Each joint and every part of the body works together to hold you up, getting you to and from every appointment, event, and location. If one part of the system is weak, it compromises mobility and daily life. If weak ankles are an issue, strengthening those joints, bones, and surrounding muscles is imperative. Here's a list of podiatrist-recommended exercises to help the healing process. 

What Are Some Exercises for Weak Ankles?

1. Ankle Circles 

The ankles are relatively small, making it so that minor movement and exercise can make great strides in strengthening them. If you suffer from weak ankles, a podiatrist might suggest ankle circles, an easy routine that involves pointing the foot and turning it in clockwise and counterclockwise circles, rotating the ankle and building up the muscles that support the bones and joint. 

2. Calf Raises 

This exercise is usually recommended to build up leg strength, but since it involves your ankles, the move works for a variety of reasons. Starting in a standing position, raise your body up and down by standing on your tippy toes and then lowering your feet down until they're flat on the ground again. 

This particularly helps the Achilles tendon and the front-facing ankle bone. If balance is an issue, steady yourself on a chair, table, couch, or another solitary piece of furniture. 

3. Stretches

Similar to ankle circles, this podiatrist-recommended movement is best done on the floor, which helps with impact if there's been an injury or if balance is an issue. Lie flat on the floor or sit with your back against the wall and your legs out in front of you. Point the toes away from the body, like a ballet dancer might, holding them there for a few seconds. After, flex the foot, pointing the toes up at the ceiling.

If you've been struggling with weak ankles, turn to Choice Podiatry Associates for an effective solution. For 36 years, this practice has provided expert foot care to people of all ages in Cincinnati, OH. Their board-certified podiatrists stay on top of the latest medical advances to provide the most comprehensive care, with offices in two convenient locations. Visit the website for a complete list of services, or call (513) 984-1911 to schedule an appointment at their Kenwood office or (513) 574-2424 for their Bridgetown location.