Can runner stabilize or strengthen weak ankles?
Dear Dr. Donohue: Please help. I run track. I have weak ankle muscles because for the past two years I have had sprained ankles that take me out of competition. Have you any suggestions for strengthening ankle muscles? Should I tape them before running? — D.D. Sprained ankles sideline many athletes, not just runners. Some people, perhaps you included, have loose ankle ligaments that do not protect the ankle from twisting when the foot strikes the ground. Twisting the ankle breaks ligaments that stabilize that joint. That is a sprain — broken joint ligaments. Taping helps, but it is not a big factor in sprain prevention. After 10 minutes of running, 50 percent of tape’s protection has evaporated. In an hour, the tape has loosened so much that it is not providing stability to the joint. However, wrapping the ankle with an elastic bandage does keep ankles from turning. Over the elastic wrap, apply tape. This combination keeps the ankles much sturdier than they would be by applying tape
