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SportsAnkle sprain prevention

The only consistent risk factor for an ankle sprain is a previous one. Prevention combines external support for athletes who have had a sprain with a balance and neuromuscular control program of at least 3 months, and work on strength and dorsiflexion.

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Scenarios

  • An athlete with a previous ankle sprain.
  • A whole team at the start of the season.

The steps

  1. Ask about previous ankle sprains: it is the only consistent risk factor.
  2. Athlete with a previous sprain: tape or a brace, lace-up or semirigid, for all practices and games.
  3. Run a multi-intervention program of at least 3 months focused on balance and neuromuscular control.
  4. Include single-leg balance, balance with perturbation, balance with arm movements or tasks, and jumping with a balance component.
  5. Strengthen the leg muscles (evertors, invertors, dorsiflexors and plantar flexors) and the hip extensors and abductors.
  6. Assess dorsiflexion range in at-risk athletes; if it is limited, add techniques to improve the joint's motion.

Safety rules that stop the station

  • Athletes with a history of ankle injury may benefit more from the program and from external support.

To pass

  • Previous sprains asked.
  • Tape or brace for athletes with a previous sprain.
  • Program of at least 3 months with balance, strength and dorsiflexion.

Official source

Athletic trainers · NATA position statement

National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Conservative Management and Prevention of Ankle Sprains in Athletes (J Athl Train, 2013)

The National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement on ankle sprains (Journal of Athletic Training, 2013), free on PubMed Central: recommendations 28 to 31 and its literature review.

Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by the NATA, the BOC, CAATE, the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute or any university. NATA, BOC and CAATE are trademarks of their respective owners and are named only to describe the content.

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