Preventing Sprains and Strains

There are many things people can do to help lower their risk of sprains and strains:

• Avoid exercising or playing sports when tired or in pain.

• Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet to keep muscles strong.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Practice safety measures to help prevent falls (for example, keep stairways, walkways, yards, and driveways free of clutter; anchor scatter rugs; and salt or sand icy patches in the winter).

• Wear shoes that fit properly.

• Replace athletic shoes as soon as the tread wears out or the heel wears down on one side.

• Do stretching exercises daily.

• Be in proper physical condition to play a sport.

• Warm up and stretch before participating in any sports or exercise.

• Wear protective equipment when playing.

• Run on even surfaces.