Basketball In Ankle Braces (2024)

FAQs

Do ankle braces help in basketball? ›

They offer support to the ligaments and tendons surrounding the ankle joint, reducing the risk of sprains, strains, and other common basketball-related injuries. By wearing an ankle brace, you can increase your confidence on the court and focus on your game without worrying about potential ankle injuries.

Zamst A2 Dx Ankle Brace.

If you're looking for professional-grade ankle protection, the Zamst A2-DX Strong Ankle Brace (view at Amazon), which is used by NBA player Stephen Curry, is your best bet. It comes with stabilizing straps and a molded support system for whole-ankle support.

Current research indicates ankle brace use in high school-aged athletes lowers the incidence of acute ankle injuries, but not the severity. Ankle braces are not shown to reduce the severity of ankle, knee or other lower extremity injuries.

Can I Play Sports with Braces? The short answer is yes; you can play sports and wear braces simultaneously. However, there is an increased risk of mouth injury with the possibility of getting hit in the face with a ball, colliding with other players, etc.

Injury Prevention:

Supporting the ankle while playing sports by wearing an ankle brace is a good way to help protect it. Exercise training focusing on balance and good muscle control is also helpful.

If you have a severe ankle sprain, your doctor or physio may advise that you wear your brace all day during the first few weeks. In all other cases, ankle braces only have to be worn when you do an activity that is likely to twist or roll the ankle.

Tape is a common choice for NBA players who prefer a more customized approach to ankle support. Athletic tape is wrapped around the ankle and foot to provide support and stability. Tape is a versatile option that can be customized to fit the player's specific needs.

Guards usually have a narrow stance when shooting because it allows for a quicker release. However, Curry is mostly a wide-stance shooter. He compensates for this by pointing his knees inward once he goes for the dip. This inward knee bend is one way Curry's shot deviates from what is considered perfect form.

Warm muscles are not as prone to injury. Taping and Bracing: Using tape or an ankle brace will provide extra stability for your ankles. Ankle injuries tend to recur, so either of these can be a great option. If you have previously injured your ankle, wear an ankle brace every time you hit the court.

Are knee braces allowed in the NBA? ›

In fact, seeing a basketball player without a knee brace on is a rare occurrence, and it's not for the sake of fashion. Knee braces work to stabilize the knee, prevent common basketball injuries, soothe current injuries, and ultimately keep players strong, confident, and in the game.

Charlotte Hornets center, Dwight Howard, was another of the famous athletes with braces and he even wore them when he entered the NBA.

Basketball players often feel the less restriction the more agile they will be on the court. Most players have this notion of feeling restricted when wearing an ankle brace and they believe they wouldn't be as quick wearing one.

Here's what he found: Three times as many athletes sprained their ankle while playing without ankle braces than playing with one. This was true for girls and boys, varsity and JV, freshman and seniors alike. 68% fewer first-time ankle injuries happened while the athletes were wearing ankle braces.

Wearing an ankle brace can cause reliance

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.

For sports that require a lot of lateral movements and quick direction changes, like basketball or soccer, wearing ankle braces is more common. These braces can help with sudden shifts in weight and direction, reducing the risk of rolling or twisting an ankle.

Playing with a hurt ankle often leads to compensating by putting more weight on the uninjured leg, and this may introduce a new set of risks for the knee, ankle, or hip. Moreover, a recent ankle injury can leave the ankle joint unstable, making it susceptible to a same-day, same-side injury.

With such high-intensity actions, the risk of ankle injuries is ever-present. However, by choosing basketball shoes that provide adequate ankle support, players can minimize the likelihood of sprains, strains, and other ankle-related issues.