Physical Therapy

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Ankle Strengthening

By Laura Inverarity, D.O., About.com

Updated: March 02, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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Overview

Strong ankles are important for preventing as well as recovering from ankle sprains, strains, and fractures. To begin, it is imporant to understand the motions of the ankle.

There and four basic motions of the ankle joint. These are:
Plantar Flexion:
This is the motion we perform when pointing our toes

Dorsi Flexion:
This is the motion we perform when pulling our toes upward off the ground

Inversion:
This is the motion we perform when we point our toes inward

Eversion:
This is the motion we perform when we point our toes outward

Ankle sprains often occur when there is excessive inversion of the ankle joint. Strong everters of the ankle can often help limit this motion and prevent ankle sprains.

Review some of the ankle strengthening exercises in the links below to learn how to strengthen your ankle joint today.

As always, discuss any exercise program with your doctor before performing it.

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Physical Therapy

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