Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that occur during sports, with 80 percent of high sprains and 64 percent of inner sprains being associated with sports, states Reuters Health. One of the leading sports where these ankle injuries occur is basketball, which has led many players to search for ways to prevent sprains from occurring. One common tool used in prevention is high-top basketball shoes.
Ankle Sprains
The main reason high-tops are beneficial when playing basketball is to prevent ankle sprains. Ankle sprains involve a torn or stretched ligament in the ankle where the bones come together at the ankle joint. Ankle sprains typically occur when the ankle is rolled or turned the wrong direction, such as coming down from a rebound shot, or during a fall.
How High-Tops Help
The majority of ankle sprains in sports are lateral ligament sprains, where the ankle turns in such a way that the sole of your foot faces inward, placing enough stress on the ligament to injure it. High-tops work by providing support that continues up the ankle, which when tied tight with your shoelaces protects the ankle from turning abnormally, suggests the American Academy of Family Physicians. Sports shoes that do not go up as high can leave part of the ankle joint exposed, making it easier to sprain the ankle.
Choosing High-Tops
Approximately 70 percent of basketball players choose high-tops, according to Dick's Sporting Goods. The "upper" or the soft top of the shoe is what gives most of the support to the ankle and keeps the foot secure during basketball play. Today's shoes use a mixture of leather for durability with a synthetic, lightweight mesh to allow the foot to breathe while protecting it at the same time. Newer models of high-tops use new all-synthetic materials to still provide support and durability, but create a much lighter shoe. Laces work well for basketball shoes, but strap shoes provide additional protection against ankle sprains by wrapping around the upper arch of the shoe for stability.
Other Ways to Protect Against Sprains
The AAFP also suggests combining high tops with wide, nonelastic adhesive tape, to further protect the ankle. Elastic tape is not recommended as it gives too much to provide the structure needed to prevent rolling the ankle. Regular stretching and strengthening can also be beneficial, such as performing ankle circles or writing the alphabet in the air with your toes. Toe and heel raises can also strengthen the ankle while making the ligament more pliable.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Ankle Sprains: Healing and Preventing Injury; January 1996
- Dick's Sporting Goods: How to Buy Basketball Shoes
- TheACC.com; Preventing Ankle Injuries; J. Marc Davis, PT, ATC; Feb. 7, 2006
- Sports Injury Clinic: What Is a Sprained Ankle?
- Reuters Health Information: Ankle Sprains Hit Male Athletes Hardest; Anne Harding; Feb. 14, 2011
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