The majority of ankle sprains are related to sports in which there is some sort of jumping or quick change in direction involved. For instance, if you’re going in for a lay-up in the middle of a basketball game, you can easily jump and then land while rolling your ankle. So when we say stop, drop, but don’t roll – don’t roll your ankle on your landing!

The same advice is true for preventing ankle sprains in many other types of sports and activities. Of course, if you’re stepping off of the front porch in stilettos, then you just have to be careful, -it’s not about jumping in high heels! (Try not to do that either)

However, to avoid ankle sprains, there are a few prevention tips for you to consider:

Tip #1: Warm-up and Cool Down
If you’re involved with any type of sport and before doing any exercise, it’s important that you always warm-up and stretch properly before exercising. A proper cool down will also ensure that your muscles don’t tighten up on you, which can also lead to ankle sprains as well.

Tip #2 Wear Sport Tape or Bracing
There’s a reason football players have their ankles wrapped before a game. It’s not because they have already suffered from ankle sprains, it’s because they need to prevent them so as not to end their playing careers early. If you already know you’re involved in a sport where ankle sprains commonly occur or if you already know you have a tendency to roll your ankles, prevent it by wearing some sort of sport tape or bracing while you play or exercise.

Tip #3: Wear the Correct and Proper Fitting Footwear
This might sound like common sense, but you’d be surprised at how many people end up with injuries because of it. If you’re going out to play a game of touch football with the guys – wear proper fitting sneakers – not flip-flops! This doesn’t just apply to football, but any sport. Many people end up with ankle sprains from just messing around and playing a game in the wrong type of shoes.

Take care of your feet and joints. Use common sense. Your feet have to stick around and work for you for decades, so do them, and yourself a favor. Protect them to the best of your ability and watch your step!