Netball ankles

Netball is one of the most popular sports in the world, played in more than 80 countries by millions of people, and it's the most popular women's sport in Australia.

However, it's tough on ankles.

With lots of rapid direction changes and jumping, this fast-paced game leads to a lot of ankle injuries.

The most common injuries

One of the most common injuries is the 'lateral' ankle sprain, when your ankle rolls outwards and you strain or rupture ligaments on the outside of your leg. In more extreme cases, people even break the end off their ankle bone.

Ankle sprains are also very common in other sports with lots of stopping and starting - such as basketball, hockey or Aussie rules.

Unfortunately, most injuries are out of your control. The most common injuries are from accidentally stepping on another player's foot or landing on your foot after a jump.

Preventing an ankle injury

So wouldn't it be a good idea to prevent your ankle being injured in the first place?

The tried and true ways to prevent ankle sprains are to tape or strap your ankle, or to wear an ankle brace. Ankle braces are made from fabric or plastic and you can order them from Capital Podiatry. In fact Foot and Ankle International says that wearing an ankle brace reduces your risk of straining your ankle by up to 50 per cent.

We can help you with your ankles - whether it's advice, treatment or strengthening or balancing exercises.


Story by Nick Hepple, Capital Podiatry