Ankle injuries are unfortunately very common. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or you’re just someone going about their daily activities, there’s always the potential for injury.
An ankle brace can be a great tool to prevent injuries and help you recover from them, because it offers support and stability that helps you stay on your feet.
Do you know when to wear an ankle brace and which one is right for your needs? We can help!
Benefits of Ankle Braces
Ankle braces provide a wide range of benefits, making them an invaluable tool for injury prevention, recovery, and maintaining overall foot and ankle health.
One key advantage of these braces is their ability to keep your foot and toes pointed forward, preventing inward rotation or twisting of the foot and ankle to help with:
- Injury prevention
- Stability
- Reducing swelling and inflammation
Given the many benefits of wearing an ankle brace, it’s crucial to consult with your foot doctor if you have ankle issues. Prompt treatment or support can help prevent further damage and promote better recovery.
When to Wear an Ankle Brace
Knowing when to use an ankle brace is crucial for effectively treating and preventing ankle injuries. That’s why it’s so important to consider different scenarios where having and using a brace can be beneficial.
Ankle Brace for Sprain
Most commonly, ankle sprains occur when your foot twists, turns, or rolls beyond its normal range of motion. That forces a ligament to stretch too far and causes a sprain.
After the sprain occurs an ankle brace can help limit your range of motion, which will provide stability and reduce further risk of injury. This is especially important in the early stages of healing, because the ligaments are still weak.
Your doctor may recommend that you wear a brace during your initial recovery, as this will reduce swelling, provide compression, and restrict excess movement.
During Physical Activity
If you’re prone to ankle injuries or you have a history of sprains, wearing an ankle brace during high-impact activities such as running can provide extra support. When you use an ankle brace for running or sports you help stabilize the joint, reducing the risk of rolling your ankle or causing a new injury.
For Chronic Conditions
Anyone who has chronic ankle instability may also benefit from a brace. Since up to 40% of ankle sprains go on to create chronic symptoms, it’s very important to reduce your risk.
Ankle Brace for Achilles Tendonitis
You can likely benefit from the use of an ankle brace if you have Achilles tendonitis. Wearing a brace can help offload stress from the tendon and allow it to heal while providing support during movement.
Ankle Brace for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel and bottom of your foot, and can be managed with an ankle brace in many cases. The brace works to support the arch and reduce strain on the plantar fascia, which alleviates discomfort and helps aid your recovery.
How to Choose the Right Ankle Brace
There are several types of ankle braces, including sleeves that are soft and flexible along with more rigid designs that lace up. Choosing the right one depends on the kind of injury you have and your specific needs.
After a podiatric evaluation, you and your doctor at The Foot and Ankle Group can work together to decide which ankle brace is right for you. To do that, there are three specific areas to consider.
Type of Injury
For prevention and mild injuries, a soft, compression-style ankle brace may be sufficient. However, for more severe injuries like a grade II or III sprain, a more supportive ankle brace with additional straps or laces might be a better choice. These provide firmer support to help manage and recover from the injury.
Level of Support
Compression sleeves offer light support, while lace-up styles are more for high support. Choose the level you need based on the severity of your condition coupled with the kind of activities you plan to do.
Comfort & Fit
Your brace should fit without being too loose or too tight. It should feel snug but comfortable and offer the right amount of support while not restricting blood flow to your ankle or foot.
Wrapping It Up: Brace Yourself for Better Foot & Ankle Health
It’s important to remember that an ankle brace doesn’t offer full protection or any kind of guarantee against injuries. That’s why it’s so important to work with your healthcare team to make an informed decision about the brace that’s right for you. Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment today.
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