You might often hear that if you sprain your ankle once, you are more likely to injure it again. Every time you sprain your ankle, the ligaments are overstretched and micro tearing of the ligaments might even occur. This disrupts the receptors in the ligaments that send information to your nervous system about ankle positioning. Proprioception, your body’s awareness of joint and limb position in space, is crucial in preventing injuries. With a decrease in proprioception, your nervous system receives less input from your ankle about its position on the ground, particularly when stepping on an unstable surface. The reduced input your nervous system receives about your ankle is what leads to those recurrent sprains. Focusing on exercises that improve balance and stability is key to regaining proprioception. Working on balancing exercises and adding progressions (eyes closed, unstable surfaces) is a great way to prevent recurrent ankle sprains.

Albert Amante, Certified Athletic Therapist, InnovativeMedicalSupplies.com