The effect of medially and laterally wedged insoles on lateral ankle stability during sidestepping movements

Ankle injuries are among the most common sport injuries supported by a review which pointed out that the ankle was ranked as the most injured body part in 24 of the 70 sport activities (Fong et al. 2007). In addition, 14% of all sports related injuries are ankle sprains and thereby one of the most common acute sports trauma (Fong et al. 2009).

Among ankle sprains 77% were lateral sprains, where 73% resulted in isolated rupture or tear to the anterior talofibular ligament. The highest incidence of ankle sprains was found in rugby, followed by soccer, volleyball, handball and basketball (Fong et al. 2009, Thacker et al. 1999). In sports such as volleyball, soccer, cheerleading, floorball, gymnastic and handball the percentage of ankle injuries ranged from 40% to 56% of all injuries (Fong et al. 2007).