Sprains
To helpprevent sprains and strains, you should warm up properly before exercising and wear suitable footwear. Conditioning and strengthening exercises can also help.
Including regular stretching and strengthening exercises as part of an overall physical conditioning programme can reduce your risk of sprains and strains by helping your joints stay strong andflexible.
If you're prone tosprains and strains, taping, strapping or wrapping your knees, ankles, wrists or elbows can help while you're recovering from injury and when you first get back into regular activities.
Butfor most people, taping, strapping or wrapping should only be a short-term protective measure. You can protect your joints in the long-term by strengthening and conditioning the muscles around them.
For example, avoid wearing shoes with a worn heel on one side because they may increase your risk of injury.
If you wear high-heeled shoes, you're more likely to sprain your ankle than if you wear flat shoes.
and how to stretch after exercising.
Read about the symptoms and common causes of sprains and strains, plus self care advice and when to seek medical help.
Find out what causes sprains and strains. They often occur while playing sports when you over-reach, change direction or speed suddenly or fall and land awkwardly.
Find out how sprains and strains are diagnosed. Your doctor will ask how you injured yourself and examine the affected area. An X-ray may be needed in certain situations.
Read about treatments for sprains and strains. Mild to moderate injuries can often be treated at home using self care techniques, such as bandaging, rest and painkillers.
Information and advice about how to prevent sprains and strains.