Guide To The Risk Factors For A Sprained Ankle
The ankle is one of the most complex joints in the body. In addition to being made up of bones, it's also made up of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These structures all work together to help the ankle function the way it's supposed to. Ligaments are bands of tissue that are responsible for holding the ankle bones together. They help keep the ankle firm while allowing individuals a wider range of motion. If the ligaments are stretched further than they're meant to be, this leads to an ankle sprain. Sprains are injuries to ligaments, while strains are injuries to muscles and tendons. The majority of sprains occur with the ligament found on the outer portion of the ankle.
Running On Uneven Surfaces
Running on uneven surfaces makes individuals more likely to roll their ankle. When individuals roll their ankle outward, especially when they put weight on it, it leads to pressure and stretching of the ligament. The ligament is more likely to tear. Runners must be aware of the surfaces they're running on. Uneven surfaces aren't safe to run on, especially if individuals aren't wearing protective gear like shoes that prevent their feet and ankles from rolling. Individuals should always pay attention to the ground below their feet as they run, regardless of how level the surface is.
Grass is an appealing surface to run on because it tends to be low impact while also increasing the workout to the muscles. However, grassland is often uneven, and it tends to have pitfalls individuals might not see right away. Woodland trails are also good to run on, and any uneven ground is often visible, though they do require individuals to pay ample attention. Regular earth is another potentially uneven running surface, but it's often good for muscles.
Previous Ankle Injury
A previous ankle injury increases an individual's risk of developing a sprained ankle for a few reasons. If the injury didn't heal right, they may have a restricted range of motion that causes problems with their ligaments. If the injury was another ankle sprain, individuals might find their ligament is tighter when it heals than it was before. They'll need to work up to their previous level of activity by doing gentle stretches and range-of-motion exercises. Overdoing exercise immediately after recovering from an injury makes individuals more likely to get injured.
The other reason is because of ankle instability. If individuals have a prior history of ankle injuries, they're more likely to have an unstable ankle, which has a larger tendency to roll outward when individuals put their foot down, even if it's on a flat surface. Multiple ankle injuries can lead to chronic instability. There are ways to combat instability, such as wearing braces when exercising or playing sports. It's important to be aware of the increased risk of injury.
