Build stronger ankles and feet

November 5, 9:10 AMDC Running Fitness ExaminerAmy Reinink

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Nothing can sideline a runner quite as quickly as a foot or ankle injury. Worse, with their ability to change a runner's gait at the first sign of trouble, nothing can lead to more problems down the road than untreated foot or ankle injuries.

Runner's World provides some helpful strengthening exercises here, and provides some warning signs of foot trouble ahead here. This Examiner offers the following strengthening exercises, some of which are mentioned and illustrated in the Runner's World feature, and suggests tackling a few of them next time you're zoning out in front of the television after a long run.

Towel scrunches: Lay a towel on the floor. Move it closer to you using your toes by scrunching and relaxing them repeatedly.

Toe taps: Tap your foot for a minute straight. Repeat.

Calf raises on a step: Self-explanatory.

Loop a resistance band around your foot. Push it away from you by pointing your toes.(Check out a photo here).

Tracing the alphabet with your toes.

Any favorite foot- or ankle-strengtheners to share? Share them by posting a comment!