Hint: You’ll become a better runner! – By Jenny McCoy

As runners, we understand the value of our legs and our feet. But your ankles deserve respect as well.

“Ankle and foot strength plays a major role in what happens in your entire kinetic chain when you’re running,” says physician Dr. Marci Goolsby. “It’s really important to address any issues and make sure you’re as symmetrical and balanced as possible.”

Here, Goolsby and two other experts share exactly what you’ll gain when you give your ankles the attention – and respect – they deserve.

1. Prevent painful sprains

The most common type of ankle injury is classified as “inverse,” meaning the sole of the foot twists inward. About 80 percent of ankle injuries fall into this category, explains Dr. Steven Weinfeld, Chief of Foot and Ankle Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

This can happen when you take a misstep while running (or even walking) that rolls your foot in underneath your ankle. Having strong muscles surrounding your ankles (the ankle itself isn’t a muscle) can help prevent this type of injury, commonly known as a sprain.

“When you take a misstep and your ligaments start to twist, the muscles on the outside of your ankle can fire back and prevent the twisting,” explains Weinfeld. “Your muscles can be trained to help protect you from these injuries.”

2. Combat Achilles and posterior tibial tendinitis

Two other common injuries that result from your foot twisting inward: Achilles and posterior tibial tendinitis. When your foot pronates (or rolls inwards), it puts undue stress on the surrounding tendons.

“With repetition, this causes micro-tearing [also called tendinitis],” explains Dr. John Jachimiak. This tendinitis can damage your Achilles as well as your posterior tibial, the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the bones on the inside of the foot.

Watch: Dr. Jordan Metzl shows you how to treat and prevent the dreaded Achilles tendinitis.

3. Protect your adjacent joints

A weak, misaligned ankle can stress the adjacent joints, including your knee, hip and lower back, says Weinfeld.

“If something is off or abnormal anywhere along this kinetic chain and you are asking your body to do an asymmetrical sport like running, you will likely see injuries elsewhere,” adds Goolsby.

4. Boost your athletic performance

“Most people – including elite athletes – have deficiencies in ankle strength,” says Jachimiak, who notes that when it comes to running, stronger muscles around your ankles mean more power, agility, and mobility out on the road.

5. Improve running stride

Having sturdy ankles while running can “help your heels come down properly and ensure a correct stride,” says Weinfeld. “It’s a matter of keeping your limbs properly aligned.”

6. Improve ability to walk in different shoes

“There’s a certain amount of strength needed to walk in high heels,” explains Weinfeld. Having strong muscles around your ankles will minimise the risk of rolling your ankle while sporting such shoes.

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