Exercises For Avascular Necrosis Of The Ankle

Avascular necrosis, a disease resulting from blood loss to a bone, can occur from fracturing the talus bone in your ankle. This disease can result in the collapse of ankle bones and loss of the ankle joint; however, a daily regimen of range-of-motion exercises can help increase mobility and prevent further damage to your ankle. Perform avascular necrosis exercises only under the supervision of a doctor.

Exercises

Depending on your rate of healing, range-of-motion exercises can be passive, active-assisted or active to decrease the effects of avascular necrosis. Passive exercises -- completed with assistance -- require no direct participation. You complete active-assisted activities with some help, and you perform active exercises alone. From four to six weeks, after your cast removal, you can participate in active ROM activities -- with the exception of resistance exercises, according to surgeon Dr. Stanley Hoppenfeld, author of "Treatment and Rehabilitation of Fractures." From six to 12 weeks, you may perform active, active-assisted and passive ROM exercises, along with progressive-resistance exercises. The Ohio State University Medical Center recommends performing ROM activities at least three times daily. In addition, if you feel pain, stop the exercise.

Rotational ROM Exercises

Rotational ROM exercises may help improve avasular necrosis in your ankle. To complete one circular exercise, move only your ankle and foot, and with your leg held straight, write the letters of the alphabet from A to Z in the air. Ensure that your hips and knees do not bend. As your ankle mobility improves, gradually make letters larger. Perform another rotational exercise by making clockwise circles with your foot, followed by counterclockwise circles. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

Resistance ROM Exercises

Progressively paced resistance exercises can strengthen the muscles of ankles with avascular necrosis. Begin one ROM muscle-strengthening exercise by sitting in a chair with the ball of your foot against a wall. Then, push against the wall without moving your ankle. Another ankle-resistance activity, the ankle pump, moves your foot up and down. To complete an ankle pump, push down on your foot -- as if pushing on a car's gas pedal. Then, pretend you release the pedal by raising your foot. Repeat the ankle pump 10 times. Perform a passive ankle-bending resistance activity by having a knowledgeable helper push your foot up so that your toes point upward. Then, have your assistant put his hand on the top of your foot and press down.

Stretching ROM Exercises

Exercises that stretch the ankle muscles can also help increase range of motion in your ankle and inhibit the progression of avascular necrosis. To perform an ankle stretch, sit with your leg extended forward and loop a towel around the ball of your foot. Pull the towel back until you feel a painless stretch. Hold the stretch for 20 to 25 seconds. Another stretching exercise -- the toe curl -- begins by sitting in a chair with a towel spread in front of you. With your foot flat on the towel, curl your toes to gather the towel under the arch of your foot -- without moving your heel. Repeat the toe curl 10 times.