Home Exercise Programs for a Total Ankle Replacement

Home Exercise Programs for a Total Ankle Replacement
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Total ankle replacement surgery uses artificial joints to replace damaged parts of your ankle joint, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes on Health. Total ankle replacements are frequently performed as a result of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankle fractures and arthritis caused by a past ankle injury. Home exercises programs can help restore range of motion in your ankle following surgery. You should always consult your doctor before beginning exercises following a total ankle replacement.

Alphabet

Using your big toe to write the ABC's. Move only your ankle and foot as you complete this exercise according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. This exercise should be completed seated. Avoid bending or moving your hips and knees. Complete each letter of the alphabet. Start out with small letters and work your way to writing the letters larger as the range of motion in your ankle improves. Complete this exercise three times daily.

Circles

Ankle circles can be completed standing up or sitting up straight in a chair. Using your foot, make circles. According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, go clockwise and then repeat counter-clockwise. Repeat this exercise 10 times in both directions.

Towel Stretch

Sit straight back in a chair. Keep your good foot on the ground. Loop a towel around the bottom of your foot. Your leg should be fully extended. Using both hands, pull back on the towel. You should feel a stretch in your ankle, but no pain, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Hold this stretch for 25 seconds. Release and repeat this exercise three times. Try to complete this exercise three times each day.

Pumps

Seated with your back straight in a chair, extend your replaced ankle in front of you. Make a motion as if you were pushing on the gas pedal of your card, according to Ohio State. Push down and then let go. Repeat one set of 10 repetitions. Complete this exercise three times daily.

References

Article reviewed by Rachel Mattison Last updated on: Dec 10, 2010

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