4 Ways to Strengthen Weak Ankles & Prevent Falls
One of the best ways to prevent debilitating injuries from falling is to keep your ankles strong and flexible. Having weak ankles and lower legs contributes to instability and balance issues leading to a damaging fall. Strength and flexibility exercises and wearing properly fitted shoes with orthotics and balance braces are proven methods for preventing falls and injuries.
Four excellent methods for strengthening weak ankles include the following:
Foot and ankle physical therapy exercises: A variety of exercises for your feet and ankles are available and are an excellent method for improving your overall foot and ankle health when done regularly.
Proper footwear, orthotic inserts, and ankle braces: Wearing properly fitted shoes with an optimum brace and orthotic insert placement will improve balance and redistribute pressure to help prevent and treat any injuries.
Calf muscle strengthening exercises: Since your calf muscles provide much of the source of strength for your feet, keeping them in shape will improve balance and prevent falls.
Heel walking: This easy exercise may look awkward, but it is great for improving ankle strength. Simply raise your toes and try walking around on your heels for five or ten minutes at a time. Do this several times a day.
Keeping your ankles and lower legs in shape by performing regular exercises is a great way to protect against falls, and seeing our expert podiatrist for regular checkups can avoid many other foot and ankle problems. Call Tri County Foot & Ankle Center located in Colts Neck, East Brunswick, Jersey City, Bayonne, Clifton, Kearny, and Randolph, NJ. With access to advanced technologies, Our Foot Doctors and podiatry staff can help you manage all of your foot and ankle conditions, including heel pain, ankle sprains, toe deformities, fungal toenails, and plantar warts. Call us or fill out an appointment request form today.