Things You'll Need:
- Great hiking boots
- Walking poles
- Balanced pack
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Step 1
Pick shoes designed for hiking with ankle support. There are many lightweight hiking boots available at sporting-goods stores. Look for boots that fit your hiking situation. You might even want to invest in several pairs of boots: one for day hiking or short hikes, and one designed for carrying a heavier pack over long distances.
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Step 2
Be careful and go slowly over rough or uneven terrain. Even a small ankle twist can progressively get more painful over a long day’s hike.
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Step 3
Use a hiking stick or poles. Poles help you keep your balance and prevent falls, especially when you are tired.
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Step 4
Rest often, especially toward the end of the day or the end of the hike. It is easier to twist, sprain or break an ankle when you are tired and sore.
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Step 5
Administer first aid if you do injure an ankle. Use tape, a brace or a splint. If you must walk on an ankle injury to get help, use crutches or a hiking pole, and rest often. It can take over 6 weeks for a bad sprain or break to heal, plus rehabilitation time to get your ankle stronger.
