Do’s and Don’ts for Preventing Ankle Sprains

Rapidly changing temperatures at this time of the year can change clear pavement into a slippery skating rink in a blink of an eye. At NY Foot Health, we know that means an increased risk for ankle sprains. But icy sidewalks are not the only cause of ankle-twisting injuries. Below are some do’s and don’ts to help you avoid this common injury.

Do: pay attention to the weather forecast and be prepared for rain, slush, and ice with shoes or boots that have no-slip treads.

Don’t: cut physical therapy sessions short for a sprained ankle just because the pain stops. The most common reason for repeated ankle sprains is incomplete rehabilitation of an ankle-twisting injury. It’s essential to re-train ligaments and strengthen muscles that support those ligaments to ensure an ankle is fully healed.

Don’t: wear shoes with thin, high heels that are unstable by definition and make sprains more likely to occur.

Do: talk to your podiatrist about exercises to strengthen your ankles and increase their flexibility. Don’t currently have a podiatrist? You can find a qualified foot doctor near you using our online directory.

Do: wear footwear that’s appropriate for the activity you are doing. If you have had ankle problems in the past, choose styles that have additional ankle support like high-top basketball sneakers and hiking boots.

Don’t: obstruct your view of the path in front of you by carrying too many items at once. Watch for changes in pavement height and small objects like stones or acorns, which can be enough to cause your ankle to give way.

Do: talk to a coach or athletic trainer about taping your ankle or wearing a brace if you are a serious athlete and engage regularly in a sport or follow an intense training regimen.

Our goal is helping patients be proactive in the health and care of their feet and ankles. To learn more ways to prevent podiatric problems, contact us today.