How can we maintain ankle dorsiflexion while prolonging ambulation?

• A. Stander for 45-60 min/day
• B. Casts for 4 hours
• C. Daily sprinting workouts
• D. No intervention

Answer: (A)

Maintaining ankle dorsiflexion during prolonged standing or walking relies on regular, gentle, sustained stretch of the calf muscles while the leg is weight-bearing. A stander accomplishes this by letting a child stand with support, placing the ankle in neutral to mild dorsiflexion and holding that position for a solid period. Daily use for about 45–60 minutes provides repeated passive elongation of the gastrocnemius and soleus, helping to prevent or reduce equinus contracture and preserve dorsiflexion ROM. This upright, weight-bearing approach supports functional ambulation by keeping the ankle joints flexible as we continue to walk and stand.

Casting the ankle would immobilize it and likely worsen ROM restrictions; sprinting workouts are not a targeted or practical method for preserving ankle dorsiflexion in this context; doing nothing misses the opportunity to maintain ROM. Therefore, using a stander for 45–60 minutes daily best maintains dorsiflexion while prolonging ambulation.