If you have weak ankles, you’re not alone. Millions of people deal with the problems caused by weak ankles each and every day, but answers may be closer than they realize. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at how you can strengthen your weak ankles on your own or with the help of a specialist.
Strengthening Weak Ankles
Weak ankles may not seem like a big deal, but they can cause balance problems and put you at a higher risk for an ankle sprain, both of which can increase your risk of injury. Fight back against those weak ankles by working to strengthen them with one of more of these following actions:
Physical Therapy – Physical therapy is one of the best things you can do if you’re suffering from weak ankles. PT involves targeted exercise that works by strengthening muscles and ligaments in the area that provide support to your ankle joint. Dr. Silverman can provide you with physical therapy exercises or he can refer you to a great PT clinic in your area.
Outdoor Walking – Walking outside for at least 45 minutes a day is another great way to strengthen your ankles. The ground may look flat, but bumps and ridges will force different foot muscles to work in order to keep your body upright. Make sure you’re wearing supportive shoes built for the activity so you don’t increase your risk of a sprain, but an activity as simple as walking on a relatively flat surface can slowly help you build strength in your ankles.
Balance Training – Balance training serves multiple purposes. Aside from obviously helping you stay upright, the exercises also work to strengthen muscles and ligaments in your feet. You’re preventing balance issues by targeting the same areas that are contributing to your weak ankles, so it’s a win-win. You can find some balance training exercises online or reach out to a foot specialist in your area for advice.
Yoga – Yoga is another great activity that can help to strengthen your weak ankles, and it’s basically a combination of physical therapy and balance training all in one. Yoga will have your feet bearing weight in a number of different positions, which will all help to develop muscle groups and ligaments in the ankle area. Find a nearby yoga studio or look online for some exercises that you can perform from the comfort of your home.
Surgery – You probably are trying to avoid an operation for your weak ankles, but a minimally invasive corrective procedure can do wonders for your ankle joint. Dr. Silverman has conducted countless minimally invasive procedures to address weakened ankle ligaments, and he can do the same for you. Oftentimes ankle ligament strengthening procedures can leave your ankle more stable than prior to the original injury. This simple procedure can do wonders for people whose ankles haven’t responded well to conservative treatments.
For help with any of these tips, or to get a handle on your foot and ankle pain, reach out to Dr. Silverman’s office today.