so when walking you're actually walking on the ends of the sticks, rather than putting any weight on the foot itself.
I think making/using a crutch after immobilizing the ankle would work better.
-Blast
i think you nailed it.
immobilizing the ankle will help keep the pain at an even level and not bearing weight would prevent further injury to the bone, muscle, tendons etc.
a crutch or other walking aid would tend to keep you erect - able to see and be seen better, as opposed to sliding around on your backside as this hiker apparently did. additionally, you would present a larger image to any nosy predators.