Exercises to strengthen the ankle after a stroke need to be done in order for your body to return to an independent operating level. Exercise has been compared to prescribing medication for stroke patients, according to the American Heart Association. The dosage depends upon your individual limitations and needs. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Doing the exercises daily will help you receive the best results.
Treadmill Training
Walking on a treadmill strengthens your ankle muscles. Walking, an aerobic activity, is considered a large muscle activity that needs to be done by stroke survivors, according to the American Heart Association. Walking helps strengthen your cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system. Walking can be done with the aid of a walker, lift or other assisting device. Walking serves multiple purposes. It can increase your independence, increase your gait velocity, increase your tolerance for other forms of physical activity and decrease your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Set the treadmill's tension at zero to start your program. As you increase strength, increase your intensity and resistance. Get the best health benefits by walking between three to seven days per week for 20 to 60 minutes per session. You can divide the time into 10-minute intervals, if desired.
Towel Scrunches
Strengthening exercises need to be included in your stroke rehab program, according to the American Heart Association. Strengthen your ankles by doing towel scrunches. Sit in a firm chair. Put a towel on the floor in front of you. Place your right foot onto the towel. Lift your foot so only your heel is on the floor. Place your toes onto the towel and begin to move the towel toward you. When you have scrunched the towel as far as possible, stop. Relax your foot for 10 seconds. Straighten the towel with your hands. Repeat this scrunching exercise three times. Do the same exercise with your left foot. As your strength increases, put a book on the far end of your towel. This increases the intensity.
Towel Scoops
Sit upright in a firm chair. Put a towel in front of you, on the floor. Place your right foot onto the towel. Lift your heel and keep it off the towel and ground. Slowly use your foot to pull the towel toward you. Move your right foot toward the center of your body. When you have moved your ankle as far as possible, stop. Relax for 10 seconds. Straighten the towel with your hand. Repeat this exercise three times. Do the exercise again with your left foot. Increase your intensity by placing a book on the towel's far end before scooping the towel.
Toe Stands
Toe stands strengthen your calves and ankles, according to the National Institute on Aging. Find a sturdy chair. Stand facing the chair with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place both hands onto the top of the chair. Use the chair for balancing purposes. Inhale slowly. Exhale as you slowly lift your heels off the floor. Lift yourself as far as possible onto your tiptoes. Hold this position for two seconds. Inhale and slowly return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
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