Six Mistakes That Increase Your Chances Of Having Ankle Injuries

Ankle injuries are frustrating to deal with because they can stop you from engaging in enjoyable athletic activities that keep you healthy and in good shape. That's why you should do everything you can to avoid ankle injuries.

You can minimize your chances of experiencing an ankle injury by avoiding the following six mistakes.

Wearing the wrong shoes

Your shoes have an important impact on the condition of your ankles. If you wear shoes that are not appropriate for the activity you do in them, you'll be more likely to injure your ankles. Also, you'll be more likely to injure your ankles if your shoes don't fit right.

Find shoes that feel comfortable and that fit your arch well. Invest in high-quality shoes that are specifically designed for your athletic activity. 

Failing to warm up before exercises

If you don't warm up before you exercise, your muscles and joints won't be loosened up and will be more likely to experience injuries. Warming up is not only important for avoiding injury, but also for preventing soreness after a particularly strenuous workout. 

Exercising on surfaces that are uneven

When you exercise on uneven surfaces, you increase your chances of experiencing injuries like ankle sprains. Ideally, you want to run and participate in sports on surfaces that aren't rocky and that don't include obstacles like tree stumps, ditches, and roots.

Not replacing shoes when necessary

Over time, your shoes are going to wear out. The soles and heels of your shoes will wear down and require replacement. 

If you continue to wear shoes that are worn out, your shoes aren't going to support your feet and ankles properly. This will leave you more likely to twist your ankle. 

Not building muscles in the lower legs

You can reduce your chances of an ankle injury by building strength in your lower legs. The more you build up your muscle strength, the less strain your ankles will experience when you're engaged in activities like running, jumping, or kicking. 

Putting excessive strain on the ankles during exercise

Don't overdo it when you work out. If you try to do too much at once, you put unnecessary strain on your joints and could experience an ankle injury as a result.

Only engage in strenuous exercise if your body is used to it. If you're doing a strenuous workout like running hills, be reasonable and gradually work up to a more intense workout rather than jumping in and trying an extremely rigorous workout routine suddenly. 

For more information, contact an ankle specialist.

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