Multiple ankle sprains

This is what my ankle looks like now.

This is what my ankle looks like now.

I was a gymnast for 9 years and during the last three years of my career I had sprained my ankles about 10 times. After this I decided to quit and move to something different. I also am a frequent runner and run cross country during the fall. I sprained my ankles about 5 times last year and had to sit out for quite some time.


I always give every sprained ankle at least 3 weeks to heal and stretch it; however it always happens again to me. I would lightly tape again for the next week when I would start back and do band exercises.

I have been to many doctors but they all just tell me to give it rest. I was wondering if you had any advice for me and how to prevent or just anything that might help.

Hello,
Clearly the ligaments have been stretched beyond the elastic limit which means they are now too long, making the ankle hypermobile and unstable.

There's not a great deal you can do about that.

What you can do is some regular exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ankle; they are pretty specific and new to do the right ones. I'd recommend a chiropractor with a FICS qualification; sports chiropractic. Ask your local association for a name.

You more than likely have some chronic subluxations which he or she would also attend to.

Acceptance that you can't run on certain terrains, and use of an ankle guard when training, is probably on the cards.

Start with our alphabet exercises which you'll find at one of the ankle pages at chiropractic help. But you need to do more than that.

Then the hips and leg length, and sacroiliac joints need to be checked; sometimes the underlying problem lies elsewhere.

Battling with spelling the word sprain!??? Write it out ten times!

I hope this contributes.

Dr B

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