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Sunday, February 3, 2013

Foot and Ankle Strengthening: Email Advice

This is a fun email. You just have to love this gentleman's attitude. It is great!!!



Hi Dr. Blake,

     First, I'm so thrilled to have discovered your blog! It's hands-down the most extensive source of information that I have found on the interwebs.

     I recently started doing crossfit training and I love it, but it's hard on the feet and ankles and that's always been a weak point for me. I've been reading your blog today and I wanted to ask some follow up questions.

     Roughly 15 years ago I had reconstructive ankle surgery on both ankles. The correction in the right ankle was much better than in the left, but I have significantly less pain in both post-surgery. I suffered a hairline fracture in my ankle as well, maybe 12 years ago now.
     After the surgery, I did physical therapy and the therapist focused on strength and range of motion of my ankle. She had one piece of equipment which I didn't think to get the name of but I thought it was really effective and would like to try to buy. This tool consisted of a flat circular plane and a semi-sphere ball that attached to the bottom of the plane. The semi-sphere ball attached with a screw and there were progressively larger balls that could be attached as the ankle grew stronger and more flexible. Does this sound familiar to you, and if so, can you share the name so I can buy one?

Dr Blake's Comment: This is a BAPS board which stands for Biomechanical Ankle Platform System. Our physical therapy staff uses it on all ankle and foot rehabilitation programs.



    Next question: I can't do metatarsal doming at all, so what can I do to work my way up to that?
Dr Blake's comment: Try do the metatarsal doming with Yoga Toes on. Focus on working on part one of the met doming which is straightening your toes as rigid as possible. 



  I was watching your videos about the four best exercises to do to strengthen the foot muscles and I could not do the metatarsal doming exercise without curling my toes. I suspect this relates to the inflexibility of my foot, hence why I'm trying to find that flexibility tool the therapist had. Thanks so much again for the blog, I feel empowered!

1 comment:

  1. Hey, very nice site. I came across this on Google, and I am stoked that I did. I will definitely be coming back here more often. Wish I could add to the conversation and bring a bit more to the table, but am just taking in as much info as I can at the moment. Thanks for sharing.
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    Keep Posting:)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you very much for leaving a comment. Due to my time restraints, some comments may not be answered.I will answer questions that I feel will help the community as a whole.. I can only answer medical questions in a general form. No specific answers can be given. Please consult a podiatrist, therapist, orthopedist, or sports medicine physician in your area for specific questions.