How to pick the correct ankle brace

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Conquer Ankle Woes: Choose the Right Brace Today!

Struggling to choose the right ankle brace from a sea of options? You’re not alone! This guide simplifies your journey and helps you pick the perfect one for your needs.

Ankle braces are champions in:

• Speeding up recovery: Heal faster from sprains or fractures with targeted support and stability.
• Boosting stability: Wobbly ankles? Say goodbye! Find the right level of support to prevent re-injury.
• Preventing future mishaps: Love sports like tennis or basketball? Play like a champ with proactive protection against sprains.

Choosing your champion:

• Watch the video!: Get a clear visual guide to different brace types and their uses.
• Know your needs: Recovering from an injury, preventing one, or both?
• Support level: Need basic stability or maximum lockdown?
• Comfort matters: Breathable materials and a perfect fit are key.

Beyond braces:

• Strengthen your ankles: The best defense is a good offense! Check out our video library for expert-led exercises like peroneal tendon strengthening.
• Seek pro advice: Have specific concerns? Let a physiotherapist or healthcare provider guide you.

Take action!

• Browse our selection: Find the perfect brace based on your needs and preferences.
• Get personalized help: Schedule an appointment for expert recommendations.
• Strengthen up!: Start your ankle-saving journey with our video tutorials.

What to do after an initial ankle sprain?

After an acute ankle injury, I suggest wearing a rigid ankle brace.

Put on a soft brace around 4 weeks after the injury. Soft ankle braces will help decrease ankle sprains and swelling.

Finding an ankle brace you can be active in and supportive to prevent a new ankle sprain is a great long-term goal.

It is important to do physical therapy to prevent future ankle sprains.

What can I expect after an ankle sprain?

Pain, swelling, and bruising are all normal signs of an ankle sprain.

Swelling can last between 2-8 weeks.

The edema can even last several years, or be permanent.

Range of motion is limited due to edema.

The anterior talofibular ligament is most commonly injured.

More intense injuries are when the lateral ankle and deltoid ligaments are torn.

Rarely is surgery required.

Chronic ankle sprains can require surgical correction to prevent future sprains.

The best non-surgical way to prevent ankle sprains is to do physical therapy.

Is Physical Therapy needed?

Physical Therapy will prevent future ankle sprains.

Wearing a rigid ankle brace for more than a few months can actually cause ankle weakness.

Your body will rely on the ankle brace to prevent rolling and the muscles will weaken.

What are the types of ankle braces available?

Lightweight ankle sleeves

Stirrup ankle brace

Hybrid ankle brace

What ankle brace do I use after an acute sprain?

After you just sprained your ankle, a walking boot can be the most comfortable to use.

After the swelling has gone down a Stirrup or Hybrid ankle brace is best.

What works well to control the swelling?

An ankle sleeve is great for swelling control.

Less swelling will mean less pain.

How do I choose an ankle brace?

Ankle braces should be initially chosen based on the level of injury.

There are braces to prevent injuries.

There are braces to help an injury heal.

• Rigid
• Semi-Rigid
• Soft

When should I wear an ankle brace?

An ankle brace to prevent injuries should be worn during the athletic activities

An ankle brace to help an injury heal should be worn any time you are walking. Eventually, you are to decrease the constant wear time and the rigidity of the ankle brace.

What is the difference between an ankle brace and ankle support?

Typically an ankle brace is considered a more rigid device.

An ankle support is softer and has more mobility.

The long-term wearing of an ankle brace will weaken your ankle.

The Aryse brace is a good exoskeleton construct to protect the ankle and minimizes ankle weakness.

Do ankle braces really work?

The simple answer is Yes.

They help speed up recovery from an ankle injury and help decrease future injuries.

It is important to wear the correct ankle brace for the result you are trying to achieve.

For acute injuries, a walking boot, followed by a rigid ankle brace is advised. Eventually moving to semi-rigid ankle support.

For ankle sprain prevention, the Aryse stability ankle system is a great option.

What is the most comfortable brace?

Really comfortable ankle support is by TechWare, you can purchase it here. 

The Aryse ankle support is great to prevent future sprains. Use code OCPOD for a 10% discount. https://aryse.com/

What is the most supportive ankle brace?

The aircast will have great stability and can be purchased here. 

REP Band Pre-Cut Exercise Pack

An Exercise Board is used to increase proprioception and balance, increases range-of-motion, strengthen the lower kinetic chain , and is appropriate for use in ankle therapy as well as active training.

 Ankle Exercise Board

Lightweight ankle brace sleeves are used right after an injury to control edema. They are also good for the late stage in recovery.

The ankle brace gives your body feedback to pay closer attention to the ankle.

Since they are soft, it is much easier to move around.

The sleeve is less bulky.

• COMPRESSION IN A THIN ANKLE SLEEVE: Get Pain Relief From Arthritis, Sprains, Muscle Fatigue and Stress Fractures in a Slim Design That’s Easy To Use With Shoes But Not At the Expense of Less Compression.
• PREMIUM QUALITY COMFORT: Breathable Moisture Wicking Soft Fabric Contoured For Support and Stability. Improves Blood Circulation Helping With Edema Treatment, Bunion And Bursitis.
• NO SLIP FIT FOR ANY ACTIVITY: Stay Comfortable in the Game All Day and Night. Baseball, Crossfit, Running, Basketball, Soccer, Walking, Hiking, Tennis, Volleyball, Golf, Kickboxing, Gymnastics, Exercise Workout, Martial Arts, Dance, Cycling or Any Athletic Fitness Sport.

• ✅ SPEED UP RECOVERY: Provides you with compression that helps improve blood circulation and eases pain from heel spurs, Achilles heel, Plantar Fasciitis, and other foot related discomfort!
• ✅ WHEREVER YOU NEED IT: Whether you have a long day at work, are out for a run, or just want to keep the blood flowing while you sleep, our compression sleeve is comfortable enough to be worn anywhere, and won’t bulk your foot making it difficult to put on your favorite slippers or running shoes!
• ✅ FREE COMPRESSION STRAP: The strap provides extra compression and support, which are both important for times when you are active and help you prevent new injuries. This BONUS strap also relieves the debilitating pain from plantar fasciitis or a sprained ankle
• ✅ SUPER PREMIUM QUALITY: Made with the highest quality fabric that is quick at absorbing sweat and keeps your feet dry and odor free. The inner texture of the fabric gives you a smooth and soft touch feel

• Graduated compression from toes to calf assures increased venous activity.
• Reduces ankle swelling for faster healing and less pain.
• Soft, lightweight spandex/nylon knit for comfort and patient compliance.
• Fleshtone color for undetectable wear.

Elastic Bandages

The next line of ankle braces are known as the Stirrup Type.

These ankle braces will provide more support and a higher degree of inversion prevention.

They feel light and allow the ankle to bend up and down in a natural way.

Sometimes a half size larger shoe is needed.

These ankle braces provide ideal support during the healing process after an acute ankle sprain injury.

• Intended to prevent or treat acute ankle injuries, chronic instability, post-operative use and ankle sprains grade I, II, and III.
• Semi-rigid, anatomically designed shells are lined with patented Duplex air cells, which help stabilize and protect the ankle.
• Pre-inflated air cells provide pulsating compression while walking, enhance circulation and reduce swelling and edema.
• Resists inversion more than taping, yet normal flexion is virtually unrestricted.
• Universal fit allows the Aircast Air-Stirrup Universe Ankle Support Brace to be worn on either the left or right foot.

 

• T2 Rigid Ankle Braces offer an exceptional level of protection with a quick-fit single strap that is adjustable for both low-top and high-top shoes.
• Fits the left or right foot, and offers maximum performance and protection for sports like volleyball, basketball and football.
• Sleek, less-bulky brace features feather-light, custom-molded EVA padding, which hugs every contour of the ankle and is custom molded for fit and comfort.
• Anatomical bilateral hinge allows a full foot range of motion up and down, which makes it suitable for sprains and strains.

The last type of ankle brace is a hybrid type.

The hybrid ankle braces typically consist of a strap and lace pattern.

They wrap around the ankle giving more control and support than a plain elastic brace.

The sides are usually softer allowing for increased comfort.

These types of ankle braces are used for a patient who is a higher risk for inversion injury, but still participates in a high-energy sport.

All the above braces can be purchased on Amazon by clicking the image.

Looking for the best ankle brace to support your recovery and prevent future injuries? Our comprehensive guide covers all you need to know about selecting the right ankle brace for your needs. From understanding different brace types like rigid, semi-rigid, and soft braces to tips on controlling swelling and enhancing recovery, we provide expert advice to ensure you make an informed choice. Explore our recommended products and find the ideal ankle brace to suit your lifestyle and medical requirements. Trust our expertise for effective ankle support and protection.

Struggling with a sprained ankle or chronic pain? Finding the best ankle brace can feel like wading through a swamp of confusing options. But fear not, fellow foot fanatics! This guide is your compass, navigating you towards the perfect support for your precious pins.

Forget generic one-size-fits-all braces. We delve deep into the world of specialized supports, exploring braces for sprains, strains, instability, and even recovery from surgery. Whether you’re a weekend warrior conquering the hiking trails or a graceful ballerina pirouetting across the stage, we’ve got your ankle covered (literally).

But hold on tight, because the journey doesn’t end there! We unveil the secrets of choosing the right fit, material, and level of compression. No more agonizing over straps, buckles, or confusing sizing charts. We break it down like a pro, empowering you to become the architect of your own ankle-bliss.

So bid farewell to wobbly woes and say hello to confident strides. Dive into this guide and discover the best ankle brace for you, because happy ankles are happy people, and happy people dance like nobody’s watching (even if they are, because this brace is amazing!).

Last Updated 2-01-2024