Stay Active To Help Prevent This Common Injury

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What do mothers, celebrity trainers, and doctors everywhere have in common? They all want us to go out and play! If we’re listening carefully, we’re hearing about the benefits of exercise every single day - on TV, on the radio, and in printed and online articles.

Well, count board-certified podiatrists Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, and Dr. Joseph Saka as three of those doctors trying to get out the news about getting exercise. One of the reasons we’re such strong proponents of regular exercise for our patients here at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center is that it’s one way to prevent injury.

The common injury of springtime

This time of year, we see more and more patients with sprained ankles. Now that it’s gotten consistently warm in Monmouth County (spring sure took its time, didn’t it?), people are increasing their activity and turning their ankles more.

People can sprain their ankle in many ways - running or jumping and landing on it the wrong way are classic. But your risk of an ankle sprain increases if you’re not active, to begin with. Inactivity breeds weak ankles and the slightest misstep can cause a sprain.

Take these 3 steps to help prevent ankle sprains:

1.  Stay active in general. Whether you’re walking, swimming, or dancing, staying active is key to keeping the many parts of your ankle fit, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

2. Keep ankles strong and flexible by performing specific exercises:

  • While seated, flex your foot so that your toes are pointing upward, and then point them down as far as you can.
  • Flex your foot side to side.
  • Draw circles in the air with your toes, making sure to include both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

3. Improving your balance will also strengthen your ankles. Stand on one foot, do yoga, or take up tai chi for balance practice.

Following these tips will help make your ankle less vulnerable to injury. But if you do sprain your ankle, make sure to get it checked out at one of our offices in Howell or Jackson, New Jersey. A sprained ankle that doesn’t heal properly is prone to future injury. Break the cycle by calling us at (732) 905-1110 or making an appointment online.