Madonna needs to knock off the working out for awhile

Apr 3, 2009, 9:35 GMT

Madonna. The 50-year-old singer twisted her ankle yesterday (02.04.09) when she fell off the running machine she had flown to Malawi so she could keep fit while waiting for the adoption of her second African child to be finalised.Daniel Locke / PR Photos

Madonna has injured herself after "flying off" a treadmill.

The 50-year-old singer twisted her ankle yesterday (02.04.09) when she fell off the running machine she had flown to Malawi so she could keep fit while waiting for the adoption of her second African child to be finalised.

A worker at the Kumbali Lodge Hotel - where the star and her children Lourdes, 12, Rocco, eight, and David, three, are staying - said: "There was a bang and she came suddenly flying off the back of the running machine. She looked hurt."

The injury was quickly treated by Madonna's trainer and the star was ordered to rest for the day, forcing her to cancel her planned visits to local orphanages.

The worker added to Britain's The Sun newspaper: "In Malawi most people do not even know what a gym is. Our staff are fascinated by the fact you can run but not go anywhere on a treadmill. They say, 'What is the point?' "

Madonna is due in court in the country's capital Lilongwe today (03.04.09) to learn if her bid to adopt four-year-old orphan Mercy James has been approved.

High Court Judge Esme Chombo has reportedly already told the star she will be granted custody.

Once the final papers have been signed, Madonna is expected to fly her family - including her new daughter - to her home in London, where staff have been preparing for the new arrival for months.

A new nursery has been constructed and the star has even hired a Chichewa-speaking nanny.

Employees in Madonna's New York home have also been getting ready for Mercy.

A friend said: "Madonna has been preparing for months, if not years."