When your ankles are weak it can cause your feet to ache, and can also cause balance problems that may result in falls. Physical therapy exercises are a great way to improve ankle health and custom braces can be used to improve balance and prevent falls.

4 methods for increasing ankle strength and stability include the following:

1. Strengthening and flexibility exercises—Stretching and strengthening exercises for your feet and ankles are an excellent way to increase aSet featured imagenkle stability.
2. Custom fitted orthotic inserts and ankle braces—The Moore Balance Brace is clinically proven to decrease sway and increase stability and custom orthotic shoe inserts can improve gait mechanics and help properly align the foot, knees, hips, and back.
3. Calf stretching exercise—This exercise involves rising up on your toes and back down again. Standing on the edge of a step will allow a fuller range of motion. Try to do three sets of ten repetitions each.
4. Heel walking—Walking around on your heels may look and feel awkward, but it’s a great and easy way to improve ankle strength. Try to walk on your heels for five minutes, several times a day.

Your foot doctor can help customize a program for strengthening your ankles to help avoid falls and injuries. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.