Ankle Splint (Support, Brace) for Injuries: Uses, Complications (2024)

FAQs

What is the use of ankle support brace? ›

Wearing an ankle brace can provide support for your foot and ankle. This support can help to reduce pain and prevent further injury. Ankle braces are often used to treat chronic conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis, and instability.

The ankle brace may impair your mobility and some of your neuromuscular control in such a way that it puts you at risk for injury elsewhere.” Most people won't wear an ankle brace pre-injury: The primary role of the ankle brace is after one injury in order to prevent a second injury.

In addition to using an ankle brace for existing plantar fasciitis, you can also consider one for impactful prevention or otherwise decreased severity of achilles tendonitis, fractures, sprains, instability from obesity, poor balance, gout, and a dysfunctional gait.

Ankle splints may be used for sprains, fractures, and dislocations. You may be able to walk with an ankle splint, but often not right away. After injuries such as sprains, fractures, and dislocations occur, they usually need time to heal before weight-bearing.

Wearing an ankle brace for too long can cause a reliance on it instead of the natural strength of the ankle. If your young athlete only wears an ankle brace after an injury and does not undergo rehabilitation, the ankle may remain weak, even after healing.

Patients with inflammation can also improve their mobility and reduce stiffness and pain with compressive ankle supports. Athletes wear them to prevent injuries in the first place.

A rigid splint consists of a firm material such as metal or plastic while a soft splint is made from foam or fabric. Braces are also used to help stabilize injured body parts, but they are typically more flexible than splints as they are designed to offer support through compression rather than complete immobilization.

Their ability to compress, support, and relieve pain makes bracing a great addition to your efforts for preventing and recovering from injuries and even managing some medical conditions.

If you wear an orthosis or brace on your feet, ankles or knees, you need to wear some sort of sock underneath it. The sock protects your skin, keeps your skin dry and helps prevent blisters or sores. For the best protection, wear a sock that extends past the top of your brace.

The main goal of ankle splinting is to prevent dorsiflexion and plantar flexion as well as inversion and eversion of the ankle joint. Specific conditions that call for ankle splinting include injuries to the distal tibia or fibula, ankle joint, or hindfoot.

How many hours a day can you wear an ankle brace? ›

Begin by wearing the brace two times for one hour the first day. Add one hour to each wearing period until you are comfortable wearing the brace full time during the day and do not experience any red marks or pressure sores on the skin.

Use braces, compression, or supports should be for daytime use only. However, you can use an ankle wrap at night for extra support. Make sure the wrap stays loose enough for some movement and circulation. Do not wrap the foot as tight as you would in daytime use for more movement.

Use braces, compression, or supports should be for daytime use only. However, you can use an ankle wrap at night for extra support. Make sure the wrap stays loose enough for some movement and circulation. Do not wrap the foot as tight as you would in daytime use for more movement.

Strengthening weak ankles with exercise can help improve your stability, relieve pain, and help you avoid further injury. Your ankle joints and muscles experience a lot of wear and tear every day, which can take a toll over time. Weak ankles can affect your balance.

It is recommended that you only wear ankle compression sleeves during an injury recovery period, rather than wear them regularly to prevent injuries. Your ankle can actually get weaker by wearing ankle compression sleeves every day.