Benefits of Wearing an Ankle Brace (2024)

Benefits of Wearing an Ankle Brace (1)

If you have injured an ankle, it may take a long time to heal. The goal is to help it heal completely in order to ward off future injuries to the same ankle. Many patients find that using an ankle brace can help. In fact, in many cases, wearing an ankle brace also helps to prevent an injury in the first place. A number of types of ankle braces are available, including those made with elastic materials that slip onto the foot and those made with more solid material and straps that encase the foot. A brace can help to reduce strain, tension, and pressure on the ankle joint. One of the major uses of an ankle brace is to immobilize the joint and help to reduce swelling after an injury. Among the many problems that can be helped by wearing an ankle brace are sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and arthritis. For help with choosing the correct type of ankle brace, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from New York, NY. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for youor if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful callusesand are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in New York, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Benefits of Wearing an Ankle Brace (2024)

FAQs

When should you wear an ankle brace? ›

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.

Do ankle braces actually help? ›

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.

Do ankle braces help you walk? ›

With a good brace, deformity of the ankle can be corrected for arthritis patients. With the right orthosis, you may be painfree longer each day. This would allow you to walk further. You may also be able to manage more difficult surfaces such as uneven slopes or ramps.

Is it OK to sleep with an ankle brace on? ›

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.

Can I wear ankle support everyday? ›

If you are using your ankle brace as a rehabilitative or treatment device you should wear your brace while performing any daily activities to provide more stability and prevent re-injury.

Do you wear a sock over or under an ankle brace? ›

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.

What are the disadvantages of 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.

Should ankle braces be tight or loose? ›

You want to tighten it just enough to provide the support or compression you need. But you don't want to adjust it too tight where it cuts off your blood circulation or causes discomfort! If you experience increased pain and swelling while wearing an ankle brace contact your rehab specialist.

Is it better to wrap your ankle or wear a brace? ›

Best Practice for Preventing Ankle Injuries

In one study published by The Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, the author followed 300 football players over a six-year period. Comparing the two preventative therapies, they found that wearing an ankle brace was twice as effective for preventing ankle injuries as taping.

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

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.

Does walking strengthen ankles? ›

Benefits of Walking for Foot Health

Strengthen the bones and muscles of the feet and ankles. Increase flexibility and stability in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A healthy weight can reduce the risk of obesity, which can put a lot of strain on the feet and ankles. Increase circulation and reduce swelling.

Why am I so prone to ankle injuries? ›

The intrinsic risk factors for sprains of the lateral ankle ligaments investigated through prospective studies include the following: previous sprain; sex; height and weight; limb dominance; anatomic foot type and foot size; generalized joint laxity; anatomic alignment, ankle-joint laxity, and range of motion of the ...

When should you stop wearing an ankle brace? ›

Physicians often recommend that you wear a brace during activities for up to 12 months after an ankle sprain.

Will my ankle ever heal? ›

While you might be able to walk on your sprained ankle, it will never completely heal if keep putting pressure on your ligaments. In addition to the usual symptoms, there may also be a bone bruise of a bone chip. Bone damage could take six to twelve weeks to heal, while ligament damage could take three to six months.

Should I wear an ankle brace if it hurts? ›

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.

When should you strap your ankle? ›

If you have a history of recurring ankle sprains, we recommend strapping your ankle during sports, physical activity, and any activities on uneven ground that may put you at risk of another sprain. Foot strapping can be useful for plantar fasciitis, ligament damage, tendonitis, heel spurs and many other conditions.

Does an ankle brace help with swelling? ›

A brace can help to reduce strain, tension, and pressure on the ankle joint. One of the major uses of an ankle brace is to immobilize the joint and help to reduce swelling after an injury. Among the many problems that can be helped by wearing an ankle brace are sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and arthritis.

What is the indication of ankle brace? ›

Indications. Ankle braces are indicated for ankle trauma with small fractures or without fracture, immobilization of the joint, postoperative synovitis, sprains or inflammations of the joint, weak muscles in the ankle, among others.

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