Protecting Your Ankles While Hiking

By Donna Stark

Summer is on its way out and the beautiful fall season is quickly approaching which means many people are counting down the days until they can head for the mountains and spend their weekends hiking. And if you are one of those who are looking forward to hitting the trails in the cooler weather and colorful scenery, keep reading. Hiking isn't always for the faint of heart and it carries a level of risk that everyone should be aware of. That's why your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic have listed a few of their favorite suggestions on how to prioritize and increase safety while trekking those trails.

Vulnerable Ankles

Since the uneven and unpredictable terrain causes ankles to be particularly vulnerable while hiking, it's important to mitigate the risk of injury as much as possible. Here are some tips on how you can do so.

• Prepare your body - Before you start hiking every weekend, make sure your body is ready! This can be achieved through strength, balance, coordination, and endurance exercises.
• Choose appropriate footwear - Wearing the proper footwear is an easy way to provide the extra stability your ankles may need, but you may want to ask for professional help before making a purchase. Sometimes, if the support is too stiff, it could end up limiting the range of motion in your ankles.
• Take plenty of breaks - Physical and mental fatigue can be a problem if the hike is particularly difficult or long, and when that happens, the risk of missteps and accidental falls increases. Be sure to take plenty of breaks and spread them out during your hike.
• Use specialized gear - Hiking poles are a great way to remain stable and on your feet. They help distribute the weight of your body which can help reduce the force on your joints and decrease the risk of balance issues and falls. You can find them at your local sporting goods store.
• Get adjusted regularly - Did you ever think that chiropractic care could improve your hikes? Well, it's true! Routine chiropractic adjustments can increase range of motion, improve balance and stability, and enhance coordination. They can also help reduce the tension and strain in your body which will definitely make your hikes more enjoyable.

Safer Hikes

There are so many things that can go wrong and contribute to an ankle injury while hiking, but luckily, you can reduce the risk of that happening with the simple strategies above! By preparing your body, choosing appropriate footwear, taking plenty of breaks, using specialized gear, and seeing your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic regularly, you can reach the top of the mountain with ease!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Carrollton, Ga.