1. Place a cloth or towel on the floor. Use your toes to pick up the cloth or towel. While clenching it, you’ll rotate your ankle outward and inward (Figure 188).
2. Sit down in a chair and slowly lift your injured foot from the floor to extend it into the air. You will now move your foot up, down, and to the sides to sketch the alphabet in the air (A, B, C, and so on). As you move your foot, allow your toes to flex and point to sketch the letters.
3. You may progress to the Baby Steps exercise as your ankle regains its strength. You’ll begin taking steps as slowly as you can; one single step should take about one minute to complete. The rear of the foot should be lifted all at once by using the inside of the hip joint. If performed correctly, a person behind you shouldn’t be able to see your heel rise (Figure 185). With the sole of your foot barely off the floor, slowly and gradually bring your foot forward (Figure 186). As your foot departs from the floor, be aware of your balance. You don’t want to lean to one side or another or allow your supporting leg to shake. Your head and hips should be centered and facing straight ahead. You may now very lightly set the entire sole of your foot down on the floor (Figure 187). Follow the same steps with your other leg, taking a total of three to five steps with each leg. The Baby Steps exercise can be done twice per day until the injury has completely healed and you’re able to restart your normal activities of daily living.
