Ankle troubles...

[martyfisch]

Hi all, just wondering if any of you have ideas on how to strengthen ankles for riding; I've spent about a year riding considerably less than usual (i.e- not every day) and recently was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Before diagnosis I lost huge amounts of muscle mass and my legs basically shrank away, beginning with my ankles. I've recovered rather reasonably given that I was knocking on Death's door, but my lower leg just isn't the same and so any tips on how to regain some stability would be helpful. Currently when I put my feet in the stirrups my foot buckles inwards at the ankle so I'm treading on the outside of my soles, which is quite painful. I am going to the Physio on Tuesday, but I'm impatient and I want to start getting them in working order again. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[maresmaid]

Sorry to hear of your health problems. Although I don't have any specific experience of your ankle issue, I did have some problems with my back a good few years ago and I wanted to say that although I did visit several "ordinary" physio's via my doctor, the best help I had was from a proper Sports Physio who I saw privately. She was an event rider herself and understood exactly what I was doing as a rider and horse owner and she gave me advice and exercises that allowed me to sort out my back problem, and then strengthen it in order to continue riding / mucking out etc. After years of recurring episodes of severe pain, she finally put me right and helped me prevent any further problems. I thought it might be worth suggesting that you might find a dedicated sports physio will help you best with this problem.


The only other thought I can offer is that you invest in a pair of riding boots that offer really good support to your ankles, I ride in short johdpur boots and gaiters instead of long riding boots, and there is a big difference in the support offered by the johdpur boots compared to my long boots (as I recently discovered when I twisted my ankle).

 

[rhino]

A good pair of flexi stirrups will be a lifesaver - Sprengers are the best IMO but there are other, cheaper variations

I wouldn't like to advise exercises as Physio will know best - make sure you make them aware that you ride so they can design a routine to suit.