How to Choose the Best Ankle Brace (2024)

FAQs

What ankle support should I get? ›

So in the early stages and immediately following a sprained ankle an elastic type ankle support is best. Compression helps reduce selling and provides a low level of support. Later as you begin to walk about and run on your injured ankle then an ankle brace with more lateral (sideways) support is better.

Joint Stiffness

In such cases, wearing an ankle brace before playing any sports or doing any exercise is the best idea. This can continue long-term, although it should be removed while sleeping.

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 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.

According to most research and our own clinical experience, semi-rigid braces work better for ankle sprains. This is due to the extra support they provide your ankle ligaments and joints. Unfortunately, soft supports do not offer enough support to keep your ligaments safe from further injury while you heal.

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.

Many ankle braces are based on shoe size, so take your measurements before buying. If you picked the right size but it still feels uncomfortable, adjust the brace by making it either tighter or looser, or by wearing a different sock or shoe with it.

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.

Using ankle braces to prevent ankle injuries is becoming more common, and I'm often asked by coaches, parents and athletes if wearing an ankle brace is worthwhile. Current research indicates ankle brace use in high school-aged athletes lowers the incidence of acute ankle injuries, but not the severity.

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.

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.

In summary, semi-rigid braces are more effective in protecting your ankle and helping it heal after an ankle sprain than any other type of ankle support.