Stiff Kness, Ankles, and Achilles

If you're anything like me, experiencing stiffness from the waist down is a reality. Beginning in my 40's, I struggled to bend at the hip, knee, and ankle. I attributed my physical challenges to aging.

After several trips to the orthopedic office, I was fed up with my stiff joints. The only way to improve my physical state was to strengthen my muscles and increase my range of motion.

Daily stretching significantly improves flexibility. However, initially, I could not figure out how to broaden my range of motion in my knees, ankles, and achilles areas. I decided to improve my knees, calves, ankles, and achilles flexibility by stretching beyond my comfort zone. I asked myself, “What position causes me the most discomfort?” That would be sitting in a low seat or on the floor and then trying to get up.

Here’s what I decided to do: Every day, I would stretch and then sit on the floor and get up (with as little assistance as possible from my furniture) five times a day. Two months later, I could fully bend my knees, ankles, and Achilles and rise off the floor effortlessly.

Sitting on the floor and getting up made me stretch my knees, calves, ankles, and achilles in different positions. Another benefit was the ability to bend my knees lower when squatting.

There’s a lot to be said for a dedicated effort to strengthen and improve your flexibility. Nothing happens overnight, and never be discouraged. Slow progress is good progress.

My main takeaway: Remember to stretch every day. Stretch when your muscles are warm – perhaps after showering.