Are You at Risk for Ankle Sprains?
Are You at Risk for Ankle Sprains?
Why It Matters
Ankle sprains are a common sports injury that can sideline you for weeks. Knowing your risk factors can help prevent them.
Contents
- Common Risk Factors
- Environmental Risks
- Activities with Higher Risk
Common Risk Factors
Ankle sprains can happen to anyone but are more common in people with limited dorsiflexion, poor balance, and reduced proprioception. Athletes, especially those involved in indoor court sports like basketball and volleyball, face higher risks.
Environmental Risks
The type of playing surface can affect your risk. Indoor courts and artificial turf have higher friction, increasing the likelihood of ankle twists. Outdoor court sports also pose a risk due to uneven surfaces.
Activities with Higher Risk
Sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball are notorious for ankle sprains. Quick changes in direction and jumping increase the chance of inversion injuries, where the foot turns inward unexpectedly.
FAQs
What are intrinsic risk factors?
Intrinsic factors are personal traits like poor balance and limited ankle motion.
How does playing surface affect risk?
Surfaces with high friction, like turf, increase the risk of ankle sprains.
Which sports have higher ankle sprain risks?
Sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball have higher risks due to frequent jumping and direction changes.
Key Takeaways
Identifying your risk factors can help you take steps to prevent ankle sprains.
Additional References
- Vuurberg G, Hoorntje A, Wink LM, et al. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains.
- Fong DT, Hong Y, Chan LK, et al. A systematic review on ankle injury and ankle sprain in sports.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.