Different degrees of support
Ankle braces range from offering support and compression to stabilising the ankle and even completely restricting the range of motion. Which one is needed for you depends on your specific injury, how severe it is, and how far you already are in your recovery. After a surgery, the ankle often requires being completely immobilised in order to heal. An ankle brace with integrated shoe doesn't only restrict range of motion, the semi-rigid shell also offers protection in case the foot collides with anything. Padding ensures that the level of comfort is as high as possible.
If you are further along in your recovery process, the ankle joint needs to still be stabilised, but motion needs to be restored. Some braces allow controlled movement while offering secure support. Is the injury mostly healed, or you're suffering from a minor instability, a more flexible brace allows for movement and even physical activities while compression reduces swelling and pain as well as preventing rolling and ankle sprains.
Treatment for different ankle injuries
The ankle joint is susceptible to a variety of injuries, so finding the right ankle support for your specific ailment is key in achieving a fast and full recovery. Which model of ankle brace is right for you should always be discussed with your doctor, especially regarding a severe injury. The main difference between the various models is how much movement they allow.
The most rigid orthoses that offer the most support are used for the following indications:
- torn Achilles tendon
- fibula fractures
- ligament, soft tissue, and tendon injuries
- chronic instability
- and many more
The more flexible supports are used for the following indications:
- ligament injury or instability
- ankle sprains
- and many more
The soft braces also prevent ankle injuries and are often used during demanding physical activity. Many athletes use them to ensure that they can achieve their best performances and train without having to worry about new or returning injuries.
Ankle supports for prevention and minor injuries
Braces in this category are mainly for treating injuries, including recovery after surgery. For less severe injuries and everyday use, such as for exercising, medi also offers ankle supports. These models offer support and compression without restricting movement. They are used for rollover prevention and to treat minor conditions, such as:
- minor sprains and contusions
- mild instability
- swelling
- heel pain and plantar fasciitis
Ankle braces for children
Kids are active all day – they’re trying out new activities and expanding their physical abilities. So a sprained ankle and other injuries are unfortunately unavoidable sometimes. If children suffer from ankle injuries, they require supports that are adjusted for their anatomy. Therefore, medi offers ankle braces specifically for children. They are smaller and especially lightweight, so they can be effectively used for treating an ankle injury such as a sprain or strain, allowing kids to recover quickly and safely.
Enhanced comfort
The Ankle braces and supports by medi are all made with breathable material, that's comfortable against the skin, even if worn all day and during the night. The rigid splints have added padding, that moulds itself to the ankle, shin, calf, or foot. Because of this, most ankle supports can be used on either the left or right ankle. Depending on the model, there are different sizes available. To ensure a comfortable fit and the best treatment, use the sizing charts to find the right size for you. Adjustable straps ensure that the brace fits securely and offers optimal support without being too tight. The straps also enable you to easily put the orthosis on yourself and take it off if necessary.
For splints and lateral supports of the braces lightweight materials are used. The breathable fabric is temperature regulating. After being worn for prolonged periods of time, the ankle support can be handwashed, some models even machine-washed at a low temperature.
