Contents
Are You at Risk for a High Ankle Sprain?
Published: Oct 16, 2023
Understanding the risk factors for a high ankle sprain can help you take preventive steps to avoid this painful injury.
Common Risk Factors
High ankle sprains are more likely in athletes involved in sports that require quick direction changes, such as football, soccer, and basketball. Male athletes are particularly at risk, with studies suggesting they have a 2.25 to 3 times higher likelihood of experiencing these injuries.
The Role of Sport and Gender
Contact sports, where players frequently collide, are a significant risk factor. Men are more prone to high ankle sprains than women, which could be due to differences in muscle strength and playing styles.
Environmental Factors
The playing surface might also play a role, though evidence is inconclusive. However, winter sports, where athletes wear skates or skis, are linked to a higher incidence of these sprains due to increased external rotation forces on the ankle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Male athletes in contact sports.
Frequent collisions increase the chance of injury.
The evidence is unclear, but it might contribute.
Yes, due to external rotation forces from skates or skis.
The Bottom Line
Being aware of your risk factors can help you prevent a high ankle sprain.
References
- Waterman BR, Belmont PJ Jr, Cameron KL, et al. Risk factors for syndesmotic and medial ankle sprain: role of sex, sport, and level of competition. Am J Sports Med 2011; 39:992.
- Hunt KJ, George E, Harris AH, Dragoo JL. Epidemiology of syndesmosis injuries in intercollegiate football: incidence and risk factors from National Collegiate Athletic Association injury surveillance system data from 2004-2005 to 2008-2009. Clin J Sport Med 2013; 23:278.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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