Sports are all about pushing your limits, chasing victory, and reveling in the thrill of competition. But they also come with the risk of injury. Ankle sprains, in particular, are among the most common injuries in sports, and they can put a real damper on your game. So, the question arises: should you wear ankle braces as a precautionary measure to protect those precious ankles?
Before diving into the pros and cons of ankle braces, it’s essential to understand the context. Ankle injuries, particularly sprains, are prevalent in sports that involve running, jumping, cutting, and pivoting. Basketball, soccer, and volleyball are just a few examples of sports where ankle injuries are a constant concern. These injuries can be painful, debilitating, and lead to extended time on the sidelines, which is a nightmare for any athlete. So, the idea of using ankle braces as a preventive measure becomes quite appealing.
The Case For Ankle Braces
If you’ve experienced ankle sprains or injuries in the past, ankle braces can be a game-changer. They provide additional support and stability, reducing the risk of re-injury. Your ankles might already be weakened due to prior incidents, making them more susceptible to future problems. Ankle braces act as a safety net. The nature of the sport you’re involved in plays a significant role. 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. For beginners, ankle braces can be beneficial as they learn the ropes of the sport. Proper technique and the development of ankle strength take time. Until you’re confident in these aspects, a brace can provide a safety buffer, preventing accidental injuries while you’re still getting the hang of things. Ankle braces aren’t just for prevention; they’re also used during the rehabilitation process. If you’re recovering from an ankle injury, your healthcare provider might recommend wearing a brace to provide additional support and stability as you heal. This helps prevent further damage and aids in a quicker recovery. One of the best things you can do is consult a sports medicine professional or podiatrist like Dr. Wright. They can assess your specific situation and provide personalized advice based on your athletic history, your sport, and your unique needs. Their expertise can guide you in making an informed decision.
The Case Against Ankle Braces
Ankle braces, especially rigid ones, can limit your range of motion. This reduced mobility can affect your performance, making it harder to pivot, cut, or jump. For sports where agility and quick movements are essential, this limitation can be a downside. Relying too much on ankle braces can lead to over-dependence. If you never learn to strengthen your ankles and develop proper technique, you might find it challenging to perform without the support of a brace. This over reliance can be a hindrance to your long-term development as an athlete. Ankle braces can sometimes be uncomfortable, leading to blisters or skin irritation. This discomfort can be distracting during a game and affect your focus and performance. Ankle braces aren’t universally suitable for every athlete. What works for one person may not work for another. Finding the right brace that offers the right balance between support and flexibility can be a trial-and-error process.
So what do I do?
So, should you wear ankle braces as a precautionary measure in sports? The answer is not black and white. It depends on your specific situation. If you have a history of ankle injuries, play a sport with a high risk of such injuries, or are a beginner looking for extra support as you build your skills, ankle braces can be a wise precautionary measure. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced athlete, are concerned about limited mobility, or find that the braces cause discomfort, you might want to explore other preventative measures like strength training and improved technique. Ultimately, the decision should be made after careful consideration of your individual circ*mstances and, if necessary, consultation with a sports medicine professional or podiatrist. Your body’s feedback is invaluable; if wearing ankle braces boosts your confidence and comfort during sports, they might be the right choice for you. In the end, your well-being and enjoyment of the game should be the top priority. So, whether you opt for ankle braces or not, stay safe, have fun, and give it your all on the field. Questions? Feel free to give Montana Foot and Ankle a call!
FAQs
If you've experienced ankle sprains or injuries in the past, ankle braces can be a game-changer. They provide additional support and stability, reducing the risk of re-injury. Your ankles might already be weakened due to prior incidents, making them more susceptible to future problems. Ankle braces act as a safety net.
Is it better to wear an ankle brace or not? ›
Not all ankle sprains require braces, but a brace can help you to recover better and return to work and sport sooner. Minor ankle ligament tears (Grade 1) usually don't require a brace unless you have to walk over very uneven terrain or want to continue playing sport throughout your recovery.
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.
Is taping or bracing better for ankle support? ›
Most have shown that braces are slightly more effective than taping but that both are better than no support at all. One study found that simply wearing high-top sneakers instead of low-tops prevented some ankle injuries and that high-tops plus taping had more than 50% fewer injuries than low-tops plus taping.
Does wearing ankle braces for sports make your ankles weaker? ›
Conclusion. While some ankle braces, like the lace-up style, can restrict joint range of motion they do not necessarily weaken the ankle. A lace-up brace would have to be worn over an extended period of time to cause any major damage.
What is the difference between ankle support and 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.
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.
Do I wear ankle support over or under a sock? ›
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.
Is it okay to walk with ankle brace? ›
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. Walking or weight bearing too soon may slow healing or cause further damage.
Is it bad to leave an ankle brace on overnight? ›
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.
Wrap the ankle with an Ace Bandage or Coban Self-Adhering Wrap, to support the ankle and minimize the rapid swelling that occurs immediately after injury. Check the toes often to make sure there's blood circulation beyond the bandage. If they turn blue or numb, loosen the wrap slightly.
Is a wrap or brace better for ankle? ›
Both ankle taping and wearing an ankle brace during sports and activity can reduce the risk of an ankle injury, however, an ankle brace is generally considered the best choice for ankle protection.
Are ankle supports 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.
What sport is hardest on your ankles? ›
Sports that cause the most ankle injuries are football, basketball, soccer, tennis, and running. Football is a rough sport that can cause, among other things, high ankle sprains. A high ankle sprain is an injury that happens from the outward twisting of the foot or ankle.
What are the cons of wearing an ankle brace? ›
Ankle braces, especially rigid ones, can limit your range of motion. This reduced mobility can affect your performance, making it harder to pivot, cut, or jump. For sports where agility and quick movements are essential, this limitation can be a downside. Relying too much on ankle braces can lead to over-dependence.
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.
Is it better to sleep with an ankle brace on or off? ›
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.
Do ankle braces help healing? ›
Their ability to compress, support, and relieve pain makes bracing a great addition to your efforts for preventing and recovering from injuries and even managing some medical conditions.
Does taping ankles really help? ›
While ankle taping won't actually "fix" underlying joint issues (like chronic instability, tendinopathies, etc.), it still can help lower the risk of foot injuries by offering support and stabilization. "Think of tape as like a more mobile version of a boot, cast or brace.
