The Hip Bone is Connected to the Ankle Bone?

Your 15 year old daughter has sprained her ankle for the 3rd time this soccer season. During one of her physical therapy sessions following the injury, the therapist has her doing squats, lunges and resistance band exercises. You sit there thinking, “Does this guy know she sprained her ankle?” . In fact, he does. A recent Belgian study found that weak hip muscles lead to overcompensation by the muscles of the foot and ankle and a tendency to lean toward the weaker side both of which allow the ankle to roll more easily. Strong hips are the basis of superior balance, they are the focal point between the trunk and the lower extremities. Incorporating simple hip strengthening exercises into team training routines can reduce the risk of injury for all athletes.