When visiting a sporting goods store, you have likely seen many different ankle braces and tapes. While it may seem wise to have your young athlete wear an ankle brace, it may not help.
Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of having your young athlete wear an ankle brace, according to ourexpert teamatNevada Orthopedic & Spine Center.
Pros of wearing an ankle brace
Ankle injuries are common in many sports, and using an ankle brace can be a helpful tool in the recovery process.
Additional support after an injury
After an ankle injury, ankle braces can provide additional joint support, preventing further injuries. During the recovery period, our team may recommend your young athlete wears a brace, though that may not always be the case.
You should only have your child wear ankle braces if our team or other medical professional has recommended it. Wearing an unnecessary ankle brace can increase the risk of a knee injury.
Readily available and often inexpensive
Ankle braces are inexpensive and available at nearly every major retail or sports store. However, listening to our team's recommendations is important, as an improper ankle brace can do more harm than good.
Possible pain relief
Ankle braces can provide pain relief by stabilizing an injured or weakened joint. If your child has had an ankle injury, and anle brace may reduce the pain and speed up recovery.
Reduce stress on the joint
Ankle braces provide extra support, minimizing the stress on an injured joint so the tissues can repair themselves. After an ankle injury, an ankle brace could be a key factor in the healing process.
Ankle braces are a removable option
Ankle braces are convenient and easily removable; you can take them off to sleep or for certain activities cleared by our team. It also means your child can easily get new ankle braces or adjustments to accommodate their healing as needed.
Cons of wearing an ankle brace
While ankle braces can provide additional support and stability after an injury, their use has potential drawbacks.
Braces don’t replace rehabilitation programs
Ankle braces can be helpful for your young athlete and provide additional stability while recovering from an injury, but it is important that they still receive proper medical care and rehabilitation.
While ankle braces don’t replace rehabilitation programs, they can supplement treatment.
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.
That weakness can increase the chances of a secondary injury and potentially make it difficult for them to continue with sports.
Changes in gait and muscle atrophy
Prolonged use of ankle braces may lead to changes in your child’s natural gait pattern and weaken the muscles surrounding the ankle joint. Weaker muscles increase their risk for repeat injuries.
If your child has suffered an ankle injury, or you want to know if an ankle brace is right for them, our Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center team is here to help. Contact us today orschedule an appointment onlineat our Henderson or Las Vegas, Nevada, office.
FAQs
Cons of wrist and ankle braces
Long-term use of braces can sometimes lead to a similar dependency, where the muscles and joints become reliant on external support. This can weaken the muscles over time, potentially delaying complete recovery.
What are the disadvantages of ankle braces? ›
Cons of wrist and ankle braces
Long-term use of braces can sometimes lead to a similar dependency, where the muscles and joints become reliant on external support. This can weaken the muscles over time, potentially delaying complete recovery.
Is it bad to wear an ankle brace all the time? ›
However, the downside of an ankle brace is that people who wear ankle braces for prevention may be at higher risk for sustaining a knee injury. 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.”
Are ankle braces worth it? ›
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.
Is it bad to run with an ankle brace? ›
One study found a negative effect on running speed and broad jump performance when wearing a lace-on brace. In other studies, no effects on running speed and broad jump were found. In 1 study, agility was negatively affected when wearing an ankle brace, although agility was not significantly affected in other studies.
What are the disadvantages of orthopedic braces? ›
Dependency: Patients can become dependent on braces, which can lead to muscle atrophy and weakened joints over time. Skin irritation: Braces can cause skin irritation and discomfort, especially if worn for extended periods. Limited mobility: Braces can limit mobility and make certain activities more difficult.
What's the difference between an ankle stabilizer and an ankle 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.
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.
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.
Why don't more NBA players wear ankle braces? ›
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.
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.
Can you wear a sock over an ankle support? ›
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 negatives of wearing an ankle brace? ›
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.
When should I stop wearing ankle brace for sports? ›
Ankle Sprain
For example, if you tear all the ligaments in your ankles you can expect it to take up to 4 months to heal, and you will need to wear your brace for most of the duration until you have back the full range of motion and do not experience any pain in the area.
Is it safe to drive with an ankle brace on? ›
4 If any joint has been placed in a cast or brace, you should avoid driving even if it's a soft brace or bandage since your range of motion is still restricted. Don't drive if you're experiencing pain since it can lead you to become suddenly distracted or unable to move freely.
Is it bad to sleep with a 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.
Is it better to tape your ankle or wear a brace? ›
Best Practice for Preventing Ankle Injuries
Comparing the two preventative therapies, they found that wearing an ankle brace was twice as effective for preventing ankle injuries as taping.
Can you walk normally with an ankle brace? ›
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.
Is it bad to wear a brace all the time? ›
If the specialist gives you the okay, you can wear your brace all day. But be sure to follow the directions of your knee pain specialist because the improper use of a knee brace can worsen your pain and cause further damage to your knee. Knee braces that immobilize your knee can weaken it.
