What Is the Ankle Joint, and How Can You Prevent Injuries?

Question

I recently twisted my ankle, and now I’m experiencing pain and swelling. My doctor mentioned something about the ankle joint, but I never really thought about how important it is for balance, movement, and stability. What exactly does the ankle joint do, and how can injuries be prevented?

From what I understand, the ankle joint connects the tibia, fibula, and talus bones, allowing for flexibility and movement. But why is it so prone to injuries like sprains, fractures, and ligament tears?

I read that weak ankle muscles, poor footwear, and overuse can increase the risk of ankle injuries. Are there any strengthening exercises, stretches, or lifestyle changes that help keep the ankle joint strong and stable?

Does Ayurveda recommend any herbs, oils, or treatments for supporting joint health and recovery from ankle injuries? I’ve heard that Mahanarayan oil, Ashwagandha, and Shallaki are used to reduce inflammation and support joint flexibility—do these actually work?

If anyone has had an ankle injury, what helped you recover the fastest? Did you use physical therapy, natural treatments, or braces to improve healing?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

The ankle joint is essential for balance, movement, and stability, connecting the tibia, fibula, and talus bones to allow for flexibility and motion, particularly when walking, running, or jumping. It's prone to injuries like sprains, fractures, and ligament tears due to its weight-bearing role and the stresses it endures during movement. Common risk factors for ankle injuries include weak ankle muscles, poor footwear, overuse, and sudden movements or twists. To prevent injuries, strengthening exercises such as ankle circles, resistance band exercises, and calf raises can improve muscle support around the joint. Stretching, especially of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, also helps maintain flexibility and prevent strains. Ayurveda recommends various natural remedies for joint health, such as Mahanarayan oil, which is used for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, and Ashwagandha, which helps reduce inflammation and promote overall healing. Shallaki (Boswellia) is another herb commonly used in Ayurveda to support joint health and improve flexibility. Many people recovering from ankle injuries benefit from rest, ice, compression, elevation (R.I.C.E.), along with physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. Natural treatments like herbal oils and supplements, when combined with proper rehabilitation exercises, can speed up recovery and reduce inflammation. If you’ve had an ankle injury, using braces or wraps, and working with a physiotherapist, can help accelerate healing and prevent further injury.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Hello!

The ankle joint is essential for balance, movement, and stability, connecting the tibia, fibula, and talus bones to allow for flexibility and motion, particularly when walking, running, or jumping. It's prone to injuries like sprains, fractures, and ligament tears due to its weight-bearing role and the stresses it endures during movement.

Common risk factors for ankle injuries include weak ankle muscles, poor footwear, overuse, and sudden movements or twists. To prevent injuries, strengthening exercises such as ankle circles, resistance band exercises, and calf raises can improve muscle support around the joint.

Stretching, especially of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, also helps maintain flexibility and prevent strains. Ayurveda recommends various natural remedies for joint health, such as Mahanarayan oil, which is used for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, and Ashwagandha, which helps reduce inflammation and promote overall healing. Shallaki (Boswellia) is another herb commonly used in Ayurveda to support joint health and improve flexibility. Many people recovering from ankle injuries benefit from rest, ice, compression, elevation (R.I.C.E.), along with physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. Natural treatments like herbal oils and supplements, when combined with proper rehabilitation exercises, can speed up recovery and reduce inflammation. If you’ve had an ankle injury, using braces or wraps, and working with a physiotherapist, can help accelerate healing and prevent further injury.

What Is the Ankle Joint, and How Can You Prevent Injuries? - #15285

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