The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recommends the following steps for reducing your risk of an ankle injury:
- Avoid exercising or playing sports when you are tired or in pain.
- Keep muscles strong by eating a well-balanced diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Try to avoid falling.
- Wear shoes that fit well and that are appropriate for the activity you are doing.
- Don’t wear shoes that have heels worn down on one side.
- Exercise every day.
- Maintain the proper conditioning for whatever sport you are playing.
- Warm up and stretch before exercising or playing a sport.
- Wear the proper equipment for whatever sport you play.
- Run on flat surfaces.