How To Treat And Prevent A Sprained Ankle

Ankle Tape For Support

Individuals who are prone to sprained ankles should consider wearing ankle tape for support. This can come in two main forms. Specifically, some individuals may want to wear athletic tape when their ankle is injured. This tape does not stretch, which means it stabilizes injuries and provides strong support to stop an injury. Unfortunately, athletic tape can affect an individual’s circulation, which is why individuals should wear it for less than a day.

Another option is to wear kinesiology tape, which is fairly stretchy. Kinesiology tape is helpful for individuals who need extra support for their ankle but still need to have range of motion. This tape is good for individuals with unstable ankles and who are returning to physical activity after a sprain. Individuals can wear kinesiology tape for extended periods, including up to five days. Some types of kinesiology tape are waterproof, so individuals can bathe and shower without removing it.

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Remove Potential Obstacles

Individuals should be sure to remove potential obstacles that they can trip over in their home. This may mean removing carpets or securing the edges down. In most cases, removing potential obstacles means keeping hallways and other walkways clear of toys, papers, and unnecessary pieces of furniture. Individuals should also extend the practice of removing potential objects to their front and backyards. Here, common problems include garden hoses that are left unwrapped in the grass, watering cans, as well as rakes and shovels. Removing potential obstacles is particularly important when individuals are recovering from a sprained ankle, as it reduces the risk of worsening the injury and makes it easier to move around.