Hey all. I'm suffering from weak ankles* at the moment, which is affecting my ability to walk down stairs, etc. Does anyone have experience of doing strengthening exercises for the ankles, and is it best to wait until any inflammation has completely gone? Thanks!
* I believe the correct medical terminology is 'wankles'.
I have suffered with these for 2 years. Stairs impossible no stride when walking.. kinda shuffling/ limp. I’m having physio and it’s working. I really suggest you get referred. I had to use crutches to take the weight off my ankles now use a walking stick . My Achilles were so tight I had no heel to toe movement and am in the process of retraining this motion. Good day can walk up and down the stairs and almost pain free.... a flare sets me back to square one but recovery is quicker. I’m nearly there about another 3 months should do it.
You really can’t do it yourself I tried getting professional help is the answer but I really had to push for this ended up ringing Rheumatologist to say enough is enough.
I know how hard it is when the simplest thing of walking is tremendously difficult. Hope this helps. X
Thankfully my walking is... getting there. My stride is getting slowly longer, limp is gradually diminishing. Got a way to go yet, mind. Strangely my tight Achilles, which was a problem before this flare-up, seems to have calmed down. Weird! Thanks 
I’ve got the same problem so interested to hear physio has helped. My rheumy referred me for physio and I have a phone appointment (!) next week so will ask for help.
Good luck not easy doing physio over the phone
Not as badly as you or J1707.
Mine were worst while waiting for biologic drug infusions to kick in; had to buy ankle supports and knee support too. No chance of seeing Physio till RA ‘well under control’. Then the lockdown came.
Mine caused me to fall a lot both indoors and out. Damage caused instability of joints in feet and ankles. But for me, it almost disappears with well controlled disease ie minimal RA activity.
Ah, so best to wait until the inflammation has gone before seeing a physio? I suspected as much. Thankfully I haven't fallen too much as a result (well, I have fallen off my bike a couple of times, whoops!)
I don't know about your poor ankles but there's nothing wrong with your sense of humour!
serious ankle pain today
Ankle supports a good idea?
Can’t walk properly on ankle..flare 
Pain in Ankle and foot,
Question - Swell in ankle and hand
