As an active middle-aged individual, you maintain a busy lifestyle. You want to exercise and carry out your daily tasks without experiencing a sprained ankle. These tips will help you avoid the bone and joint injuries that can keep you on the sidelines.

3 Ways to Avoid Having a Sprained Ankle 

1. Improve Your Balance 

Good balance helps prevent injuries, and simple movements can improve your equilibrium and stability. While performing a light exercise for the upper body, or while brushing your teeth, try balancing on one foot. 

Your foot and ankle nerves will compensate for the change. Performing this movement regularly will train the muscles supporting your ankle up to your back to enhance the body's control and stability. 

2. Increase Ankle Flexibility and Strength

Strong ankles help prevent sprains. To increase their strength, consider incorporating single-leg exercises into your workout. 

Rubber band stretches, squats, dips, and lunges build a strong base, which lets you change body position and stay on your feet with more control. To maintain the crucial balance between mobility and strength, perform 30 to 60 seconds of simple stretches carefully after a light warm-up.  

3.  Add Support

Adding exterior support before walking or exercising helps avoid sprained ankles. Applying tape, a wrap or a brace aids stability. 

Do not wrap the ankles too tightly, so you do not interfere with blood flow. These assistive devices also make you more conscious of your body's vulnerability, which leads you to take extra care in your movements.

If you need professional treatment for a sprained ankle, turn to St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samuel T. Wood-DPM. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Sam Wood, DPM, leads this medical practice that serves St. Charles County, MO. Dr. Wood specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot conditions, and offers top-quality patient service with 20 years of experience. For a list of foot care services, visit them online. Call (636) 720-0190 and speak to a staff member who speaks English or Spanish to schedule an appointment.