The importance of ankle strengthening after injury
An ankle injury often results in pain and discomfort, which is why most patients seek treatment from a registered physiotherapist. However, after the phase of swelling and pain has reduced, patients often stop participating in their rehabilitation program.
It is important that the strengthening phase is continued after pain
reduction to restore ankle balance, strength and coordination to prevent chronic ankle instability. Mattacola and Dwyer (2002) and Ha, Han and Sung (2018) have concluded that ankle joint strengthening exercises has been shown to improve the proprioceptive sense* of the ankle. Hence, affecting the improvement in ankle balance ability. If you have recently sustained an ankle injury or have chronic ankle issues, please do not hesitate to have it examined by a registered physiotherapist so that an individualized rehabilitation program can be implemented.
Reference:
Mattacola CG & Dwyer MK. Rehabilitation of the Ankle After Acute Sprain
or Chronic Instability, Journal of Athletic Training (2002) Oct-Dec; 37(4):
413–429.
Ha SY, Han JH & Sung YH. Effect of Ankle Strengthening Exercise
Program on an Unstable Supporting Surface on Proprioception and
Balance in Adults with Functional Ankle Instability, journal of Exercise
Rehabilitation (2018) Apr; 14(2): 301–305.
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