I'm 42 and still skateboarding, and I know a few guys 50+ still shreadding, so you are far from old.
A little more than a year ago I broke my wrist and suffered a grade 3 ankle sprain (which you have probably found out from your research is complete tearing of the ligaments) and the broken wrist, though grotesque at first since the bone poked through the skin, healed amazingly well. A metal plate, 13 screws and some therapy later, I only have a little loss of range of motion.
The ankle on the other hand, is still pretty fucked up. I won't be hitting any big bowls this year, sticking to mellow downhill bombing and flow bowl carving trying to build the strength back up, but I am skating again.
It does suck and takes forever to heal. I couldn't put weight on mine for almost a month. Arthroscopic surgery (and therapy) is the only thing that will fix it quick, but most insurance won't cover it UNLESS it keeps you from walking.
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