Are You Dealing with an Ankle Injury?

Find out what might be causing your ankle problems and when to seek help.

From arthritis to ankle sprains, there are many issues and conditions that can arise that can affect the health of your ankle. Find out more about the most common ankle injuries, how to protect your ankles and when you should turn to our Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridan, ID, podiatrists for care.

What are the most common ankle injuries?

If you are dealing with ankle pain you’ll want to get to the bottom of what’s causing your symptoms. The most common ankle problems our Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridan, ID, foot doctors see are:

• Sprains and strains
• Stress fractures
• Ankle instability
• Achilles bursitis
• Broken ankles
• Biomechanical issues (e.g. flat feet; tarsal tunnel syndrome)

How do you prevent ankle injuries?

No matter whether you are going to begin running as your New Year’s resolution or you are planning to hit the slopes during the winter months, it’s important to provide your ankles with the care and support they need to prevent injury. Here are some ways to prevent ankle problems from happening to you.

Wear the Appropriate Shoes

The shoes you wear need to be appropriate for your activity level. For example, runners will need sneakers that will provide proper cushioning, support and shock absorption for this high-impact activity. If you aren’t wearing the right shoes then you may end up facing ankle problems. Also, remember that your shoes won’t last forever. Runners, in particular, should replace their shoes at least every six months, if not every 3-4 months.

Stretch and Warm-Up Before Exercise

No matter if you are about to enjoy a little winter ski session, go ice-skating or tackle that HIIT treadmill workout, it’s important that you prep your body beforehand. As you know, cold muscles can leave you prone to injuries, so it’s necessary to first perform some light dynamic stretches and calisthenics to get the blood flow to the ankles and feet before exercising.

Consider Taping or Bracing Your Ankle

No matter whether you’ve had ankle injuries in the past or not, bracing or taping your ankle before activity can help many athletes prevent injuries to their ankles. If you aren’t sure how to properly tape your ankle, our foot specialist can show you how.

If you are dealing with ankle pain or other issues in Boise, Nampa/Caldwell, and Meridan, ID, it’s important to play it safe and schedule a consultation with a foot and ankle specialist who can provide you with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Call Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates today.