What to do with a weak ankle?...

[Shaaarrrp]

Hey yall,
IVe been playing soccer for a while and never really had any injuries that affected my playing until last Christmas, I badly sprained my left ankle. Although it doesnt hurt to walk on, it definitely isnt as strong as it used to be and my range of motion, although wide, is still affected. Ive began playing soccer again with an ankle brace and generally it all feels well. However, the brace is so big (and its not a big one, its just big in relation to what used to be in my cleats), wearing my cleats isnt the most comfortable thing to do anymore....

Im just wondering what yall have done in terms of playing with a weaker than normal ankle in the past, whether it be ankle guards (such as in shin guards), braces, etc

I am buying new cleats soon also so any advice on cleats good for support are welcome...Im looking at the Umbro Speciali's at the moment


Thanks!

[CristiK07]

hey, i've got a weak ankle also due to alot of sprains and twists, mine doesnt seem to be as bad as yours though. what i do to increase its strength are heel raises. stand on a raised platform with over half of the back part of your foot hanging over and do about 40 or so a day. it works very well in strengthening your ankle, and calf. no advice though on cleats :( sorry.

[Shaaarrrp]

Thanks...Ive considering taping my ankle up instead of wearing the brace I got...Have any of you done this and does it actually provide viable support for an ankle?

[CC05]

Personally i'd say you REALLY need to work intensely on strengthening your ankle because if all you use are ankle braces and what not, your ankle will just become dependent on it and never heal properly like it was before.

Plenty of exercises for that too, just do a search around.

[vancouversoccerman]

Hey yall,
IVe been playing soccer for a while and never really had any injuries that affected my playing until last Christmas, I badly sprained my left ankle. Although it doesnt hurt to walk on, it definitely isnt as strong as it used to be and my range of motion, although wide, is still affected. Ive began playing soccer again with an ankle brace and generally it all feels well. However, the brace is so big (and its not a big one, its just big in relation to what used to be in my cleats), wearing my cleats isnt the most comfortable thing to do anymore....

Im just wondering what yall have done in terms of playing with a weaker than normal ankle in the past, whether it be ankle guards (such as in shin guards), braces, etc

Thanks!

I partially tore some ligaments in my right ankle in a game two years ago, and it took me a good six months to get the strength back to even close of what it was. I did go to a physiotherapist a few times (highly recommended), but most of the work I did by myself.

The heel raises are a good idea for strengthening both ankles. But if you just want to focus on the injured ankle, try doing the heel raises with just your left, while keeping your right ankle in the air. If it's still too painful, just try standing on your injured leg, without doing the raises...you should be able to do it over time. Try to do it at least 20 times, 3 times a day...better yet, any chance you get during the day. It will do wonders.

I also used a wobble board, which not only strengthened the ligaments in my ankle, but also helped improve my balance. Most fitness centres should have them, and they're good for training even when you're healthy.

After the strength has been built up and there's no pain, you should try skipping rope, or simply bounce up and down on your toes for a minute at a time. DON'T DO THIS UNTIL YOU'VE RECOVERED, BECAUSE YOU MAY REINJURE YOUR ANKLE!

When I came back, I taped up my ankle for games and practices. To be honest, I think it did more for my confidence on the pitch than it did to actually protect the ankle. It got my mind off the worry about re-injuring it. As a rule, if you're worried about getting injured while on the field, you'll probably find a way to make it happen.

Hope this helps! Here's to a speedy & full recovery!

Cheers,
Bill