The ankle may be the most ignored joint next to the wrist in terms of athletic performance, flexibility, and injury prevention. When is the last time you did ankle mobility? I know for me the answer is …. well not often enough. Our ankles are stability joints that must very quickly absorb force, then help shift and stabilize weight for the next movement. This occurs faster than we can think, so we rely on learned motor patterns and reactions. These patterns are critical for performance in sports and in daily living.
It may seem silly to look for gains in strength in such a small joint, but having an effective and efficient base will translate to improving all other standing movement patterns. First you need to establish proper range of motion and then stabilize the joint. Having a solid foundation will benefit all aspects of your training from squats, dead lifts, and your Olympic Lifting.
Step one is determining the flexibility of your ankles by doing these two tests.
#1: Active Dorsiflexion Lying Against Wall
Lay on the ground with feet together and flat against the wall. Have your legs flat and together, with arms by your sides and palms facing up. From here, pull your toes back and as far away from the wall as possible while maintaining heel contact with the wall
To Score:
- Inability to move the ball of the foot from the wall constitutes failure of the test
- 0.1-1 inch from the wall is acceptable
- 1+ inch from the wall is optimal (if you are able to slide the opposite big toe behind your flexed foot this would clear your 1+ inch range)
#2: Active Ankle Plantar Flexion Un-Weighted
Begin lying on your back with your feet in a vertical position. Under control, point your toes away from you as far as possible and hold at your end range of motion. The goal is to achieve at least 20 degrees range of motion, and ideally 30. Visually if you reach a flat line between your foot and shin you have optimal range of motion passing the test. If you are unable to reach 20 degrees you fail the screen.
#3: Passive Dorsiflexion Weighted
Stand with your right foot perpendicular to the wall, with your big toe 1 inch from the wall and knee in line with the second toe. Flex the right knee and attempt to touch the wall while keeping the entire foot flat on the ground paying specific attention to the heel. If successful, move 2 inches from the wall and repeat the process until maximum distance is found.
To Score:
- <2 inches = failure of the test
- 2-4 inches = acceptable range
- 4+ inches = optimal range
Now using the results you have found use the following movement sequences and exercises to start fortifying your foundation.
- Mobility – re-establishing functional range of motion
- Sitting stretches (pictures below) – perform these once per day, focusing slow lowering into a seated position until you can fully relax and there is no muscle tension while in these positions
- Perform the third screen and hold the stretch for thirty seconds and up to three minutes
- Banded stretch
- Self-Myofascial Release on calves and tibialis anterior (front shin muscle) using foam roller, lacrosse ball, Theracane, The Stick, etc.
- Range of motion movements – drawing the alphabet with your toes while leg is extended
- Static Stability – using the joint/muscle/movement pattern that stresses the area needing correction by moving other joints and requiring it to remain static
- Balance on 1 leg for 30 seconds with good posture
- Balance on 1 leg and throw a medicine ball against a wall or with a partner
- Chest Pass 3×10
- Overhead Throw 3×10
- Side Toss 3×10
- Dynamic Stability – moving the joint/muscle/movement patterns through a range of motion requiring dynamic motor control. Focus on soft landings, not maximum force/distance of jumps
- Calf raises three foot positions: neutral, internally rotated, and externally rotated
- Double leg jumps – air jump, forward jump, lateral jumps
- Single leg forward hops, side to side hops
- Full Re-patterning of Movement –moving correctly through a full range of motion
- Perform bodyweight squats with correct form
- Strength –weighted calf raises, vertical jump for height, and broad jump for distance
- Power – box jumps, lateral jumps, agility ladders, sprint accelerations and decelerations
- Performance –sport/activity-specific training
References:
https://breakingmuscle.com/mobility-recovery/a-weak-foundation-how-to-screen-your-ankles-improve-performance-and-decrease-injur?page=0,1
1. “Chapter 3 Assessing Flexibility” accessed February 12th 2013
2. “Ankle Goniometry” accessed February 12th 2013
3. “Reliability of Three Measures of Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion” accessed February 14th 2013
4. “Practical Guide for Plyometric Intensity” accessed February 15th 2013