Prevention

Ankle sprain prevention can be as simple as wearing the right shoes or as complicated as balance training for athletes.

• Keep the ankles strong and flexible. Consult with the doctor or physical therapist for strengthening exercises.

• Wear proper shoes for the activity. Always wear stable shoes that give your ankle proper support. High-top basketball shoes are a good choice. (High heels or platform shoes are not the best choice if you're trying to prevent an ankle sprain.)

• When participating in a sport, consider having a weak ankle taped to offer extra support. If the patient has repeated sprains, wearing an ankle brace while playing may help as well.

• Making sure that the playing field (or home environment) is clear of any holes or obstacles also can help avoid injury.