Ankle and Foot Injury Rehabilitation Program

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Questions and Answers

Why is elevating an injured foot above the heart recommended as part of home rehabilitation?

  • To prevent further injury by limiting movement.
  • To reduce swelling by aiding fluid drainage away from the foot. (correct)
  • To keep the foot warm, which can help relax the muscles.
  • To increase blood flow to the injured area, promoting faster healing.

What is the primary purpose of performing 'ankle alphabets' as part of an ankle rehabilitation program?

  • To improve balance by challenging proprioception.
  • To reduce pain by fatiguing the muscles around the ankle.
  • To increase ankle strength by resisting movement.
  • To improve ankle flexibility and range of motion through controlled movements. (correct)

During the standing gastroc stretch, what is the correct position to maximize the stretch in the calf muscle?

  • Bending both the front and back knees equally.
  • Keeping the back knee straight and leaning forward while keeping both feet flat. (correct)
  • Leaning backward, keeping the front knee bent and the back knee straight.
  • Keeping the front knee straight and bending the back knee.

In the soleus stretch, how does the position of the back leg differ from the standing gastroc stretch, and why is this important?

<p>The back knee is bent to target the lower calf muscle. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When performing functional dorsiflexion on a step, what indicates that the exercise is being done correctly?

<p>The heel remains flat on the step while the knee moves as far forward over the toes as possible. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During 'Ankle 4 Ways' exercises using a resistance band, what adjustment should be made if the exercises become too easy?

<p>Use a harder resistance band or increase the number of repetitions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are clamshell exercises beneficial for ankle rehabilitation, even though they primarily target the hips?

<p>They improve hip stability, which helps protect the knees and ankles during movement. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When performing the towel curl exercise, what is the primary goal to effectively strengthen the foot?

<p>To strengthen the muscles in the foot by scrunching the towel with the toes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During balance exercises, what progression should be followed to gradually increase the difficulty?

<p>Start with eyes open, then progress to eyes shut to challenge balance further. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If pain and swelling increase significantly after starting this home rehabilitation program, what immediate action should be taken?

<p>Discontinue the exercises and consult with a healthcare professional. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ankle Alphabets Exercise

Writing the alphabet with your foot to improve ankle flexibility, focus on large, clear capital and lowercase letters.

Hamstring Stretch with Towel

Sitting hamstring stretch using a towel to increase flexibility. Loop a towel around your foot and gently pull your toes back, holding the stretch.

Standing Gastroc Stretch

Stretching the gastrocnemius muscle by leaning forward against a wall with one leg straight back, foot flat, and the other knee bent.

Soleus Stretch

Similar to the Gastroc Stretch, but bending the back knee to target the soleus muscle.

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Functional Dorsiflexion on a Step

Rocking forward on a step to increase ankle dorsiflexion, ensuring the heel remains flat.

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Ankle 4 Ways - Downward

Using a resistance band to strengthen the ankle by pushing the foot downward against resistance.

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Ankle 4 Ways - Upward

Using a resistance band with assistance to strengthen the ankle by pulling the foot upward against resistance.

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Ankle 4 Ways - Outside

Using a resistance band to strengthen the outside of the ankle by pushing the foot outward against resistance.

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Ankle 4 Ways - Inside

Using a resistance band to strengthen the inside of the ankle by pulling the foot inward against resistance.

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Clamshells Exercise

Strengthening hip muscles to stabilize the knees and ankles using a resistance band around the knees while lifting the top knee.

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Study Notes

  • This home program aids in foot or ankle injury rehabilitation and is a supplementary therapy to professional guidance.
  • If experiencing pain or swelling, icing the injured area immediately is advised.
  • Elevate the foot above heart level to reduce swelling faster.
  • Ice the injury for 10 minutes multiple times a day until swelling decreases.

Ankle Flexibility

  • Flexibility stretches should be performed at least once a day.

Ankle Alphabets

  • Sit in a chair, straighten the knee, and write the alphabet in capital and lowercase letters, making the letters as large as possible.
  • This should be done at least twice a day.

Stretches

  • Stretches should be performed at least once a day.

Hamstring Stretch

  • While sitting on the floor with legs straight, loop a towel around the foot and pull toes back.
  • Hold this position for 30 seconds and repeat three times on the injured leg.

Standing Gastroc Stretch

  • Stand at a wall with the injured leg behind, bend the front knee, and keep the back knee straight.
  • Then, lean forward, ensuring feet remain flat.
  • Hold for 30 seconds and repeat three times.

Soleus Stretch

  • Use the same position as the gastroc stretch, bend the back knee while keeping the foot flat, and lean forward.
  • Hold for 30 seconds and perform it three times on each side.

Functional Dorsiflexion on a Step

  • With the injured foot on a step, gently rock forward, bringing the knee as far as possible over the toes, keeping the heel flat.
  • Repeat this exercise 30 times once a day.

Ankle Strength Exercises

  • For each exercise, complete three sets of 10 repetitions every day.

Ankle 4 Ways

  • Use a resistance band to work four different directions and muscle groups of the ankle.

Ankle 4 Ways - Downward

  • Sit with legs straight, loop the band around the foot, and push the foot down against the resistance.
  • Repeat 10 times and do three sets.

Ankle 4 Ways - Upward

  • Have someone hold the band around the top of the foot and pull the foot up.
  • Repeat 10 times and do three sets.

Ankle 4 Ways - Outside

  • Have someone hold the band or tie it around a table leg; push the foot to the outside against the resistance.
  • Make sure the motion comes from the ankle.
  • Repeat 10 times and do three sets.

Ankle 4 Ways - Inside

  • Loop the band around the foot and pull the foot in, keeping the rest of the leg still.
  • Make sure the movement comes from the ankle.

Resistance band levels

  • Use a harder band with more resistance or increase repetitions if the exercises become easier.
  • Increase repetitions from 10 to 15.

Towel Curls

  • While sitting in a chair with a towel under the foot, scrunch up the towel with the toes, and pull the towel towards you.
  • Do three sets of 10 repetitions.

Clamshells

  • Strengthen hip muscles to protect knees and ankles.
  • Place a looped band above the knees, roll on the side, bend knees, keep feet together, and hips stacked.
  • Bring the top knee towards the ceiling against the band.
  • Do three sets of 10 repetitions.

Balance Improvement

  • Balance on the injured leg with eyes open, then with eyes shut.
  • Work up to balancing for 30 seconds and repeat three times, twice a day.

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