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Following a broken ankle it is important to regain the full strength amd movement in the
ankle to help prevent future injuries.Mobility exercises can usually begin first, once a
cast is removed. Try to take the ankle through its full range of motion provided it is comfortable
to do so. Point the foot away then pull it upwards holding for a couple of seconds at
each end. Do the same when turning the foot inwards and outwards. Stretching the muscles
surrounding the ankle is a must as the calf muscles especially will have been in a shortened
postion while immobilized.To stretch the gastrocnemius lean against a wall with a wide stance, the
back leg straight and heel on the floor. To stretch the soleus muscle bring the back leg
forward slightly and squat down as far as you can bending both knees and keeping the
heels down. To start to strengthen the ankle joint begin with seated calf raises to strengthen
the calf muscles especially the soleus muscle. Start with just a few repetitions and gradually
increase. Resistance bands can also be used to strengthen the muscles surrounding the
ankle. To work the calf muscles wrap the band around your foot and hold the ends close to
you. Point your foot away against the resistance. To work the shin muscles, get someone to hold
the ends away from you and pull the foot up towards you. To work the evertor muscles on
the outer ankle wrap the band around the foot and hold the ends to the inside of the foot,
turn the ankle outwards against resistance. To work the invertors move the band ends to
the outside of the ankle and try to turn the foot inwards against the resistance. By now
the ankle should be strong enough to complete full weight calf exercises, start off by performing
them on the floor on both feet. Progress to single leg exercises and then to performing
on a step and lowering the heel below the level of the step. Toe walking can be added
as a functional progression to standard calf raises.