ATHLETIC TRAINING, PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, AND PROTECTIVE SUPPORT

Three important elements in a program for preventing athletic injuries are thorough physical examination, maintenance of good practice conditions, including practice field and practice equipment, and careful mental and physical conditioning of the players. The physician who is really in touch with trainers and athletes can help greatly with advice on special problems of prevention of injury as well as rehabilitation of the injured. New materials have become available for use in protecting vulnerable parts against strains and blows. Because of the frequency of certain types of injury, football and basketball players should have their ankles either taped or wrapped before each practice session. The methods here described for supporting the ankle and the longitudinal arch of the foot have been used routinely at practice sessions for many years and are believed to have prevented or to have reduced the severity of many ankle injuries.