An ankle sprain is the most common injury in sports. Most people recover over several weeks and don’t have any long-term issues. In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I discuss what you can do if you have suffered repeated ankle sprains.
Chloe asks:
I’ve been a volleyball player for about 6 years now. I play school and club volleyball. I sprained my ankle at least one time in each season. I wear a lace up brace on both ankles during games because of my tendency to sprain my ankles. I’ve sprained my left ankle 4 times and my right about 6 times. They just keep getting weaker and weaker. What should I do to prevent ankle sprains happening so much?
Typically, you can recover from a sprained ankle with ice, rest, an ankle brace and time. Often, the muscles around the ankle become weak. Then it’s possible that you suffer a second – or third or more – ankle sprain.
Often, physical therapy can help regain strength of the muscles around your ankle. A physical therapist helps restore balance and proprioception – a brain’s sense of where the ankle is in space. Working with a physical therapist can help you recover more quickly from a sprained ankle but also help you avoid repeated ankle sprains.
Sometimes surgery can be necessary, especially if the ligaments are so damaged that the ankle is unstable. If you have suffered multiple ankle sprains, it’s worth seeing an orthopedic surgeon to learn what options can help you overcome the problem.
Also read:
What can be done for repeated ankle sprains?
Why could you have ankle pain weeks after an ankle sprain?
Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, online, on my show, or in the comments at the end of these posts. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please consult your physician or health care provider for your specific medical concerns.
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