Expert: Samantha Mattingly - 3/4/2008

Question
I'm a swimmer usually, but I recently started doing track, and for the last couple days my ankles have felt weak and running irritates them.  How can I prevent this from happening... my first meet is soon and I want to be able to run without feeling all the pain in my ankles.

Answer
Dear Lindsay,

If you're sick, your ankles can be weak.  Do you feel sick?  If not, it is probably because you are tired or may be using them a lot, and are wearing them out, or using them a lot.  You can wrap your ankles up, or try putting an ice pack or heating pad on your anjkles and see if that helps.  If not, over the counter pills would be the next option, but you should at least be 16, ideally 18 to take them, but some people take them at any age.  Hope this helps!