Your ankles are one of the most important parts of your body. Not only do they help you walk and run, but they also play a role in stabilizing your entire body. Because they are so important, it’s no surprise that ankle injuries are quite common. In this blog post, we will discuss the function of your ankles, common ankle injuries, and how to prevent them.
What are your ankles and what do they do?
The ankle is a joint that connects the lower leg bones (the tibia and fibula) to the foot. The ankle allows for movement in two main directions- up and down (ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion), and side to side (inversion and eversion). The muscles and ligaments around the ankle work together to provide stability while walking and running.
Common Ankle Injuries
There are many different types of ankle injuries, but some of the most common include:
– Sprains: This is when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn. Sprains can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage.
– Fractures: A break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint.
– Achilles tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone. This is a common injury in runners and other athletes.
– Shin splints: Pain along the shinbone (tibia) that is caused by overuse or repetitive stress. This is a common injury in runners and other athletes.
How to prevent ankle injuries
There are several things you can do to help prevent ankle injuries, including:
– Wear supportive shoes: This will help to stabilize the foot and ankle and reduce the risk of injury.
– Warm up before exercise: A good warm-up will help to loosen the muscles and ligaments around the ankle joint, making them less likely to be injured.
– Stretch: Stretching the muscles and ligaments around the ankle joint will also help to reduce the risk of injury.
– Strengthen the muscles around the ankle: Strong muscles will help to support the ankle joint and reduce the risk of injury.
Treatment for ankle injuries
Treatment for ankle injuries will vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. For sprains and fractures, it is important to seek medical help so that the problem can be properly diagnosed and treated. Treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, elevation, and/or physiotherapy. Achilles tendonitis usually responds well to rest, ice, wrapping and anti-inflammatory medication. If you are not sure how to wrap an ankle with KT Tape, click on this link. And finally, shin splints can be treated with rest, ice, stretching and/or massage. If the pain persists, it is important to seek medical help so that other causes can be ruled out.
Your ankles play a vital role in your overall movement and stability. Because of this, it’s important to take care of them and be aware of the common injuries that can occur. By following the tips above, you can help to prevent ankle injuries and keep your ankles healthy and strong.
