Following an ankle sprain, you may start strengthening exercises once you can bear weight comfortably and you have nearly full range of motion. Make sure to check with your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon before you begin.
There are several types of strengthening exercises. It is easiest to begin with isometric exercises that you do by pushing against a fixed object with your ankle. Once you have mastered isometric exercises, you can progress to isotonic exercises.
In isotonic exercises, you use your ankle's range of motion against some form of resistance. The photos below show isotonic exercises performed with a resistance band, which you can get from your local physical therapist or a sporting goods store.
Place 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.
Place your ankle in the "up and out" position against the same object.
Hold this position for a count of 10.
Repeat 10 times.
Using a resistance band around your forefoot, 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.
Tie the resistance bands around a fixed object and wrap the ends around your forefoot.
Start with your foot pointing down and pull your ankle up as far as you can.
Return to the starting position and cycle your ankle 10 times.
Tie the bands around an object to the outer side of your ankle.
Start with the foot relaxed and then move your ankle down and in.
Return to the relaxed position and repeat 10 times.
Tie the ends of the bands around an object to the inside of your ankle and hold your foot relaxed.
Bring your foot up and out and then back to the resting position.
Repeat 10 times.
Once you have regained the motion and strength in your ankle, you are ready for activities such as gentle jogging and biking. After you feel your ankle strength is approximately 80% of your other side, then you can begin cutting or twisting sports.
Stand with your affected leg on a pillow.
Hold this position for a count of 10.
Repeat 10 times.
Stand on your affected leg with the resistance band applied to your unaffected leg.
Bring your unaffected leg backward and then back to the starting position.
Repeat 10 times.
Bring your unaffected leg forward and then back to the starting position.
Repeat 10 times.
Start these exercises slowly and progress to a faster speed for a more difficult workout. For a more advanced exercise, swing your unaffected leg behind you and then back.
Last reviewed by Glenn Shi, MD, 2020
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