Weak Ankles?

**Ka-Bar** · Posted On: 8/25/2004 12:19pm

Last night, during a foot chase, I rolled my ankle on a dip in the sidewalk. I've previously badly rolled each of my ankles (almost 90 degree bend with full bodyweight on it) that resulted in an aircast and crutches.

I've been told that once you roll and ankle bad enough, it permanently stretches the tendons/ligaments resulting in weak ankles. Is this true?

Also, I've been getting conflicting advice on footwear. Some say to wear 8" boots for added ankle support. Others say wear low-top oxfords because the boots are just a crutch (like a lifter's belt) and my ankles will get stronger in low-tops. Which of those is right? Both?

Also, any exercises beyond calf raises and toe lifts that will help?

**Phoenix** · Posted On: 8/25/2004 1:08pm

From one law enforcement officer to another, these have never failed me

http://www.danner.com/products.asp?catid=12&prodid=1655

They're a bit pricey, but they're worth every penny.

**Mr. Mantis** · Posted On: 8/25/2004 1:14pm

Originally posted by Ka-Bar
Last night, during a foot chase, I rolled my ankle on a dip in the sidewalk.

Ooo, looks like there is going to be a few things said on the VIS to that failure to comply.

If it is sprained or strained, brace it for stability until it heals. I ave also heard that wearing high support shoes or boots make you weak. Go with low tops.

As far as exercises, ask a physical therapist. I would think swimming might be beneficial. Good luck with that injury.

**Ka-Bar** · Posted On: 8/25/2004 1:41pm

Originally posted by Phoenix
From one law enforcement officer to another, these have never failed me

http://www.danner.com/products.asp?catid=12&prodid=1655

They're a bit pricey, but they're worth every penny.

Mmmmm...Danner...

Yeah, if there's one thing that I've never cheaped out on, it's quality footwear, uniforms or equipment. Personally, I've always worn Bates (even in the military) because they feel less like a boot and more like a tennis shoe, but if a physical therapist told me to go with high top boots, Danner, here I come.

**Ka-Bar** · Posted On: 8/25/2004 1:44pm

Originally posted by Mr_Mantis
Ooo, looks like there is going to be a few things said on the VIS to that failure to comply.

If it is sprained or strained, brace it for stability until it heals. I ave also heard that wearing high support shoes or boots make you weak. Go with low tops.

As far as exercises, ask a physical therapist. I would think swimming might be beneficial. Good luck with that injury.

Damn straight. It was just a little inward roll. It's certainly not sprained, and probably not even strained, but the doc's having me ice it and stay off it for a while. Good thing I'm not working tonight. Still caught the fucker, too.

**Phoenix** · Posted On: 8/25/2004 2:19pm

Originally posted by Ka-Bar
Mmmmm...Danner...

Yeah, if there's one thing that I've never cheaped out on, it's quality footwear, uniforms or equipment. Personally, I've always worn Bates (even in the military) because they feel less like a boot and more like a tennis shoe, but if a physical therapist told me to go with high top boots, Danner, here I come.

Excellent choice.

Personally, those boots I posted, the Acadias, are the one's I'd go with. Gore Tex, Vibram soles, awesome ankle support...but you probably might wanna go with the 200 gram insulation, given that you're south of the border where it's less cold.

I used to try out other boots like SWAT Originals or Magnums, but I'll never go back to them. They're garbage compared to Danners.

The only advantage they have is that, like a tennis shoe, they're lightweight, making them optimal for Tactical teams. But, unfortunately, they last about as long as a tennis shoe too.

Danners aren't that much heavier than those are anyway.

**j416to** · Posted On: 8/25/2004 6:58pm

I've had problems with a rolled ankle. When it happened, I was usually able to trace the problem back to the wear of my shoes. Check the wear on the bottoms of your shoes. If the wear is uneven, if the heel is no longer flat, then those shoes will probably cause your ankles to roll again. If you see an uneven wear, you need to throw those shoes out, or at least get them resoled. And that's how I end up selecting/keeping my shoes. The wear on the bottoms of the heels is often more important than the leather tops.

Good luck!

**chaosexmachina** · Posted On: 8/25/2004 7:12pm

I've rolled my right ankle a few times... It actually takes me longer to tap to heel hooks and toeholds. But I was also pidgeon-toed as a child. I'm not sure if that helps at all... but there it is!

**Ka-Bar** · Posted On: 8/26/2004 2:03am

Bah, damn orthopedist told me I was pigeon-toed and that was a major contributor to the problem, so I've got some orthotic insoles to try out.

**TxKickerLady** · Posted On: 8/30/2004 9:09am

I badly sprained my right ankle in high school. It took quite a while to heal, and has always seemed a bit weaker than the other one. In adition to the calf raises and toe lifts, when you're just hanging around the house, go barefoot and walk on your toes a lot like when you were a kid. Ice skating is great to stregthen your ankles. Also balance kicks - standing on one foot while kicking repeatedly with the other foot, without putting it down.