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Ankle sprains are common.  Once you have had an ankle sprain, you are more likely to get another ankle sprain… unless you help rehab your ankle.  An external ankle support (especially during physical activity) can significantly decrease an ankle sprain.  The sports with a high risk of ankle injury are soccer and basketball.  High-top shoes have NOT been shown to decrease ankle sprains.

Balance and “proprioceptive training” help greatly.  I tell my patients that proprioceptive training is re-teaching your brain where your foot is in space.  When you step off a curb, your brain needs to know exactly where your foot is, or you are more likely to misjudge the landscape and may sprain it again.

The ACSM, American College of Sports Medicine, suggests that rehab after an ankle injury should include guided stretching and strengthening of the ankle joint as well as balance training to prevent future injuries.  A primary care physician, sports medicine physician, or physical therapist can help teach guided stretching exercises.

Hope this helps.