
A letter to all who know how it feels to roll your ankle everyday
Hi, you are here!
People with chronic ankle instabilities often develop this issue after inappropriate treatment of a previous ankle sprain. Some have had it since middle school, and some have had it for over a decade. It gets better from time to time but we somehow know that it never goes away.
Check where you are
I am in my 12th year of this issue right now. And here are things my interviewees and I have tried.
Home training
Foot bath
Osteopathy / massage
Hospital
Special shoes
Ankle support accessories
...
Notes to share with you…
So, taking advantage of the opportunity to chat with you, here are some insights I've found during this project. No matter what stage you are currently in, I hope these little notes can help you.
Many people who are prone to ankle sprains have misalignment in their lower body joints, often caused by prolonged incorrect sitting posture leading to pelvic torsion. Avoid sitting cross-legged or in other improper positions, such as sitting with one leg tucked under you. Check your sitting posture! If necessary, invest in a more comfortable chair and a footrest to encourage proper sitting.
The core of most ankle training revolves around adding resistance on an unstable surface. Ankle lifts, balance ball exercises, and more are commonly used.
There are more people with this problem than you might think! From my experience, every time I bring up this project in a group of about twenty people, there are usually 1-3 individuals who themselves or someone close to them have this ankle issue. So don't feel like you're weird; it's just that we all don't talk about it much!
My ankle issues have improved a lot in the past couple of years, and one significant reason is that I started swing dance. It's a dance that requires frequent “ankle lifts“ movements. I've been enjoying it, and so far, I haven't sprained my ankle much because of it. Whether you believe it or not, it has been very beneficial for me!
Now, here's a whimsical idea for you: create your very own ankle enchantment! The next time you find yourself stumbling or twisting your ankle while walking, recite your special mantra or chant. Embrace your inner sorcerer or enchantress, casting a spell of healing and resilience upon your ankle. Trust me, a touch of magic and a sprinkle of cuteness can do wonders!
:P
Sincerly, (hope our ankles get better)
Molly Meng