Ankle Arthritis Exercises

Importance of Ankle Arthritis Exercises

Ankle Arthritis Exercises are crucial for managing ankle arthritis pain and improving the functionality of the ankle joint. These exercises help reduce ankle pain by increasing mobility, strengthening the lower leg muscles, and improving flexibility in the feet and ankles. Regular ankle exercises, such as the calf stretch and resisted ankle dorsiflexion, can alleviate discomfort, reduce stiffness, and prevent further damage to the affected ankle.

Ankle exercises are particularly important for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory arthritis. These conditions can cause inflammation and pain in the joints, and without regular movement, the ankle joint may become stiff and weakened. Specific exercises like ankle pumps and stretching improve blood circulation, prevent muscle atrophy, and promote healing in the lower leg muscles.

Exercises such as the calf stretch also provide support to the calf muscles, which play a key role in ankle stability. By maintaining straight legs during exercises and practicing them with one foot at a time, individuals can achieve a more balanced and effective routine. A physical therapist can guide patients in performing these exercises correctly, ensuring proper alignment and targeting the opposite knee for maximum benefit in treating ankle arthritis pain.

5 Exercises for Arthritic Ankles

Ankle Arthritis Exercises can help improve mobility and reduce pain. The following exercises target flexibility, strength, and coordination, essential for managing ankle arthritis pain. Here's how to do these exercises so that you can teach them to your clients:

Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretch

This stretch improves flexibility in the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia (Versus Arthritis, n.d.). Sit with your legs extended, loop a towel around the ball of your foot, and gently pull your toes toward your body while keeping your knee straight. Ask the patient to hold for a number of seconds that you think is appropriate, and it can be repeated for multiple sets on each foot to reduce tension in the calf muscles.

Ankle pumps

Ankle pumps increase ankle joint mobility and blood flow, reducing stiffness and swelling. To do this exercise, sit with your foot slightly raised, point your toes away from the ankle, hold, then pull your toes back toward your ankle and hold for a similar number of seconds. Repeat several sets per foot to enhance circulation and alleviate ankle pain (Sears, 2024).

Calf stretch

A calf stretch supports ankle stability by stretching the calf muscles (Arthritis Foundation, 2024). Stand near a stable object, step one foot back with the heel on the ground, and bend the opposite knee to lean forward. Hold for a few seconds, repeating several times on each leg to improve flexibility and reduce tension in the lower leg.

Writing the ABCs

Writing the alphabet using your foot improves range of motion, strengthens muscles, improves blood flow, and enhances coordination and balance. While sitting on a chair or lying down, lift one foot off the ground. Then, use the big toe to write each letter of the alphabet in the air by moving your foot at the ankle. Then, repeat this with the other foot. (Voltarengel, 2020).

Marble pickup

This exercise strengthens foot muscles and improves coordination (Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine, n.d.). Sit with two bowls in front of you—one filled with marbles, the other empty. Use your toes to pick up a marble and transfer it to the empty bowl. Repeat until all marbles are moved, then reverse the process, helping to strengthen foot muscles and support ankle joint function.

How to use our Ankle Arthritis Exercises Handout

Carepatron’s Ankle Arthritis Exercises handout is designed to simplify patient care by providing clear, effective exercise instructions. Medical professionals can use this resource to guide patients in managing their ankle pain and improving mobility. Follow these steps to make the most of this valuable tool.

Step 1: Access and use the exercise handout

To get started, click "Use template" on the Carepatron app to access the Ankle Arthritis Exercises Handout on the template editor. You can customize it to suit individual patient needs, add notes or instructions, and print a professional, personalized copy to share during consultations. You can also get a fillable, non-customizable PDF by clicking "Download."

Step 2: Introduce the handout to the patient

Explain the purpose of the handout, emphasizing its role in reducing ankle arthritis pain and improving function. Walk the patient through its layout to ensure they understand how the exercises are tailored to enhance their ankle joint health and manage arthritis symptoms effectively.

Step 3: Discuss how the exercises work

Detail the benefits of each exercise, such as improving flexibility, strengthening lower leg muscles, and reducing stiffness in the affected ankle. Highlight how specific movements, like the calf stretch or ankle pumps, can alleviate pain and promote better mobility, ensuring the patient feels confident about performing them.

Step 4: Provide further patient education and next steps

Encourage patients to incorporate these ankle exercises into their daily routine and monitor their progress. Offer guidance on when to consult a physical therapist or adjust the regimen if symptoms persist. Providing additional resources or scheduling follow-ups can further support their recovery journey.

How will professionals benefit from using this handout?

You can significantly enhance patient care by using the Ankle Arthritis Exercises handout because it provides structured, easy-to-follow exercises designed to decrease pain and improve mobility in the affected foot. These exercises focus on movements in the less painful direction, helping patients regain functionality without aggravating discomfort.

The handout’s clear instructions ensure that patients can achieve the starting position correctly for each exercise, reducing the risk of injury and improving outcomes. By addressing pain and stiffness, these exercises support patients in staying active and maintaining their daily routine, a crucial aspect of managing arthritis effectively.

Additionally, professionals benefit from a standardized resource that minimizes the need for repetitive explanations while ensuring that patients understand how to alleviate the grinding sensation often associated with arthritis. This streamlines care, improves adherence, and ultimately enhances recovery.

References

Arthritis Foundation. (2024). Feet and ankle movements. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/getting-started/your-exercise-solution/lower-body-movements/feet-and-ankle-movements

NHS Inform. (2024, October 16). Exercises to help with ankle pain. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/leg-and-foot-problems-and-conditions/exercises-for-ankle-pain/

Versus Arthritis. (n.d.). Exercises for the toes, feet and ankles. https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-toes-feet-and-ankles/

Sears, B. (2024). Ankle arthritis: Exercises to get relief. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/ankle-arthritis-exercises-5114508

Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine. (n.d.). 7 exercise tips for arthritic feet and ankles. RunDoctor.https://www.rundoctor.com/blog/7-exercise-tips-for-arthritic-feet-and-ankles