Three Tips To Prevent Ankle Injuries When Playing Soccer

Ankle sprains can occur in all sorts of sports, but they can be particularly common in soccer, since you have to worry about injuring your ankle when kicking the ball or coming in contact with another player. Luckily, following these tips can help you avoid ankle sprains while you're on the field.

1. Wear the Right Cleats

First and foremost, it is important to wear the right pair of cleats. Even though cleats can be expensive, it's worth it to spring for a higher-end pair so that you can properly protect your feet and ankles. Make sure that your cleats fit properly and that they are supportive; a pair that is too loose could cause you to stumble and could put you at risk of an injury, such as an ankle sprain, and a pair that is not supportive enough might put you at risk of rolling your ankle. Consider going into a sporting goods store and having a professional help you choose a good pair for best results.

2. Practice Your Form

It can be easy to get excited in the middle of the game and kick the ball the wrong way, resulting in "turf toe," which is when you kick too hard into the ground. This could cause an ankle injury and can be quite painful. Practicing your form when kicking can help you ensure that you are kicking the ball in the safest and most effective manner. Not only can this help you prevent injuries, but it can also help you improve your game as well.

3. Wear Tape or Wraps

Taping or wrapping your ankles can help you provide more support and protection while you're practicing or playing, and it can be a particularly good option for someone who has suffered from an ankle injury in the past. Some people find that it slows them down or restricts their movement, however, so you may want to practice while wearing the tape or wrap so that you will be used to it when you hit the field for a big game.

Playing soccer can be a whole lot of fun, but the mood can instantly be ruined by a sprained ankle. Even though ankle sprains can be common in soccer, you don't have to stop playing your favorite sport just to protect your ankles. Instead, follow these tips so that you can help avoid sprains. Then, if you find that you do somehow injure your ankle, make sure that you seek medical attention right away so that you can handle the situation in the best way possible.

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