Preventing sprains and strains

To helpprevent sprains and strains, you should warm up properly before exercising and wear suitable footwear. Conditioning and strengthening exercises can also help.

Strengthening and conditioning

Including regular stretching and strengthening exercises as part of an overall physical conditioning programme can reduce your risk of sprains and strains by helping your joints stay strong andflexible.

If you're prone tosprains and strains, taping, strapping or wrapping your knees, ankles, wrists or elbows can help while you're recovering from injury and when you first get back into regular activities.

Butfor most people, taping, strapping or wrapping should only be a short-term protective measure. You can protect your joints in the long-term by strengthening and conditioning the muscles around them.

For example, avoid wearing shoes with a worn heel on one side because they may increase your risk of injury.

If you wear high-heeled shoes, you're more likely to sprain your ankle than if you wear flat shoes.

• Warm up properly before you exercise and cool down properly afterwards.
• Don't exercise or play sports when you're tired.
• Take precautions against fallingkeep stairs, walkways, gardens and driveways free of clutter, and in winter put sand or salt on icy spots outside your home.
• Where possible, avoid running or walking on uneven surfaces.
• Eat ahealthy, balanced diet to help keep your joints and muscles strong.

and how to stretch after exercising.