Foot and ankle sports injury in cold areas

Exposure to cold environments significantly elevates the risk of sports-related foot and ankle injuries. Low temperatures induce stiffness in muscles, tendons, and ligaments, reduce tissue elasticity, and diminish overall joint flexibility. At the same time, frozen or hardened ground surfaces heighten impact forces while impairing the body's shock-absorption and adaptive response mechanisms. As a result, injuries such as ankle sprains (ligament tears), tendonitis, and stress fractures become more prevalent. Prevention is therefore essential and should focus on comprehensive warm-up routines, use of thermal and supportive equipment—including ankle braces—selection of footwear with adequate traction, and timely replacement of damp socks after exercise to maintain foot warmth and dryness.