About HEM Team

Scott Malin, the author of HEM Ankle Rehab, is a well recognized strength and conditioning coach.

Understanding Ankle Anatomy and the Benefits of Healthy Ankles

Your ankles are essential for supporting your body’s weight and enabling movement. They are involved in almost every activity you perform, from walking to running to jumping. Understanding ankle anatomy and the importance of having strong, healthy ankles can help you avoid common ankle problems and maintain your mobility for years to come. [...]

Understanding Ankle Anatomy and the Benefits of Healthy Ankles

My Ankle is Sore – Understanding the Causes and Best Treatment for Relief

A sore ankle can disrupt your daily routine and make even simple activities uncomfortable. Whether the soreness stems from a previous injury or seems to have appeared without any obvious cause, it’s important to understand why your ankle is sore and how to treat it effectively. What Does It Mean When Your Ankle [...]

My Ankle is Sore – Understanding the Causes and Best Treatment for Relief

Why My Ankle Hurts and the Benefits of Healthy Ankles

Why My Ankle Hurts? The Benefits of Healthy Ankles and How to Treat Them Effectively If your ankle hurts, it can be frustrating and debilitating. It can interfere with your ability to walk, exercise, or even stand comfortably. While it might be tempting to use quick fixes like rest or ankle braces, these [...]

Why My Ankle Hurts and the Benefits of Healthy Ankles

Why Healthy Ankles Are Better Than Relying on Ankle Braces

Ankle injuries are common and can lead to long-term issues if not treated properly. Many people turn to ankle braces to support their weak or injured ankles, hoping to prevent further injury. However, while ankle braces may seem like a quick fix, they often come with hidden downsides. Relying too heavily on them [...]

Why Healthy Ankles Are Better Than Relying on Ankle Braces

What to do with an Ankle Twist

An ankle twist is a common injury that can occur from something as simple as stepping awkwardly on uneven ground or landing incorrectly after a jump. While an ankle twist might seem minor, they can cause significant damage to the ligaments in your ankle and lead to persistent issues if not treated properly. [...]

What to do with an Ankle Twist

Ankle Ligaments: Importance, Injury, and Effective Treatment

Ankle Ligaments: Importance, Injury, and Effective Treatment Ankle ligaments play a critical role in maintaining stability, balance, and overall mobility. These strong, fibrous bands of tissue connect the bones in the ankle, providing support and limiting excessive movement. Healthy ankles are vital for natural movement, whether you’re walking, running, or engaging in sports. [...]

Ankle Ligaments: Importance, Injury, and Effective Treatment

The Ankle Bone: Importance, Pain, and Treatment

The ankle bone plays a crucial role in our ability to walk, run, and maintain balance. Healthy ankles are key to supporting the body's movement, stability, and overall mobility. However, injuries, weak ankles, and improper healing can lead to persistent problems, significantly affecting one's ability to move naturally. This article will explore the [...]

The Ankle Bone: Importance, Pain, and Treatment

Ankle Nerve Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Ankle nerve pain can significantly impact your daily activities and ability to move naturally. When you have healthy ankles, they provide the stability and flexibility needed for walking, running, and maintaining balance. However, factors such as weak or unstable ankles, often due to old injuries that never healed properly, can lead to nerve [...]

Ankle Nerve Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Ankle Sprain vs Break: How to Tell the Difference and Heal

Want to know how you can tell the difference between an ankle sprain vs break? Ankle injuries are incredibly common and can happen to anyone, whether you're an athlete or simply walking on uneven ground. Two of the most frequent types of ankle injuries are sprains and breaks (fractures). Understanding the difference between [...]

Ankle Sprain vs Break: How to Tell the Difference and Heal

Sprained Ankle vs. Twisted Ankle: What’s the Difference?

What's the difference between a sprained ankle vs. twisted ankle? Ankle injuries are common, whether you're an athlete, a casual jogger, or just taking a misstep while walking. Two terms that often come up are "sprained ankle" and "twisted ankle," but are they the same thing? This article will dive deep into the [...]

Sprained Ankle vs. Twisted Ankle: What’s the Difference?

Sprained Ankle vs Rolled Ankle: Understanding the Differences

Ankle injuries are so common, but what is the difference between a sprained ankle vs rolled ankle? Ankle injuries are some of the most common musculoskeletal problems, especially for athletes and active individuals. Among the most frequently encountered terms are "sprained ankle" and "rolled ankle." While these terms are often used interchangeably, understanding [...]

Sprained Ankle vs Rolled Ankle: Understanding the Differences

Broken Ankle vs Sprained Ankle: What You Need to Know

Ankle injuries are common, but the difference between a sprained ankle vs. a broken ankle can be confusing. A healthy ankle is essential for natural movement and overall mobility. When an ankle injury occurs, whether it's from sports, a fall, or even just stepping the wrong way, understanding the severity is crucial. Weak [...]

Broken Ankle vs Sprained Ankle: What You Need to Know

The Best Walking Shoes: A Guide for Stability and Comfort

Walking is one of the most accessible and beneficial forms of exercise. It’s a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. However, to get the most out of your walking routine, it’s essential to wear the right shoes. The wrong footwear can lead to discomfort, injury, [...]

The Best Walking Shoes: A Guide for Stability and Comfort

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are common, affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who enjoys walking, foot and ankle injuries can be debilitating, affecting your daily activities and quality of life. While the traditional R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) has long been the go-to [...]

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Lionel Messi Out With Bad Ankle Sprain

Is There a Better Way to Heal An Ankle Sprain? Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has been sidelined indefinitely due to an ankle sprain, otherwise known as an ankle ligament injury. This unexpected setback has left fans and teams around the world concerned about his recovery and return [...]

Lionel Messi Out With Bad Ankle Sprain

Ankle Bones

The ankle is a remarkably complex structure in the human body, designed intricately to bear the weight of the body while providing flexibility and mobility. As a hinge between the leg and the foot, the ankle plays a vital role not only in everyday activities such as walking and running but also in [...]

Ankle Bones

Why Your Ankle Hurts – How To Stop Ankle Pain

If your ankle hurts, you are not alone. Ankle pain is a common ailment that can affect individuals of all ages, often hindering their ability to walk, run, or engage in daily activities comfortably. Whether it's a dull ache that creeps up during a morning jog or a sharp pain that emerges without [...]

Why Your Ankle Hurts – How To Stop Ankle Pain

Why Your Ankle Is Swollen and How To Fix It

Ankle swelling, medically known as peripheral edema, involves an accumulation of fluid in the tissues surrounding the ankle joints. This condition can range from a mild, temporary inconvenience to a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue. Understanding the nuances of ankle swelling is crucial for effective management and prevention. Below, we [...]

Why Your Ankle Is Swollen and How To Fix It

Understanding Calf Cramps: Causes, Relief, and Prevention

Calf cramps can be a sudden, sharp pain that stops you in your tracks, or a lingering discomfort that turns every step into a challenge. They are involuntary muscle contractions that are often intense and painful, affecting many people, especially athletes and those with active lifestyles. Let's dive deep into the causes of [...]

Understanding Calf Cramps: Causes, Relief, and Prevention

Ankle Sprain or Broken Ankle

Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal problems faced by individuals of all ages and activity levels. Whether you've twisted your ankle during a morning run or experienced a painful misstep on uneven ground, the immediate aftermath often leaves you with a crucial question: is it a sprain, or could the ankle [...]

Ankle Sprain or Broken Ankle

Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon, also known as the calcaneal tendon, is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body. It is a tough band of fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscles (specifically the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles) to the calcaneus, or heel bone. This tendon plays a crucial role in walking, running, [...]

Achilles Tendinitis

What’s A Sprained Ankle?

Sprained ankles are among the most common injuries encountered not just among athletes, but also in the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Whether it’s a misstep off the curb or an awkward landing after a jump, the sudden twist of the foot can lead to a sprain that puts you off your [...]

What’s A Sprained Ankle?

Sprained Ankle Grades

A sprained ankle is not just a common injury; it's an unpredictable one. For athletes and active individuals alike, recognizing the severity of an ankle sprain is crucial for effective treatment and swift recovery. Sprained ankle grades provide us with a framework for understanding these injuries. But how do you determine if you're [...]

Sprained Ankle Grades

Agility Training – Enhancing Speed and Quickness

What is Agility? At its core, agility is the ability to move and change direction and position of the body quickly and effectively while under control. It requires a blend of balance, speed, strength, and coordination. Hence, an agile person can change their movement patterns without a significant loss of speed, balance, or [...]

Agility Training – Enhancing Speed and Quickness

How To Run Faster

Running faster is a goal that many avid runners and athletes aspire to achieve. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting your running journey, increasing your speed can be a rewarding and challenging endeavor. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore effective strategies and techniques to help you reach your running speed goals. [...]

How To Run Faster

Walk For Weight Loss

When it comes to weight loss, various exercises often come to mind—high-intensity interval training, weightlifting, or even yoga. But what about walking? Is the simple act of placing one foot in front of the other effective for weight loss? How much do I need to walk a day to lose weight? Walking is [...]

Walk For Weight Loss

How To Walk In High Heels

For many, high heels are the epitome of fashion and elegance. But let's be honest – mastering the art of walking in them can be a bit of a challenge. Here's everything you need to know about navigating the world in stilettos and pumps with confidence and poise. And FYI, here at HEM [...]

How To Walk In High Heels

Why You Have Weak Ankles and How To Strengthen Them

Weak ankles are a common issue faced by many individuals, often leading to discomfort, instability, and an increased risk of injury. Let's explore the causes of weak ankles, how to fix them, and methods to strengthen the ankle joint for improved stability and performance. What are Weak Ankles a Symptom of? Weak ankles [...]

Why You Have Weak Ankles and How To Strengthen Them

Why Is My Ankle Hurting? Common Causes and Effective Solutions

Are you struggling with persistent ankle pain and wondering why your ankle is hurting? Whether you've had an injury or not, ankle pain can be annoying and debilitating. This article explores the potential causes of ankle pain without injury, offers some helpful solutions for managing the discomfort, and provides useful resources to promote [...]

Why Is My Ankle Hurting? Common Causes and Effective Solutions

Can Heel Spurs Go Away? Managing Heel Spur Pain

Introduction: Heel pain can be a bothersome and debilitating condition, often caused by various factors including heel spurs. Heel spurs are bony outgrowths that form on the underside of the heel bone, often leading to discomfort and pain. In this article, we'll delve into the common questions surrounding heel spurs and provide insights [...]

Can Heel Spurs Go Away? Managing Heel Spur Pain

Alleviating Ankle Pain: A Comprehensive Guide

Ankle pain is a common discomfort that can arise from various causes, whether or not there has been an obvious injury. It's essential to comprehend the potential reasons behind ankle pain, identify its severity, and learn about effective methods for relief. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into these aspects and provide insights [...]

Alleviating Ankle Pain: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding and Treating Sprained Ankles for a Speedy Recovery

A sprained ankle is a common injury that can happen to anyone, from athletes to everyday individuals. While it can be painful and inconvenient, understanding how to properly care for a sprained ankle is crucial for a quick and effective recovery. In this article, we'll address some common questions about sprained ankles and [...]

Understanding and Treating Sprained Ankles for a Speedy Recovery

Common Causes of Ankle Pain

Ankle pain can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as injury, overuse, or age-related wear and tear. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to help alleviate the pain and improve mobility. In this article, we will discuss [...]

Common Causes of Ankle Pain

Sprained Ankle Bruising

A common ankle sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament, the tough band of fibrous tissue that connects one bone to another. Ligaments are most often sprained by twisting the ankle joint and foot too far. Ankle Sprain Types & Grades The most common type of sprained ankle is a lateral [...]

Sprained Ankle Bruising

A Sprained Ankle – Causes, Symptoms, Types, Grades and Treatments

A sprained ankle is a common injury that can happen to anyone. And, sprained ankles are VERY common. Recent statistics say that there are up to 25,000 ankle sprains a day and they are the #1 sports related injury. We are going to cover the main causes, symptoms, types, grades and treatment options [...]

A Sprained Ankle – Causes, Symptoms, Types, Grades and Treatments

How To Heal An Old Sprained Ankle That Never Healed

Ankle injuries are very common, and when you first get a sprained ankle, you may think the ankle joint will simply heal itself after a few weeks. But, what generally tends to happen is that the ankle injury causes more damage than you realize and it is very slow to heal. In many [...]

How To Heal An Old Sprained Ankle That Never Healed

What is wrong with ice and a sprained ankle?

A lot as it turns out. When you ice a sprained ankle, you are interfering with your body's natural response to an injury. You see, there are three steps that your body will take any time you have an injury (inflammation, repair and remodel). And, we believe the fastest and best way to [...]

What is wrong with ice and a sprained ankle?

How Long Does a Sprained Ankle Take to Heal

There are a few simple things you need to know in order to determine how long it will take to heal a sprained ankle. The first and most important thing you need to know is... do you have a fracture or a regular type of ankle sprain? The only way to know that [...]

How Long Does a Sprained Ankle Take to Heal

How to Fix a Rolled Ankle

Rolling an ankle is one of the most common injuries in sports. It's called a "rolled" ankle because the ligaments on the outside of your ankle are stretched or torn. It is caused by twisting or turning your foot or ankle too quickly or forcefully, usually when you twist your foot and ankle [...]

How to Fix a Rolled Ankle

Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments. It typically involves stretching of the ligaments beyond their normal range of motion, which can lead to small tears in the ligament fibers. This generally causes pain, swelling, bruising and a feeling of instability in the ankle joint. The most common cause for a sprained [...]

Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle

What to do if you can’t walk on your injured or sprained ankle

An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula bones of your ankle. These ligaments are what hold your foot in place when you walk, run, or jump. When the ligaments are stretched, torn, or broken, they can no longer support your ankle and you experience pain, swelling, [...]

What to do if you can’t walk on your injured or sprained ankle

Learn the Language of Pain to Heal Faster and Better

Pain is one of the most valuable assets to healing an injury. But, you have to learn the language of pain or it may become your biggest enemy. Learning to understand pain more fully is one of the biggest keys to healing yourself safely, fully and quickly. Pain is your friend, sort of... [...]

Learn the Language of Pain to Heal Faster and Better

Top 3 Reasons NOT to use Ankle Braces

  We have found, after many years of helping thousands of people heal their sprained ankles fully and quickly, that ankle braces are not helpful and may actually cause more harm than good. Here's why people end up using them in the first place... If your ankles heal badly, because [...]

Top 3 Reasons NOT to use Ankle Braces

Top 3 Reasons to do Ankle Rehab

Why can't I just use rest and ice?? After a sprained ankle, everyone makes the same mistake... They think to themselves, 'I'll just rest and ice it until it feels better.' But, what if I told you that's actually the worst thing you could do? I know, it sounds counter-intuitive to some degree, [...]

Top 3 Reasons to do Ankle Rehab

Why I love Lunges

It's All About Functional Movement What is the point of working out if it's not making your life better? Sometimes I ask people why they chose to do an exercise (aka biceps curls - you know who I'm talking about...) and they either have no idea or it's just to make their arms [...]

Why I love Lunges

How to get back in shape AFTER Coronavirus

It's Been An Awful Year It felt like everything went wrong in the last year... COVID shook us to our core and made us rethink almost every aspect of our lives. The truth is that it's been a very tragic and lonely time for everyone. I tried to find the good bits in [...]

How to get back in shape AFTER Coronavirus

The #1 Reason you have to Rehab your Ankle Sprain

The #1 Reason You Have To Rehab Your Ankle Sprain An ankle sprain is the #1 most common related sports injury and for good reason. Your feet are what come into contact with the ground and almost all of us have very tight calves and [...]

The #1 Reason you have to Rehab your Ankle Sprain

How to Stay in Shape & Sane During Coronavirus

We are in new, uncharted waters... experts say we will have to practice social distancing for a long time. It could be at least 18 months until we have a vaccine for COVID-19. Gyms are closed. Facilities are closed. Sporting events have been cancelled. And that includes everything from the NBA to my [...]

How to Stay in Shape & Sane During Coronavirus

How to Heal Torn Ankle Tendons

Here's a quick overview of how the ankle works... There are 3 bones: the tibia, fibula and talus. These bones are held together by ligaments, which are are tough elastic bands of connective tissue that help stabilize the joint. Think of ligaments like a rope with a series of tough, intertwined cords. Have [...]

How to Heal Torn Ankle Tendons