Weak Knees and Ankles: Exercises Off Ice

[justamoose]

My ankles are the worst! Does anyone have any good exercises off-ice to strengthen ankles? I've seen those stretchy things you have to buy, but seeing as I'm spending a ton of money already, I was wondering if anyone had any exercises that can be done anywhere, (like in my case, at work in my office hehe)
Also, knees. 

[riley876]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSXqRccmZDo

FWIW, I do this one every morning.  I use 2x 10L water bottles for weights.

[jbruced]

For something a little less robust you could do any of the one legged yoga poses or tai chi type exercises. Stand one legged on something soft like a large folded towel. Any of these will be enhanced if done with the eyes closed. If you have one try standing on a mini trampoline in the same manner. Gradually incorporate the deadlift movement noted by the previous respondent.

[Doubletoe]

Justamoose, what makes you think you have weak ankles?

[justamoose]

I roll them a lot, even off the ice. I trip over nothing. Sometimes I'm just walking down the street, and I just fall. I have be to conscious about where and how I put my feet. It's sad, really.

[Neverdull44]

I had surgery on a left ankle tendon to remove a cyst.  The tendon was cut during surgery because the cyst was deeper than the sleeve/outer casing of the tendon.  As you can imagine, I can be unstable.  The surgeon wanted me to wear high heels on occasion to help straighten my ankle and the ability to stabilize it.   My ability to balance in super high heels was my test of when I was allowed to go back on the ice.  Unfortunately, I developed a severe allergic reaction called Serum Sickness to the antibiotic that prevented me from returning for several months . . . .   

I don't know if ankle or knee joints are actually weak, but the surrounding muscles and joining tissues may have issues.  Isometric exercises, weights while bending, probably would increase stability.  How about Yoga?

[justamoose]

Interesting, I never thought of wearing high heels as something that can strengthen ankles. I rarely wear mine because of the high possibility of me falling over, but maybe I need to start wearing them more often?

[Neverdull44]

I usually never wear high heels. I have no where to go, other than the playground to run around with kids.  And, I have other foot issues that make wearing heels hard.   Go easy, because I will slip over in high heels.  Full pumps are the most stable.  Slingbacks and no backs are a recipe for disaster for me.  :-(

[justamoose]

I suppose I could wear them around the office, although I sit at a desk a majority of the day. Getting up and walking around is always a good idea though!

[Doubletoe]

I roll them a lot, even off the ice. I trip over nothing. Sometimes I'm just walking down the street, and I just fall. I have be to conscious about where and how I put my feet. It's sad, really.

That doesn't necessarily mean you have weak ankles.  It might be an alignment issue, something about the way you do or don't pick up your feet when you walk, or even pronated or supinated feet.  It could also be an attention issue, which you hopefully don't have when you are on the ice and paying more attention to what your body is doing.  No matter what the cause (unless it's just lack of attention), a Bosu balance trainer will help for sure.  My physical therapist introduced me to these and they are great.  Here's the cheapest one I was able to find online:  http://www.massagewarehouse.com/products/bosu-50-cm-sport-balance-trainer-blue/?sourcecode=MGOOPF&gclid=CjwKEAjw8oSoBRCss4qDrP3Y7yUSJACKumZ9iy3XHTvc2Pv_YKb0Br9hmlOaKJEIxN56X4QfHNo4DxoC3Xbw_wcB&kwid=productads-plaid^82444162345-sku^851+1020+02@ADL4MW-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^46015091796

[rd350]

I think getting assessed at least by a good PT would be useful to you.  You could have some structural issues (joint immobility, tight muscles, etc....) that won't allow you to position your foot well and therefore have decreased stability - especially if you find stabilization exercises not to help.

[AgnesNitt]

My ankles are the worst! Does anyone have any good exercises off-ice to strengthen ankles? I've seen those stretchy things you have to buy, but seeing as I'm spending a ton of money already, I was wondering if anyone had any exercises that can be done anywhere, (like in my case, at work in my office hehe)
Also, knees.

Ballet really strengthens the ankles. I did a 'ballet exercise' class with bazillions of toe raises twice a week for 6 weeks, and at the end I could bench press Michigan with my feet. These toe raises are called releve' and they strengthen your feet, toes, ankles and calves.

[Doubletoe]

I think getting assessed at least by a good PT would be useful to you.  You could have some structural issues (joint immobility, tight muscles, etc....) that won't allow you to position your foot well and therefore have decreased stability - especially if you find stabilization exercises not to help.

Totally agree!  Most insurance companies offer coverage for physical therapy, and it's extremely helpful!

[PhysicsOnIce]

The surgeon wanted me to wear high heels on occasion to help straighten my ankle and the ability to stabilize it.   

My orthopaedic doctor also recommend high heels (on a very regular basis) after having tendinitis and as a result bursitis. If you tendons are too short, which is my case, putting yourself in heels actually relieves some of the strain on the tendons.

[justamoose]

This is helpful! Thanks!