{"id":2040,"date":"2022-06-25T11:44:22","date_gmt":"2022-06-25T11:44:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.joggo.run\/?p=2040"},"modified":"2024-08-21T14:23:14","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T14:23:14","slug":"10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ankle Mobility Exercises to Improve Ankle Dorsiflexion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever had an ankle sprain, you know just how important your ankle is for balance and easy movement. Strong ankles have good mobility. And as a runner, good ankle mobility is a big plus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ankle dorsiflexion happens when you draw your toes toward your shin. It\u2019s a movement that\u2019s easy to take for granted unless an injury affects your ankle mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this post, we answer, \u201cWhat is ankle mobility?\u201d and share with you the best exercises for ankle mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to find out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >In This Article:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#causes-of-poor-ankle-mobility\" title=\"Causes of Poor Ankle Mobility\">Causes of Poor Ankle Mobility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#why-limited-ankle-mobility-can-be-a-problem\" title=\"Why Limited Ankle Mobility Can Be a Problem\">Why Limited Ankle Mobility Can Be a Problem<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#what-is-the-normal-range-of-motion-for-ankle-dorsiflexion\" title=\"What Is the Normal Range of Motion for Ankle Dorsiflexion?\">What Is the Normal Range of Motion for Ankle Dorsiflexion?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#ankle-mobility-test\" title=\"Ankle Mobility Test\">Ankle Mobility Test<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#strength-exercises-to-improve-ankle-mobility-dorsiflexion\" title=\"Strength Exercises to Improve Ankle Mobility (Dorsiflexion)\">Strength Exercises to Improve Ankle Mobility (Dorsiflexion)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#heel-raises\" title=\"Heel raises\">Heel raises<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#toe-raisesheel-drops\" title=\"Toe raises\/heel drops\">Toe raises\/heel drops<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#ankle-flexion-dorsiflexion\" title=\"Ankle flexion (dorsiflexion)\">Ankle flexion (dorsiflexion)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#toe-heel-walks\" title=\"Toe-heel walks\">Toe-heel walks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#lunges\" title=\"Lunges\">Lunges<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#walking-lunge\" title=\"Walking lunge\">Walking lunge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#ankle-jumps\" title=\"Ankle jumps\">Ankle jumps<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#double-leg-hops\" title=\"Double leg hops\">Double leg hops<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#single-leg-hops\" title=\"Single leg hops\">Single leg hops<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#overhead-squat\" title=\"Overhead squat\">Overhead squat<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#improving-ankle-mobility-after-injury\" title=\"Improving Ankle Mobility After Injury\">Improving Ankle Mobility After Injury<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10-ankle-mobility-exercises-to-improve-ankle-dorsiflexion\/#takeaways\" title=\"Takeaways\">Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"causes-of-poor-ankle-mobility\"><\/span>Causes of Poor Ankle Mobility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Poor ankle mobility has several causes, from genetics, age, and gender to overtraining. Let\u2019s take a closer look at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Genetics<\/strong> \u2013 A<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5619760\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> 2017 study<\/a> associated certain alleles (forms of a gene) with a higher risk of ankle injury.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Age and gender <\/strong>\u2013 Ankle mobility decreases as we age. Young males often have poorer ankle mobility than young females. By comparison, older females tend to have poorer ankle mobility than older males.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical conditions<\/strong> \u2013 Osteoarthritis may cause the ankle joint to become stiff and painful. Typically affecting older people, it may also occur before age 45, when it\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/osteoarthritis#:~:text=Osteoarthritis%20is%20the%20most%20common,is%20more%20common%20in%20women.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> more common among men<\/a>. The inflammation of soft tissue around the ankle may also impair ankle mobility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weak lower leg muscles<\/strong> \u2013<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5574351\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Research<\/a> shows that the <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/workouts-to-build-strength-in-runners-legs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">strength of muscles<\/a> involved in ankle dorsiflexion (the backward bending of the foot) affects ankle mobility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overtraining <\/strong>\u2013 Training too hard too soon can lead to ankle and lower leg injuries impairing ankle flexion and mobility. This can include running too much. <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/common-runners-foot-injuries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Common injuries<\/a> affecting ankle dorsiflexion include ankle sprains, fractures, and ruptured or torn tendons or ligaments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Postural adaptations and adaptive changes <\/strong>\u2013 Playing sports that require lots of running and jumping or wearing high heels all the time may also limit ankle mobility. This happens because of adaptive changes to the<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17237964\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> anterior talofibular ligament<\/a>. This ligament is attached to the large bone of the ankle and the fibula.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why-limited-ankle-mobility-can-be-a-problem\"><\/span>Why Limited Ankle Mobility Can Be a Problem<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For many runners and gym-goers, improving ankle mobility isn\u2019t a priority. However, limited ankle mobility can have far-reaching effects beyond ease of movement. Here are some of the key reasons why good ankle flexibility is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Affects everyday activities<\/strong> \u2013 From putting on shoes and climbing stairs to driving a car, good ankle mobility makes many everyday activities easier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Makes it harder to stay active<\/strong> \u2013 Your body relies on your ankles for support. Poor ankle mobility can make running, working out, or playing sports harders. It impairs many functional movement patterns, including<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21214345\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> landing from a jump<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25144599\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> squatting<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impairs performance <\/strong>\u2013 Poor ankle mobility can<a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/339411744_Effect_of_Reduced_Ankle_Mobility_on_Jumping_Performance_in_Young_Athletes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> reduce your performance while playing sports<\/a> and possibly while running.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Higher risk of ankle injury<\/strong> \u2013 Limited ankle mobility can be a sign of a weak ankle that is more susceptible to sprains and other injuries. A<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25471989\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> 2014 study<\/a> found that runners who strengthened their ankles may reduce their risk of injury.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Leg pain<\/strong> \u2013 Poor ankle dorsiflexion can contribute to<a href=\"https:\/\/bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/1471-2474-15-246\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> knee<\/a> and lower leg pain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-the-normal-range-of-motion-for-ankle-dorsiflexion\"><\/span>What Is the Normal Range of Motion for Ankle Dorsiflexion?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The normal range of motion for ankle dorsiflexion is<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4994968\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> between 10 and 20 degrees<\/a>. However, judging from studies on the subject, there\u2019s a lot of individual variation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By comparison, the average plantar flexion range of motion is 40 to 55 degrees. Plantar flexion happens when you stand on tiptoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using these values as reference points, you can test your ankle mobility. This is useful before we look at how to improve ankle mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It gives you an idea of how good your base ankle mobility is. It also enables you to spot differences between the ankles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One ankle can have better mobility than the other. Knowing this can help you correct the deficit with the right exercises for ankle mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ankle-mobility-test\"><\/span>Ankle Mobility Test<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A simple and effective ankle mobility test you can do at home is the knee-to-wall test. It\u2019s quick and easy. Follow the steps below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Place a ruler next to a wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Remove your shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Place one foot around 5 inches from the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Place the other foot behind it at another foot\u2019s distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>5. Bend your front knee so that the knee touches the wall and your heel remains on the ground. As you perform this movement, lift your other foot off the ground on your toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>6. Make sure that your front knee remains over your toes. Your foot shouldn\u2019t roll inwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>7. If you cannot touch the wall with your knee without lifting your heel, shift your front foot forward and repeat until you can. Record the distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>8. Repeat the test with the other leg and record the distance for it too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The results:<\/strong> Unable to touch the wall with your knee? It\u2019s a sign of poor ankle mobility. Also, note any differences between the feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"strength-exercises-to-improve-ankle-mobility-dorsiflexion\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/strength-training-for-runners-workouts-to-include-in-your-exercise-routines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Strength Exercises<\/a> to Improve Ankle Mobility (Dorsiflexion)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can choose from a variety of ankle mobility exercises. Start with lighter ones and try to incorporate them into your weekly workouts. Do ankle mobility exercises 3 times a week or according to your <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/10k-in-miles-and-training-plan-for-10k-race\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">training plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"heel-raises\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/benefits-of-the-heel-raise-exercise-and-how-to-do-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Heel raises<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Heel raises are one of the best ankle mobility exercises for beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Rest your hands on a table, the back of a chair, a wall, or another support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stand with feet about 4 inches apart.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raise your heels off the floor with a slow, controlled movement while keeping your knees straight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain the position for about 5\u20136 seconds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower your heels slowly to the floor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat 10\u201312 times for up to 3 sets with a short rest in between sets.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toe-raisesheel-drops\"><\/span>Toe raises\/heel drops<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These can feel a bit more challenging than heel raises but are very effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Stand on a step with the front part of your feet and your heels unsupported. Your feet should be about 4 inches apart.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raise your feet slowly on tiptoes and hold the position at the top for a second.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower your heels slowly to below the step level with a controlled movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat 10\u201312 times for up to 3 sets.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ankle-flexion-dorsiflexion\"><\/span>Ankle flexion (dorsiflexion)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For this exercise, you\u2019ll need a stretch band. Secure one end of the band around a chair leg before you begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Sit on the floor before the chair and stretch out your legs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrap the free end of the stretch band around your foot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Point your toes toward you with a slow ankle movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return your foot to the initial position.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete 10 reps and then switch to the other foot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do 3 sets for each foot.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"toe-heel-walks\"><\/span>Toe-heel walks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These are some of the best ankle stability exercises you can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Use a pair of shoes with a flat sole. Or do this exercise barefooted on a soft surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stand on your toes and walk about 30 feet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Then walk on your heels for the same distance. If you\u2019re doing this exercise in a room, you can walk in circles for the equivalent distance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat both up to 5 times.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"lunges\"><\/span>Lunges<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Static lunges are a simple way to work your ankle mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Place one foot in front of the other.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bend your back knee until it almost touches the floor while you keep your back straight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Push yourself up and repeat 10 times for each leg.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do 2 sets for each leg.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"walking-lunge\"><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Walking lunge<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019re comfortable with static lunges, you can move on to walking lunges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Take a step forward with one leg, bending the front knee at a right angle while lowering your back knee to the ground.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain the position for 3\u20135 seconds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step forward with your back leg and repeat the movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do 10 lunges per leg.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ankle-jumps\"><\/span>Ankle jumps<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now here\u2019s a more challenging exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Stand with hands on hips and feet apart.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jump up with your knees straight and pull your toes toward you in the air, flexing your ankles toward you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extend the ankles back before landing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jump again, pushing the balls of your feet into the floor with an explosive movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat while aiming to keep your feet on the floor for as little time as possible for 10\u201320 repetitions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do 3 sets.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"double-leg-hops\"><\/span>Double leg hops<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re looking at one of the simplest ankle mobility exercises.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Stand with feet apart, back straight, and arms at your sides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jump up, raising your arms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do 10 reps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"single-leg-hops\"><\/span>Single leg hops<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For an extra challenge, do the hopping on one foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Stand with arms at your sides and back straight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jump up on one leg, raising your arms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do 10 reps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"overhead-squat\"><\/span>Overhead squat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For this exercise, you need a barbell. If you\u2019re new to it, don\u2019t add any plate <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/benefits-of-running-with-weights-and-how-to-do-it-safely\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">weights<\/a>. You can add them later to up the challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Stand with feet at shoulder width.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rest the barbell across the back of your shoulders while keeping your hands wide on it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engage your core, bend your knees, and drop your hips, keeping your torso upright all the while.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extend your knees and hips as you lift the barbell over your head, fully extending your elbows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bend your wrists back slightly. The barbell should be over the center of your feet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Next, bend your knees and squat down, maintaining your core engaged and chest up. Squat as low as you feel comfortable. Keep your knees and toes aligned.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Return to the starting position with a steady movement. Press through your feet and use your leg muscles and core to extend your knees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do 5 reps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"improving-ankle-mobility-after-injury\"><\/span>Improving Ankle Mobility After Injury<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Over<a href=\"https:\/\/linkinghub.elsevier.com\/retrieve\/pii\/S1098301515015144\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> 2 million ankle injuries<\/a> occur every year in the US. These include ankle sprains, strains, and fractures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After an ankle injury,<a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s40141-013-0041-y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> up to 70% of patients<\/a> have chronic ankle instability. This is a chronic or recurring pain outside the ankle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ankle sprains are among the most common ankle injuries, and they often affect runners. A simple misstep can cause an ankle sprain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle<a href=\"https:\/\/orthoinfo.aaos.org\/en\/diseases--conditions\/sprained-ankle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> overstretch and tear<\/a>. They range in intensity from minimal stretching to full rupture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To reduce pain and swelling,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/pain\/recovering-from-an-ankle-sprain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> follow the RICE method<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Ice the area for up to 20 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Compress the ankle with an elastic ankle sleeve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4. Elevate your ankle when seated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong> If symptoms don\u2019t lessen after 24\u201348 hours, see a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than having to treat ankle strains, it\u2019s better to prevent them in the first place. Proprioceptive training can help prevent ankle sprains, according to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsams.org\/article\/S1440-2440(14)00074-7\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> this study<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Priopercetion is your body\u2019s ability to sense movement, action, and location. Without it, you wouldn\u2019t be able to run without looking at your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Training it boosts your physical fitness. It does this by improving stability, posture, balance, and coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prioperception training to prevent ankle strains includes balancing on one leg with eyes closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong> Working with a personal trainer is the best way to choose the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.archives-pmr.org\/article\/S0003-9993(18)31401-1\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> optimal exercises to recover ankle mobility<\/a> after a sprain or another injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"takeaways\"><\/span>Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you start doing ankle mobility stretches and other exercises, here are a few things to remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Test your ankle mobility before you do any ankle mobility exercises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t strain your ankles with tough exercises. Start with easy ankle stretches and exercises like the ones we shared.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preventing ankle injuries is better than having to treat them. Ankle mobility exercises help strengthen your ankles to <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/injury-prevention-for-running-enthusiasts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">prevent injury<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good ankle mobility can make you a better runner and reduce injury risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build ankle stretches and other exercises into your <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/best-running-training-methods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">weekly workouts<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the end, remember that strong ankles make strong runners. Don\u2019t take your ankles for granted. Work them out every week!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve ever had an ankle sprain, you know just how important your ankle is for balance and easy movement&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2067,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"22","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,20],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2040"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2040"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2040\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3298,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2040\/revisions\/3298"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2067"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2040"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2040"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}