Spring Ankle Sprain Prevention Tips

March Madness awakens many
amateur Michael Jordans from their winter hibernation, as milder weather
beckons them to dribble down driveways and shoot three-pointers in the
park.


But as spring ushers in sports such as basketball, baseball, tennis and
soccer, it brings a busy time of year for foot and ankle surgeons: ankle
sprain season.



Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries. Among NCAA
basketball players, ankle sprains rank as the number one injury suffered by
both men and women.



Anyone who injures an ankle requires prompt medical treatment, whether
it's the first sprain or the fifth. Rest, ice, compression and elevation
(R.I.C.E.) can reduce swelling and pain until the ankle can be evaluated
and treated by a foot and ankle surgeon. A sprain may not always be a
sprain; the ankle could be fractured.



Many athletes develop chronic ankle instability from repeated ankle
sprains, causing their ankle to frequently "give way." In some cases these
players may require surgery. Proper rehabilitation of an ankle sprain
reduces the likelihood of developing chronic ankle instability.



Players of all skill levels can reduce the risk for ankle sprains by
following three tips from FootPhysicians, the consumer Web site
of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS):



1. Perform warm-up stretches and exercises before playing sports.



2. Wear the right shoes for the sport. For example, don't wear running
shoes for sports that involve a lot of side-to-side movement, such as
tennis and basketball.



3. Wear an ankle brace if you're recovering from an injury or have
repeatedly sprained your ankle.



Go to FootPhysicians for more information on ankle
sprains, fractures, peroneal tendon injuries and chronic ankle instability.



The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) is a
professional society of more than 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in
1942, the College's mission is to promote research and provide continuing
education for the foot and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate the
general public on foot health and conditions of the foot and ankle through
its consumer website, footphysicians.


American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

FootPhysicians