“What exercises to avoid with ankle arthritis?”

The mechanics will need to be addressed. If trauma has occurred, arthritis may develop in spite of controlling the mechanics. I recommend you see a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for evaluation and further treatment options.

With ankle arthritis, avoid high-impact activities such as running or jumping, as well as exercises that involve repetitive stress on the ankle joint, like lunges or high-impact aerobics. Opt for low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or gentle stretching to maintain mobility and strength without exacerbating symptoms.

This is a difficult question because the ankle and foot are complex structures and the diagnosis of 'ankle arthritis' doesn't give enough information for one to assist. You could go to a physical therapist to trial an 'ankle arthritis' protocol. However, depending on the actual joints, ligaments and tendons affected, a plan for activity avoidance -OR - engagement should vary. Please consider seeing a Specialist who can better provide you with a more specific diagnosis and thus assist you and a physical therapist with an indivialized plan of care.

You would want to avoid any exercises that cause excessive motion of the affected joint if you want to avoid post-exercise pain. The likelihood is that you won't have much pain in the joint during exercise unless the cartilage is very badly damaged/end-stage, but that it will hurt after exercise/after the joint is irritated.