How a Better Pair of Shoes Can Prevent Ankle Sprains

There might be an old saying about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, but you almost definitely shouldn’t do that. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a range of issues, including a heightened risk for ankle sprains.

In fact, if you sprain your ankle fairly regularly (i.e., deal with chronic ankle instability), the right shoes can make a big difference in avoiding future issues. Optimal footwear provides the stability and support your feet and ankles need to work properly. 

At Reconstructive Orthopaedics of Central Florida in Ocala, Florida, Karl Siebuhr, MD, and our team can help you find good shoes to lower your risk of ankle sprain. Whether you want to ask about some pairs you currently own or you’re looking for recommendations, don’t hesitate to contact us. As experts in ankle sprains, we believe prevention is just as important as treatment. 

The right shoes, the right support

Contrary to popular belief, high-top shoes actually don’t reduce your risk of ankle sprains. In fact, studies have shown that they might delay the response from key muscles that would otherwise prevent you from rolling your ankle. That’s not to say that high-tops are bad, but the height of the collar of the shoe isn’t a factor you should be looking for when trying to reduce your risk of ankle sprains. 

Instead, good ankle-protecting shoes offer features like: 

• Level height from heel to toe (i.e., little to no drop)
• A stable fit on your feet (e.g., lace-up sneakers)
• Motion control to further stabilize your feet
• Shock absorption
• Ample arch support

Your shoes should also fit properly. Shoes that are too large can slip off your feet as you walk. When you place that foot back down, the shoe might not be positioned as you expect it. That can be enough to throw you off balance, leading to an ankle sprain.

As a quick aside, don’t wear shoes that are overly snug, either. These can lead to a wide range of issues from ingrown toenails to hammertoe. 

What to do if you sprain your ankle

Even with proper footwear, all it takes is one misstep to find yourself with an ankle sprain. Fortunately, most ankle sprains heal on their own. Stay off the ankle as much as possible, ice it, and keep it elevated. Within a few days, you should see improvement. 

If you don’t, come visit our team. At our office, Dr. Siebuhr can help you figure out what you need to support your ankle’s healing. That could be splinting, a walking boot, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or some combination of treatments. 

With good shoes, you can take literal steps toward avoiding ankle problems. But if you do encounter one, don’t hesitate to call our office or request your appointment online.