Playing basketball is a good way to burn calories while having fun with others, but having sneakers that don't fit well can make your ankles hurt. If your sneakers are biting into your ankles and leaving blisters or sores, there are a few remedies that you can try to help you get back in the game.
Socks
Make sure the socks that you are wearing are covering you between your basketball sneaker and the irritated skin. If you have low-cut socks, wear socks with more of a cuff. Put on a second pair of socks, preferably thick socks with lots of cushion. The extra padding that this adds between your shoe and skin may help relieve some of the pressure and prevent further irritation.
Moleskin
Moleskin is a thick fuzzy padding sold in the foot care section of most drug stores and grocery stores. One side is soft and the other side has a sticky backing. Sometimes sticking moleskin to the inside of your sneaker where it is rubbing your skin can help decrease irritation from shoes that don't fit perfectly. You can place moleskin on your skin, but this is not a good idea if you already have a cut or an open blister.
Athletic Tape
Tape your ankle. You may need an athletic trainer to do it for you or to show you how. Place a soft foam underwrap around your foot ankle and lower leg. Then apply a series of pieces of athletic tape to help strengthen and stabilize the ankle. The thickness of the dressing usually helps to decrease irritation from shoes that rub or dig.
New Shoes
If all of these approaches fail, it may be time to buy new basketball shoes. If just the shoes are irritating you, you may be able to take them back to the store for a refund or exchange. When you pick out another pair of shoes, try them on and walk around the shoe aisle for a little while and make sure you don't feel any rubbing. Once you bring the shoes home, wear them around the house for a day or two so that you can still return them if they start to rub. When you select a pair of shoes, remember that comfort and support for your foot is the most important thing. The style of the sneaker should not be the only factor in your decision.
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