter noodles, had it cut in half and placed at the foot of the bed on either side under the fitted sheet. I’ve been using it for several weeks and it works perfectly.