3 Tips To Avoid Spraining Your Ankle This Winter

Spraining your ankle can happen at any time of the year, but you can be even more at risk of harming your ankle this winter. If you want to enjoy your winter season without harming your ankle, follow these helpful tips.

1. Keep Your Driveway Clear

Few people get excited about the idea of shoveling the walkway or driveway during the winter months, but the truth is that if you don't get rid of snow and ice, you have an increased chance of slipping, falling, and hurting yourself. Sprinkling rock salt or ice melt on your walkway and driveway can help prevent ice from sticking, but you may still need to break out the shovel. Also, along with paying attention to your driveway and walkway, do not forget about your steps, either. If you do not have time to do it yourself, consider hiring a pro or a neighborhood teenager to come in and do it for you for safety reasons. Then, not only can you avoid hurting your own ankle, but you can protect your family and guests, too.

2. Wear the Right Boots

During the winter months, it's smart to wear winter boots that will help protect your feet and ankles from the elements. Look for a boot that fits snugly — without being uncomfortably tight — around your ankles for added support. Along with helping to prevent you from twisting and spraining your ankle, it can also help keep your feet warmer during wintry weather conditions.

3. Use Caution When Participating in Winter Sports

Ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and otherwise participating in winter sports can be a whole lot of fun. However, these sports can put you at risk of harming your ankle or otherwise getting hurt, so make sure that you proceed with caution. Do not try to perform these sports above your skill level without instruction, and watch out for debris in the ice and snow that could cause you to trip and fall.

As you can see, there are a few steps that you can take to help protect your ankle from a sprain or other injury this winter. Since the snow and ice can make you more prone to an accident that might cause one of these things, it's important to follow these tips. Also, if you do find that you harm your ankle this winter, make sure that you address the issue as soon as possible to prevent more serious damage.

For more information, contact local professionals like Allied Ankle & Foot Care Centers PC.