Ankle sprains are common in sports, but you can reduce the risk of experiencing one. Practicing exercises and prevention techniques will help you avoid sprains and other common foot injuries. The skilled professionals at Choice Podiatry Associates, with three locations in Cincinnati, OH, offer a broad range of treatments, including orthotics and surgery, and they want you to keep your feet and ankles healthy.

Their knowledgeable podiatrists share a few foot care tips to prevent ankle sprains:

• Warm Up: Before any sports or recreational activity, it’s essential to warm up with stretching or light cardio. This will gradually increase your heart rate and loosen joints to prepare them for physical stress. Drastic changes in your activity level can cause severe injury to your body, so ease into a new workout.

• Practice Flexibility Training: Improving your flexibility will reduce your risk of ankle sprains. Every morning and evening, perform a stretching routine that focuses on the calf muscles and hamstrings to increase your range of motion.

• Wear Good Shoes: Whether you play soccer, run, or simply walk around the neighborhood for exercise, appropriate shoes are crucial. They should have a sturdy upper, supportive insole, and good treads to maintain traction. Even if you aren’t active, it's important to think about your footwear, especially women — the higher the heel on your shoe, the more prone you are to an ankle sprain.

• Develop Muscle Strength: Strengthening the muscles around your ankles is an excellent way to prevent sprains and fractures. Wrap a towel around your foot for resistance and move your foot up and down as well as side to side. This will bolster your ankle strength.

If you’re dealing with an ankle sprain, turn to Choice Podiatry Associates in Cincinnati, OH. They offer a variety of effective foot care methods and treatments for everything from plantar fasciitis to diabetes. Visit their website to learn more about their locations and podiatrists.