Therapy exercises after an ankle burn injury

It is important to exercise your joints after a burn injury. If the skin over or near a joint has been damaged by a burn, it has the potential to become tight and eventually contract.

A contracture is a lack of movement at the joint and this will happen if it is not exercised regularly leading to the joint becoming stiff and limiting your everyday activities. It is always better to prevent a joint contracture from happening in the first place than it is to treat it.

If a contracture develops, more surgery may be needed.

What exercises should I do?

During your treatment you will have carried out some exercises with the therapist. It is very important that you continue your exercises at home.

These should be done little and often throughout the day to prevent stiffness. Using your limbs for normal daily activities such as walking will help maintain movement and reduce stiffness. We would advise you to carry on with hobbies as discussed with your therapist as these will help to improve movement.

Exercise 1 

Point your foot and toes forward towards the floor.

Hold this position for seconds. Then relax your foot. Repeat times.

Exercise 2

Point your foot and toes back towards you.

Hold this position for seconds. Then relax your foot. Repeat times.

Exercise 3

Turn your foot inwards.

Hold this position for seconds. Then relax your foot. Repeat times.

Exercise 4

Turn your foot outwards.

Hold this position for seconds. Then relax your foot. Repeat times.

Exercise 5

Cross the affected ankle over the other knee. Place your hand on top of your foot and stretch your ankle while pointing your foot and toes.

Hold this position for seconds. Then relax your foot. Repeat times.

Exercise 6

Cross the affected ankle over the other knee. Place your hand underneath your toes and bend your ankle and toes towards you.

Hold this position for seconds. Then relax your foot. Repeat times.

Exercise 7

Cross the affected ankle over the other knee. Place your hand by your little toe and your thumb by your big toe. Push your foot so you can see the sole of the foot.

Hold this position for seconds. Then relax your foot. Repeat times.

Exercise 8

Cross the affected ankle over the other knee. Place your hand by your little toe and your thumb by your big toe.  Push your foot so your sole is facing the floor.

Hold this position for seconds. Then relax your foot. Repeat times.

Exercise 9

Straighten the affected leg in front of you. Place a towel around your foot. Pull the towel whilst pushing your knee down.

Hold this position for seconds. Then relax by releasing the towel. Repeat times.

What else should I do to help?

When your burn wound has healed, as advised, use an unperfumed cream to moisturise and massage the area 2 to 3 times a day to keep your skin supple which will help with your stretches at home. It is very important that the old cream is washed off before applying more.