AskDocDoc
/
/
/
how to prevent ankle sprains
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 14M : 43S
background image
Click Here
background image
Sports Injuries & Recovery
Question #26824
90 days ago
162

how to prevent ankle sprains - #26824

Pooja

I am dealing with this annoying issue related to my ankles. A few weeks ago, I twisted my ankle while playing basketball with some friends, and wow, that hurt! I’ve sprained my ankle a couple of times in the past too, but this time felt different. It swelled up big and took ages to heal — like weeks! I’m thinking about next season and really want to prevent ankle sprains because they just throw everything off. I've heard a lot about how to prevent ankle sprains but there’s so much info out there, it’s confusing. Should I be focusing more on exercises, or is it really about the shoes I wear? For the past few months, I started doing some strength training and stretching before games, but I still ended up hurting myself. Does anyone have tips on how to prevent ankle sprains? More balancing exercises? Or maybe specific warm-ups? I’m not really sure what's best. Any recommendations based on personal experiences, like what worked for you guys?? I really need this sorted out before I mess up again!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Preventing ankle sprains is crucial, especially if you’re already prone to them. First, considering your situation, more emphasis probably should be on a combination of strengthening exercises, appropriate footwear, and proprioception training. Let’s break that down. Exercises are definitely key, and focusing on strengthening not just the ankle but also the muscles in the legs that support it, can be very effective. Calf raises, ankle circles, and resistance band exercises for the ankles are great. Balance training is another critical piece; incorporating exercises like single-leg stands on an unstable surface can help improve proprioception, which is the body’s ability to sense where it is in space. This helps to prevent the awkward foot positions that can lead to sprains.

Regarding shoes, wearing supportive footwear when playing basketball makes a significant difference. High-top shoes that provide good ankle support, along with a solid grip, can help reduce the likelihood of an ankle rolling. However, some research also suggests that too much reliance on high-tops might weaken natural ankle support over time, so balancing with exercises is crucial. Ankle braces or a wrap might be an option if you’ve experienced sprains multiple times. Evidence shows they can reduce the risks of re-injury, especially in high-risk situations like sports.

Warm-ups should never be overlooked; dynamic stretches that include walking lunges, leg swings, and ankle rolls before games can prepare your joints and muscles. Static stretching has its place, but focus on those dynamic moves pre-game. Lastly, if you’re dealing with persistent pain or it feels different, it can be wise to see a physical therapist or sports physician. They can provide personalized guidance and perhaps identify specific biomechanical abnormalities that might need addressing. If an area is still giving you trouble, seeking personalized medical advice is the best route—dealing with overlooked injuries might prevent bigger issues later.

20251 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


What is the typical recovery timeline and criteria for returning to football after knee surgery for Osteochondritis dissecans?
Acl andmeniscustear without injury in bothlegsat 25 years age need correct guidance done mri two times with 1 month physiotherapy what shouldIdo now
what is the fastest way to heal a stress fracture
physiotherapy exercises list
how serious is my ankle injury?
online orthopedic consultation
Experiencing Dizziness and Nausea After Workouts
Knee Injury and Swelling Concern
Swelling in shoulder
murivenna oil how to apply
what to take for muscle pain
Experiencing Dizziness and Nausea After Squats
Post-concussion: still having mental fog at night — improving but need advice
Open forearm wound severe pain limited moveme
My concern
ice on face side effects
knee injury accident
What to do for ankle pain and swelling after a fall with possible ligament sprain?
after ACL reconstruction and miniscus repair surgery at 24 year age How to reduced the risk knee replacement in future
Pelvic Girdle Pain After Boxing Training
I suffer from recurrent injuries to my hand and tendons. Is there a way to get rid of these injuries?
rehabilitation physiotherapy
how to relieve buttock muscle pain
toe movement exercises
does ice reduce swelling
how to treat sprains
How do i get rid of marks like burn
Knee Injury and Pain After Accident
volini spray vs volini gel which is better
heal fast gel
how to get rid of muscle stiffness
Brachial phixule injury.Can't extend arm
motion problem solution
hairline fracture meaning
Jak pozbyć się tego bólu i czy mogę ćwiczyć na wf?
What to do for dull pain in both lower legs and top of right foot after track practice?
what to take for inflammation
aloe vera for knee pain
how to reduce swelling in knee quickly
online orthopedic consultation free
What to do for sharp knee pain after ACL reconstruction surgery 24 days ago?
Swelling in Left Foot Since Football Injury
can you get a blood clot from wearing a walking boot
Leg Twisting Injury with Swelling
does pineapple juice help with swelling
calspray
knee pain remedies
What to do for ongoing leg pain and foot discomfort after starting track training?
Iam suffering sciatica problem can u suggestnebest solution
how to increase leg size
how to cure thigh muscle pain
aceclofenac dose per day
Advice for ongoing post-concussion symptoms
cissus quadrangularis benefits
how to increase timing
is aceclofenac an antibiotic
Concern About Possible Monkey Bite and Leg Fracture
rapid hot gel uses
ice cube uses
what is the reason for right side chest pain
how long do sprains take to heal
orthopedic telemedicine consultation
hot pack for physiotherapy
how to increase stamina instantly
Persistent Swelling in Left Foot After Injury
Concerns About Monkey Encounter and Bruise
have had a knee dislocation recently I would want to whT are the chances of reoccurance and there are no injurues. What are things I should take care
what causes muscle stiffness
Right Knee injury and stiffness
how to sleep with shoulder pain
how to treat heel numbness
Medial knee pain and heel pain after sudden increase in jogging and running.
how to increase heart rate immediately
Experiencing Dizziness and Nausea After Workouts
virtual orthopedic consultation
Bumps inside skin in biceps elbow of both arm
How to treat ankle pain with swelling and instability after a fall?
Safe skiing after rd shoulder dislocation
yoga therapy training
how to do paschimottanasana
how long will i have pain after rotator cuff surgery
Knee Injury: Do I Need Surgery?
does heat help swelling
physiotherapy for knee pain
Injury and Bruising After Encounter with a Monkey
Injury and Swelling in My Ankle
murivenna how to use
Injury from a Monkey Encounter: Leg Fracture and Possible Bite
aceclofenac drug class
physiotherapy rehabilitation
Shoulder pain for 2 years and after many tablets and medicine still there taken ct scan and still not major issues visible but I have pain