Leg strength training exercises not involving ankle...

Hi Everyone,

About a week and a half ago I severely injured the ligaments in my right ankle playing soccer. I haven't been to the gym since, and I am worried I will lose all the training progress I have made so far.

Does anyone who's had a similar injury have any tips for training? I can now put weight on the ankle, but I have very little mobility from side to side. My physiotherapist suggested I use the stationary bike, as well as continue to do my regular upper body weight lifiting, but I would really like to be able to incorporate some strength training exercises for my legs that don't involve the use of my ankle.

Thanks!

Replies

  • jlclabo
    jlclabo Posts: 588 Member
    about the only thing i can think of off hand is leg extensions and ham curls or glute/ham raise.
  • RhineDHP
    RhineDHP Posts: 1,025 Member
    Well, how much weight can you put on your ankle? Because doing squats with a barbell doesn't involve the ankle moving from side to side with the proper form. Same with a leg press machine.
  • Huffdogg
    Huffdogg Posts: 1,934 Member
    Uh...I would definitely not be trying to squat with a butchered ankle. Just because it doesn't actively involve flexing the ankle in that direction doesn't mean that the ligaments aren't being used to provide stability in the joint while it undergoes dorsiflexion.
  • eldamiano
    eldamiano Posts: 2,667 Member
    Hi Everyone,

    About a week and a half ago I severely injured the ligaments in my right ankle playing soccer. I haven't been to the gym since, and I am worried I will lose all the training progress I have made so far.

    Does anyone who's had a similar injury have any tips for training? I can now put weight on the ankle, but I have very little mobility from side to side. My physiotherapist suggested I use the stationary bike, as well as continue to do my regular upper body weight lifiting, but I would really like to be able to incorporate some strength training exercises for my legs that don't involve the use of my ankle.

    Thanks!

    It's football, not soccer :-p
  • frannie078
    frannie078 Posts: 21 Member
    Yeah, I definitely can't do squats...unless they were one-legged!, but jlcabo had some good ideas! Thanks!
  • lamps1303
    lamps1303 Posts: 432 Member
    about the only thing i can think of off hand is leg extensions and ham curls or glute/ham raise.

    Exactly what I would suggest. Also the adductor/abductor. No pressure on ankles at all
  • chrisrc131
    chrisrc131 Posts: 45 Member
    about the only thing i can think of off hand is leg extensions and ham curls or glute/ham raise.

    Exactly what I would suggest. Also the adductor/abductor. No pressure on ankles at all

    Yep. When people talk about those machines having their place, this is one of the things they're talking about.