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Strengthening exercises for ankle sprains

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Talk with your doctor or physical therapist if you have questions about how to do these or any other exercises for ankle sprains.

Ankle eversion exercise

Picture of the ankle eversion strengthening exercise for an ankle sprain

 
Instructions:
  • Start by sitting with your foot flat on the floor and pushing it outward against an immovable object such as the wall or heavy furniture.
  • After you feel comfortable with this, try using rubber tubing looped around the outside of your feet for resistance. Rubber tubing, also called surgical tubing, is like a big rubber band. When held firmly on one end, it offers resistance as you stretch the other side.

Isometric opposition exercises

Picture of the isometric opposition strengthening exercise for an ankle sprain

 
Instructions:
  1. While still sitting, put your feet together flat on the floor.
  2. Press your injured foot inward against your other foot.
  3. Next, place the heel of your other foot on top of the injured one and push down with the top heel while trying to push up with your injured foot.
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 01/11/2008