{"id":644,"date":"2022-02-10T07:48:27","date_gmt":"2022-02-10T07:48:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/madaboutrun.com\/?p=644"},"modified":"2023-05-12T08:50:29","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T08:50:29","slug":"how-to-strengthen-ankles-for-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madaboutrun.com\/how-to-strengthen-ankles-for-running\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Strengthen Ankles for Running"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to running, what’s slowing you down? Is it a lack of training or stamina? Poor-fitting shoes or a lack of motivation? Or, like millions of runners, are your weak ankles the main culprit? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re struggling to get the miles in because your ankles can’t take the strain, you’re not alone. When we run, our leg muscles do the majority of the work. You may be surprised to learn just how many lower-body muscles take the strain when we run, too, especially our ankles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your muscle strength is letting you down, and you’re finding yourself more susceptible to ankle strains and sprains, you’re not alone. Incorporating ankle muscle workouts into your strength training may just be the push you need to increase your performance and reduce your risk of injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re ready to find out more, stick with us to learn some of the best ways to strengthen your ankles for running. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Why Your Ankles Hurt From Running<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are your ankles feeling sore, tense, or weak from your run? There are a few reasons why your ankles might hurt after running:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stress Fracture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stress fractures can form in your muscle when your muscles cannot absorb the shock from the impact of repetitive exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shin splints, which are an irritation on the outer lining of the bone, are one of the primary forms of stress fracture. If left untreated, stress fractures can end up needing a cast and the treatment of a medical professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do Shin Splints Go Away<\/a>? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shin splints may heal on their own if treated with ice and gentle stretching. Some shin splints can take between 3 to 6 months to heal, and you should avoid repetitive physical activity during the healing process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tendonitis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tendons are the pieces of connective tissue that sit between your muscles and your bones. Tendonitis is the swelling of a tendon that can cause joint pain or stiffness. Several types of tendinitis can occur in the foot region and may make your ankles hurt when you run. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arthritis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, arthritis in the ankles is caused by wear and tear of the joints. It can occur in runners of any age. Three types of arthritis can cause your feet or ankles to hurt: rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. With each type, the joint is weakened or damaged, which can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ankle Instability<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, you may just be suffering from weak ankles. Chronic ankle instability can develop if you’ve suffered from frequent ankle sprains. Ankle instability often feels like your ankles are ‘giving way’ when walking or running. You may suffer from regular discomfort, swelling, wobbly ankles, pain, or tenderness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Ankle Injuries From Running<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Running can cause several ankle injuries that shouldn’t be ignored, whether it’s from overtraining or bad mechanics. The ankle joint has complex and delicate biomechanics, making ankle injuries a common issue for runners. Below are some of the most common ankle injuries caused by running:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sprain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sprains cause damage to lateral or external ligaments. Sprains can be treated with rest to control pain, swelling, or inflammation, and most people recover within a few weeks to months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Achilles Tendinopathy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This injury is caused to the band of tissue that runs down the back of your leg to your heel. It’s often caused by blunt trauma or muscle fatigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Strength Exercises for Ankles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now we’ve explored some of the most common causes of ankle sprain, and the injuries that can occur during exercise, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can strengthen your ankles and minimize the risk of injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heel Walks <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Heel walks can help you identify imbalances in the lower leg, especially in the Tibialis Anterior. To perform a heel walk, complete the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n