How can I effectively educate patients on the prevention of future ankle sprains?

To effectively educate patients on preventing future ankle sprains, advise them to engage in exercise therapy programmes that focus on coordination and balance training, as these have been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent ankle sprains and improve postural balance control and ligament stability after an initial sprain ¹.

Recommend the use of external support such as bracing or taping, especially for those participating in sports or with a history of ankle sprains, as this can reduce the risk of re-injury by approximately 50-64% ¹.

Encourage self-care strategies during exercise and sport, including warming up with aerobic activity to gently increase heart rate, cooling down with gradual intensity reduction and stretching, wearing appropriate footwear and comfortable clothing, and developing a balanced fitness programme incorporating cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training ¹.

Advise patients to add new activities cautiously, avoid exercising when tired or in pain, and schedule regular rest days to reduce injury risk ¹.

Refer patients to physiotherapy for tailored exercise programmes and consideration of external supports if needed, as physiotherapy can improve recovery time and reduce chronic instability ¹.

Address modifiable risk factors such as managing falls risk, alcohol use, and obesity, which can contribute to re-injury risk ¹.