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Contents
  • Previous Ankle Injuries
  • Engaging in High-Risk Sports
  • Inadequate Footwear

What Increases Your Risk of Ankle Sprains?

What Increases Your Risk of Ankle Sprains?

What's This About?

Understanding the risk factors for ankle sprains can help you take steps to avoid this common injury. Let's dive into the key factors that can make you more susceptible.
Contents
  • Previous Ankle Injuries
  • Engaging in High-Risk Sports
  • Inadequate Footwear

Previous Ankle Injuries

A history of ankle sprains significantly increases your risk of future injuries. Ligaments may heal but often remain weaker, making them more prone to further sprains. Preventive measures like strengthening exercises and using ankle supports are crucial for those with past injuries.

Engaging in High-Risk Sports

Sports that involve quick direction changes, like basketball or soccer, put athletes at a higher risk. These movements can easily lead to missteps and sprains. Proper training techniques, warm-ups, and protective gear can mitigate these risks.
Understanding the various risk factors that increase the likelihood of ankle sprains, including previous injuries and participation in high-risk sports.

Inadequate Footwear

Wearing shoes without proper support can increase the risk of ankle sprains. Shoes that don't fit well or lack cushioning can lead to instability. Investing in quality footwear with arch support can help maintain ankle stability during activities.

FAQs

Can past injuries increase sprain risk?

Yes, previous injuries can weaken ligaments, raising future risk.

Are certain sports riskier for sprains?

Yes, sports with quick movements like basketball are riskier.

Does footwear affect sprain risk?

Inadequate footwear can increase instability and sprain risk.

Key Takeaways

Identifying risk factors helps in taking preventative steps and reducing the likelihood of ankle sprains.
Next steps: Consult Doctronic to learn more about managing your ankle sprain risks.
Additional References
  1. Bestwick-Stevenson T, Wyatt LA, Palmer D, et al. Incidence and risk factors for poor ankle functional recovery, and the development and progression of posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis after significant ankle ligament injury (SALI): the SALI cohort study protocol. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:362.
  2. Konradsen L, Bech L, Ehrenbjerg M, Nickelsen T. Seven years follow-up after ankle inversion trauma. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2002; 12:129.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.