avoiding ankle sprains - slight ankle sprain

[mapski99]

Last night I was out running around with my sports group on what should have been grass. Some of the grounds were bare and really hard in spots - felt like concrete. Lack of rain? Lack of watering? Lacking of state funds for parks? Probably all of the above, but back to me....

This morning my ankles felt tender on the outside. Nothing horrible, but not something I want to duplicate. My cleats are low and I used a neoprene ankle brace on each foot. My ankles have been in good condition for 12-18 months now, after a rash of ankle injuries 3-4 years ago. My last major ankle sprain was 18 months ago (non-sports related ironically).

I hate those big ankle braces, they feel too stiff and rigid, and make me feel slow. I am already using soccer cleats meant for hard ground. But I want to avoid another big injury too.

Should I just skip running on the hard surface altogether?

Is there anything else I could try?

thanks

[jason.cedar1]

I had similar problems while playing soccer. Always spraining my ankles, it didn't matter if the field was wet or dry, there are always holes and sprinklers to deal with.

I now wear a lace-up brace. You know the kind, the ones that tie like a shoe, or a boot actually. I got it at Big 5. It's not the big bulky-air brace kind, which I hated. I can run and kick no problem in these. Unfortunately, i can't remember the name off hand.

[Dr. D]

Mapski,

I wouldn't skip running on the hard surface altogether, but you may want to use a lace up brace (as suggested in the last post) on the days you are playing on harder or uneven surfaces to help prevent another ankle sprain.

It seems like the neoprene ankle brace has been working well for you in the past year, but these braces and elastic pull on ankle braces will only add a little support and will not prevent ankle sprains.

The lace-up ankle braces are a good compromise between the neoprene ankle braces and the heavy-duty ankle braces. The key is to find one that is comfortable for you, that you would be willing to wear while you are playing sports. Look for one with some elastic in the heel area and without struts on the side, you might find this more comfortable. Have fun.

[enso]

I've been taking glucosamine and it really helps with my ankle pain. Get the kind with chondroitin in it. I swear by that stuff.

[mapski99]

I always wondered about the glucosamine and chondroitin. I hear lots of good stuff, but also some conventional doctors saying it's a waste of money... and it's not that cheap. Maybe I will give it a try again.

[mapski99]

here are the new cleats I was wearing. they look pretty spiffy for $35! Very similar to the pair I am replacing. I used the basic insert from the old cleats - not much, but just a little extra padding under the feet and keeps the foot snug.

[Dr. D]

You may want to check out our Foot Info section on Ankle Sprains for more information and pictures.