Ankle support while swimming with a monofin?

[Lily]

I had my first swim with my Finis Competitor yesterday and it was AMAZING.

Well, mostly amazing. The smallest Competitor is for a women's US 7.5, while I wear a 5.5-6. I think this size difference created some extra drag in the foot pockets, because I could feel my ankles straining a bit. I was sore yesterday but today it's been much worse. I've always had delicate ankles (and just about everything else); I injured a tendon in my right ankle last year while running, and it's been sensitive and easily hurt ever since. I could barely walk today until I put my ankle brace on :(

I've ordered some neoprene socks to help make the foot pockets more snug, which will hopefully reduce drag and strain. But is there anything else you guys could recommend in terms of supporting my ankles while I swim? Or exercises to strengthen them so that they're not so delicate?

[Mermaid Wesley]

Well if you have regular swim fins, swim in those to build strength. I have weak ankles too, always have. Maybe some sort of waterproof brace for when your ankles aren't up for it


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[Mermaid Lily_Pad]

I was a competitive ice skating coach for 15 years, you need strong ankles to skate. In order to build up the strength and flexibility stand on a step with only the ball of your feet (the part right behind your toes) touching. Drop your heels down off the step, then bring them back even or go all the way to point. You should feel the stretch in your calves. Do this several times a day and it should help you get stronger.

[Lily]

Thanks for the advice! I wore my brace while swimming yesterday and it helped a bit, despite being super uncomfortable inside the foot pocket. Maybe it will be better once I get the neoprene socks, as they might keep it from bunching up? I've also been doing the exercises on my stairs, a few each time I go up and down. So far so good. I'm in much less pain today than I was after the first swim :)

[MermaidRinsenity]

Thanks! I'll try this! :)