Ankle Exercises - Isometric Exercises
Placing your
ankle in the
"down and in"
position against
a fixed object
such as a
couch. Hold this
position for a
count of 10.
Repeat 10
times.
Placing your
ankle in the
"up and out"
position
against the
same object.
Hold this
position for a
count of 10.
Repeat 10
times.
Pushing your
ankle down
against a fixed
object and hold
for a count of
10. Repeat 10
times.
Pushing your
ankle up
against a fixed
object and
hold for a
count of 10.
Repeat 10
times.
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Isometric exercises, which involve pushing against a fixed object with your ankle, are a good way to
get started. Examples of isometric exercises include:
Tie the resistance bands around a
fixed object and wrap the ends
around your foot. Start with your foot
pointing down and pull your ankle up
as far as you can. Return to the
starting position. Repeat 10 times.
Tie the resistance bands around a fixed
object located to the outer side of your ankle
and wrap the ends around your foot. Start
with the foot relaxed and then move your
ankle down and in. Return to the relaxed
position and repeat 10 times.
Tie the resistance bands around a fixed
object located to the inside of your ankle and
hold your foot in a relaxed position and wrap
the ends around your foot. Bring your foot up
and out and then back to the resting
position. Repeat 10 times.
Ankle Exercises - Isotonic Exercises
Using a resistance band around
your foot, hold the ends of the
band with your hand and gently
push your ankle down as far as
you can and then back to the
starting position. Repeat 10 times.
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Once isometric exercises have been mastered, you can move on to isotonic exercises, which involve
improving the range of motion of the ankle against resistance. Isotonic exercises can be performed
using a resistance band, which you can get through a physical therapist or at any sporting goods
store. Examples include:
Ankle Exercises - Proprioceptive Exercises
Once you have regained the motion and strength in your ankle, be sure to check with your provider or
physical therapist before increasing your activity level. Proprioceptive exercises are designed to
improve your awareness of the position, location, orientation and movement of your ankle. This is
important to help avoid future ankle injuries. Examples of proprioceptive exercises include:
Standing on a pillow on
your affected leg. Hold this
position for a count of 10.
Repeat 10 times.
Standing on your affected leg with the resistance band applied
to your unaffected leg. Bring your unaffected leg forward and
then back to the starting position. Repeat 10 times. Start slowly
and progress to a faster speed for a more difficult workout.
Swinging your unaffected
leg behind you and then
back.