advise on weak ankle

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Natalielodge

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Hi everyone just a quick one. I have not ridden for 4 years and have just lately got back into it (change of work), i am riding a very lively TB ex racehorse 6 times a week! due to him being a bit crazy i need to ride very much heels down all the time. I have found that my left ankle gets very weak and once i stop and stretch it out it does get better but feel i will be able to ride a lot more consistently without this problem. Does anyone know of anything i can do to strengthen it, exercises, supports etc thanks x
 
Get a pile of books or a step put your feet on the step/books, heels hanging over the edge, then drop your heels. You can keep raising up & dropping your heels &/or hold that position till you feel the pull.
Otherwise .. erm anything that involves ankle movement such as jumping (but exaggerate the springing in the ankle) or skipping! Also you can add weight i.e hold a bag of sugar to increase the resistance against your ankle.
 
use flexi, shock absorbing stirrups - work a treat ;) You can get ankle supports from the chemist, and these are really good too. I would try rotating the ankle as much as you can, and if you need to use ibuprofen gel.

If the problem doesn't clear up, do see your GP. i twisted my ankle badly, had to have it xrayed, and was then diagnosed with joint hypermobility, so keep an eye on it. :)
 
I love my flexi stirrups they really help my ankles.

Also, see a physio, he should be able to recommend exercises to strengthen the ankle depending on why it's weak in the first place.
 
jenki13 said:
Get a pile of books or a step put your feet on the step/books, heels hanging over the edge, then drop your heels. You can keep raising up & dropping your heels &/or hold that position till you feel the pull.
Otherwise .. erm anything that involves ankle movement such as jumping (but exaggerate the springing in the ankle) or skipping! Also you can add weight i.e hold a bag of sugar to increase the resistance against your ankle.
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I had the same problem (though am in theory quite a fit rider - one ankle just started giving way for no reason) and my sister asked her physio what to do - this was exactly what he recommended!
 
I have the same, tried a friends Sprengers and ankle didn't hurt at all!! so they do work.....unfortunately as I now have to buy some and they are not cheap!!
 
This used to happen to me when I rode my old boy. He became very baggy on his back which made me sit as though I was in an armchair, so when I rode rising trot all the pressure went on my ankles. I bought some sprenger stirrups which were brill. He's retired now but the habit stuck when I backed my (then) youngster which was rather painful as it messed all my balance up and I fell off! Thankfully my instructor beat me up :D and worked and worked on me pulling my leg back to where is should be. 1st day we worked on it, i couldnt stand the next day - i'm not lying either, it hurt! Now, no probs at all (sort off:)
 
Angelz said:
I have the same, tried a friends Sprengers and ankle didn't hurt at all!! so they do work.....unfortunately as I now have to buy some and they are not cheap!!
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Keep an eye on ebay, they do come up. I sold mine on here, still got quite a bit, but cheaper than new
 
shysmum said:
use flexi, shock absorbing stirrups - work a treat ;) You can get ankle supports from the chemist, and these are really good too. I would try rotating the ankle as much as you can, and if you need to use ibuprofen gel.

If the problem doesn't clear up, do see your GP. i twisted my ankle badly, had to have it xrayed, and was then diagnosed with joint hypermobility, so keep an eye on it. :)
Click to expand...

Yeah i have purchased a set of these and they are really good but problem still persists I have thought about the supports but not sure i would get my ankle in my boot! ahhh
 
Will defo try the pile of books trick as i do think its just through lack of use rather than an actual problem. My right side is my stronger side so might be why i have had no problems with that one?! Thanks Everyone very helpful x
 
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