Women Too many ankle sprains = Weak ankles

[GymnastPotterhead]

I've had like 4-6 ankle sprains/twists on each ankle from gymnastics.. every 2-3 months is another sprain..
Any advice on exercises that I could do to prevent these?

 

[Dahlia]

Find a good sports PT. Good PT can strengthen the ankles to help prevent future sprains.

 

[GymnastPotterhead]

Find a good sports PT. Good PT can strengthen the ankles to help prevent future sprains.

Only problem is...my parents think its too expensive (gymnastics tuition and meets are already too much) and that sprains will heal on their own...

 

[Coach Kate]

I did calf raises on the step of my ladder to my bunk bed as a child and it helped my ankles s lot. If a PT isn't in your parents' budget, ask your coach, as they may have some knowledge for you. Maybe they'd be willing to organize some kind of injury prevention clinic with a specialist! We've done that before.

 

[GymnastPotterhead]

I did calf raises on the step of my ladder to my bunk bed as a child and it helped my ankles s lot.

ooh thanks

If a PT isn't in your parents' budget, ask your coach, as they may have some knowledge for you. Maybe they'd be willing to organize some kind of injury prevention clinic with a specialist! We've done that before.

Would it be weird to ask if you're switching gyms ie you have new coaches?

 

[gymgal]

Only problem is...my parents think its too expensive (gymnastics tuition and meets are already too much) and that sprains will heal on their own...

You would not need to go frequently. You could do an evaluation and a couple of sessions so they can teach you what to do on a daily basis. Sprains in regular people heal on their own with lots of rest and restricted activity over the course of weeks to months. Sprains in athletes are better healed when paired pre/rehab. I understand where your parents are coming from with the expense but unfortunately this expense is part of gymnastics.

there are lots of videos on YouTube demonstrating exercises that would help you get started. "strengthening ankle exercises after a sprain". Problem is that there are different exercises and positioning based on the location of the sprains