Exercises for patients following an acute ankle injury or operation (2024)

• If the ankle is swollen, rest with the leg supported in elevation. A small amount of swelling and mild aches and pains are expected following an ankle operation or injury.
• Using ice can help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap some crushed ice or a bag of frozen peas in a towel and apply to the ankle for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat regularly until swelling subsides.
• Do not use ice if you have any of the following conditions: Raynaud’s disease, arteriosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, vasospasm, cryoglobulinemia, cold urticaria.
• If you have cardiovascular problems or reduced skin sensation, seek advice from your physiotherapist before using ice.
• Follow your doctor’s advice regarding how much weight to put on the foot. You will be able to gradually increase this as pain and swelling subside. You may need to use crutches for a short time to avoid limping.
• If you have had an operation, keep wounds clean and dry. Do not soak in a bath until the wounds are fully healed. Wear a waterproof dressing to take a shower.
• Do simple exercises (shown overleaf) to increase the range of movement in your ankle. Your physiotherapist will advise you on which ones are appropriate.
• The following exercises should be performed __ times a day. If you are struggling with the exercises due to pain or swelling, reduce the repetitions to a manageable level.
• If the ankle becomes hot, red or uncomfortably swollen please contact your GP.

1. Ankle circles

Rotate your ankle in a circle. Repeat . . . . times then change direction.

2. Ankle pumps

Bend and straighten your ankles briskly. If you keep your knees straight during the exercise you will stretch your calf muscles.

Repeat . . . . times.

3. Deep calf stretch

Stand with one foot in front of the other holding on to a support. Keep the feet pointing forwards. Bend both knees and let the weight of your body stretch your calf without lifting the heel off the floor. You should feel a stretch in the lower calf of the back leg.

Hold for . . . . seconds then relax.

Repeat . . . . times.

4. Calf stretch

Stand with one foot in front of the other holding on to a support with the leg to be stretched straight behind you, and the other leg bent in front of you. Lean your body forwards pushing the back heel towards the ground. You should feel the stretch in the calf of the straight leg.

Hold for . . . . seconds then relax.

Repeat . . . . times.

5. Heel raises

Standing with support, push up on your toes.

Hold for . . . . seconds then lower your heels to the ground.

Repeat . . . . times.

6. Calf stretch

Sit with towel or strap around foot. Pull top of foot toward your body so that you feel a stretch.

Hold for . . . . seconds then relax.

Repeat . . . . times.

7. Heel dips and raises

Stand on a step with both heels over the edge. Hold on to a support. Let the weight of your body stretch your heels towards the floor.

Hold for . . . . seconds. Then raise up onto tiptoes.

Hold for . . . . seconds.

Repeat . . . . times.

8. Balance

Stand on one foot. Keep your balance.

Hold for . . . . seconds

Repeat . . . . times.

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