There is an increased number of sports injuries every year because of ankle sprains and other forms. The ankle can also suffer from abrasions, strain, stiffness, and so much more when its range is compromised.
Ankle sprains lead out the number of cases, especially in sports like basketball. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, it is recommended that athletes were a sport ankle brace.
Many people, including athletes, have found wearing a brace very beneficial and necessary for them to move comfortably without pain. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, providing specific features depending in the type of injury you have.
Top 5: Sports Ankle Braces Review
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The Bauerfeind MalleoTrain Ankle Support Brace is excellent in proving the right amount of support to your ankle. In time, this can help reduce your swelling and pain. This brace holds your weakened ankle joints in their correct spot, and keeps your foot in its natural shape.
The compression you feel is the contoured firmness of the material, but it is not pressing up against the sensitive pressure points along your ankle. To ensure that the ankle brace fits on your foot properly, you will want to measure the circumference of your ankle where it is most narrow. This is usually right above the ankle joint or bone.
With this ankle brace, you will be able to get back on your feet again, and even play in a game, as the soft pads in the lining help massage your swollen joint. The cushioned pads support the inside and outside ankle bones, helping to reduce swelling. This provides the return of your ankle stability.
You do not have to wait after your injury to wear this one either. If injuries are prevalent or you are trying to be proactive and avoid injuries, you can wear this brace as well. You will be able to avoid getting mild ankle sprains, instabilities, pain, and swelling.
Bauerfeind gives you a high-quality product with this option. Your ankles can sometimes get neglected when you are doing an activity. Or, an accident can happen and now your ankle is not moving how it is supposed to. If it is serious, checking in with your doctor is recommended. For further support, this ankle support brace is a good solution.
If you are interested in controlling your swelling and speeding up the healing process, you can buy the MalleoTrain ankle support brace on Amazon.
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This Bauerfeind Sports Ankle Support is a specially designed sports ankle that can help athletes play during longer sport activities. The athlete can wear this brace to either reduce their chances of injury, or if they are mild injuries, the brace will help support the compromised ankle and control the pain and swelling.
This is made with quality compression materials and includes a taping strap for even more stability to the ankle. There are also loop straps to make sure the brace is able to properly fit and stay on the foot, so the right amount of stabilization can be provided.
It can provide targeted relief as well because of the well-made knitted fabric. While you move, the soft fabric massages the joint, increasing blood flow to the area that will reduce the pain and swelling. The straps give extra compression to the ankle, ensuring that no other mild injury can occur.
It is designed to be worn by athletes who engage in basketball, baseball, football, soccer, weight, and so much more. With the ankle, joint coordination will slightly improve. To fit the ankle properly to ensure the right amount of support is provide, you will need to measure the size of the ankle above the ankle joint. You will then refer to the sizing chart to pick the right size based on your measurements.
Bauerfeind is a company that has provided consistent results with their ankle support braces. You can buy this support device off of Amazon.
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The MalleoLoc Ankle Brace main goal is to stop your ankle from twisting any further than it needs to. It takes on the task like a doctor’s splint through the strap design. It will help stabilize your ankle and lateral twisting will be greatly reduced.
The brace fits around the ankle and underneath the foot, leaving the heel open. This makes it very comfortable to wear when performing daily activities. When worn with sturdy shoes, the likelihood of you worsening your injury, or obtaining an injury, is drastically reduced. With its unique and smart design, you will still get amazing support if you choose to go shoe-less.
Of course, like many others, you will want to make sure that the brace fits properly over your ankle and foot. Measure your ankle at the narrowest point and compare that measurement to the sizes located on the package of the product.
With the proper support given to your ankle, your ankle will heal quicker. A stable ankle will feel like its normal healed self. If you decide to wear this brace while performing and physical activity, this brace will be able to handle supporting your ankle at it is in movement.
This is a great option that is able to treat mild ankle injuries and even prevent them. No matter if the ankle injury is mild or severe, the brace is able to help give you back your mobility through its interesting figure-8 Velcro strapping setup.
If you're looking to just buy the straps, which provide the stability to your ankle, it is very possible to do so through the company. Its low profile makes it very easy for you to wear most shoes.
It is comfortable to walk in, and after a while, you will forget that you even have the ankle brace on. You can purchase this product off of Amazon here.
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Another company that creates quality sport ankle braces is AQTIVO. You will get complete ankle stabilization with this product. It uses the figure-8 Velcro technique. It will immobilize the joint that are not necessary for movement, while at the same time help mobilize the joints that need to move for pain free movement.
It helps reduce inflammation while you are going about your usual day, or when you are participating in sport activities. It can help prevent of support ankle sprains and other ankle injuries, such as Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
This is a great sport brace for people who are involved in basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, cross fit, and other sports.
Fitting of this ankle brace is the same as other braces. You will need to measure the narrowest part of your ankle. You will then match that measurement to a small, medium, or large fit. All of the sizes are valued at the same price.
This brace has a great compression system, and can expand up to 60% its size. So, if you are between sizes, it is recommended that you choose the smaller size to get the right fit. While wearing this brace, you will be met with comfort, lightweight, and moisture-wicking material.
It will last you for a long time when the proper use and care is followed. It can be adjusted with the strap to fit looser or tighter depending on the amount of swelling you are experiencing. This useful brace can also be bought from Amazon.
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This Ankle Brace for Women and Men by RiptGear product is also going to help support your ankle as it is recovering from an injury. Or it can be used as a prevention tool/ Your ankle sprain, tendon injury, or muscle strain should not and will not be able to stop you from living your day.
It is especially ideal for people who are suffering from chronic ankle pain and foot pain. You will be able to reduce your ankle pain and inflammation, protecting your joints, tendons, and muscles from further wear and tear.
This brace is small and flexible enough to be worn over socks and with shoes. It is also discrete and does not travel far past your ankle. Athletes will appreciate this ankle brace, as this will allow them to get back in the game again without feeling much pain, and lessening their fears of making their injury worse.
The brace can be adjusted with the straps that wrap around the ankle and foot. It is a basic ankle brace, but it can provide the support needed to heal your injuries. It also comes in two sizes, small and large, that are priced the same. You can buy this product from Amazon.
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best sports ankle brace
These are the 5 best options on the market. They all have their positives and negatives, but there will always be one product that outperforms the rest.
For a brace that will be great for athletes or people who perform hard labor, the Bauerfeind - MalleoTrain - Ankle Support Brace - Helps Stabilize The Ankle Muscles and Joints for Injury Healing and Pain Relief, Sore Ankle Pain Relief, Helps Reduce Swelling is the right choice.
It covers the whole ankle joint and muscles, and provides a secure and comfortable fit. You will want a brace that will effectively reduce your swelling and ankle pain. The shorter you wear the brace, the stronger your ankle will stay.
protecting and caring for ankles with sports
Playing a sport comes with tremendous advantages. It’s fun, challenging and keeps you in great shape. On the other hand, you run the risk of injury to various parts of your body if you aren’t careful to keep your joints in the best possible condition.Your ankle area is one of the most vulnerable areas when we’re talking about potential injury. Here is a quick list of sports that require strong ankles and feet:
- Football
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Hockey
- Track
- Soccer
There are others, but you get the point. You can be in the best shape of your life and still walk off the field or court with sore ankles. Or, worse, carted off due to an injury.
The following information and tips will help you properly protect and care for your ankles so you can continue to play productively.
Use The Proper Footwear
A large part of preventing ankle injuries is simply using footwear that’s designed properly for your chosen sport. Pickup players, for example, are notorious for the bad habit of choosing the wrong footwear.
An example of this is using skate or running shoes when engaging in high-impact sports like volleyball or basketball. Skate shoes are made to grip a board tightly. That’s why they have such flat soles. This is not the proper shoe for non-skating sports.
Most sports require more cushioning and the correct arch support in order to support all of your various movements.
Running shoes are a problem, as well. They can work decently if you’re playing soccer or football casually at the local park. Running shoes don’t work for any game of basketball, however.
Yes, they give you the cushioning needed for running up and down the court. You’ll slip and slide when playing defense, however, because running shoes aren’t designed with a sole that grips the court’s surface appropriately.
Running shoes don’t have the ankle support or cushioning needed to land safely when playing a sport such as indoor volleyball or basketball. The bottom line is that using skate shoes or running shoes incorrectly opens you up for a dangerous ankle injury or a condition such as plantar fasciitis.
Although it’s not always possible to have the perfect footwear for all situations, do your best to make the best and safest choice you can. For instance, you might choose a high-top basketball shoe when playing volleyball on concrete or a court. The Kobe series would fit this bill, for instance.
The reason this works is because the two sports are similar in terms of:
- Hard landings
- Jumping
- Quick movements
Ankle Sprains
An ankle sprain is one of the most common ankle injuries. Ligaments hold your ankle joints in place. These fibrous structures make sure your ankle stays stable by keeping the ankle bones in their proper position.
Sprains occur when the ligament fibers tear slightly. The tear results as your ligaments stretch too far during a rolling or twisting action. A more severe ankle sprain will happen if your ligaments are torn completely. You’ll know this has occurred if you hear a popping sound as your foot and ankle roll or twist too far.
If the sprain is severe enough, then you’ll feel a tremendous amount of pain and you’ll notice a swelling of the ankle joint. You’ll most likely need to spend some time walking with crutches while the injury heals.
Seeing a doctor is always the proper response to a severe sprain. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and may do an x-ray in order to check for possible fractures.
The RICE treatment is often the best way to go when dealing with an ankle sprain. RICE stands for:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
Physical therapy is also prescribed if the injury is severe enough. This type of treatment is effective with:
- Decreasing pain
- Lessening swelling
- Preventing chronic ankle injuries
Using therapy is typically helpful for getting you back to your normal activities as quickly as possible. A removable cast boot or ankle brace may also be used during your treatment period.
Most ankle sprains will heal themselves in six weeks or less. An MRI may be needed if it goes beyond this time period so other injuries can be investigated. If persistent instability continues long enough, a doctor may even consider surgery to repair the ankle adequately.
Ankle Fractures
An ankle fracture doesn't happen as often as a sprain. However, fractures are still common occurrences. A twisting action causes an ankle fracture in a similar way that it causes a sprain. The difference is that the ankle bones fracture because the rotation action twists the ankle joint farther than the ligaments can protect against.
Your doctor will usually use an x-ray to check for fractures when the injury is very painful and the area is overly swollen. An ankle fracture will normally involve one or more of the of following bones:
- Posterior malleolus
- Medial malleolus
- Lateral malleolus
Your treatment will probably involve some form of surgery, immobilization (via a walking boot, for instance) or a combination of both.
Taking Precautions To Prevent Ankle Injuries
Paying attention to your body is one of the best ways to prevent injuries. For example, if you’ve had an ankle or foot injury in the past, then work harder to protect that area in the future. For example, you might use a brace or take other protective measures when you play your sport.
Another way to prevent an ankle injury is to take adequate time off from your sport to allow your body to heal and recover. Consider resting at least one day per week. This will keep all areas of your body from breaking down.
Other ways to protect against ankle injuries include:
- Stretch every day so that your flexibility is improved. Do this before and after practices and games.
- Don’t play through pain. This is a badge of honor among all athletes. However, it often leads to more serious injuries. Get your body checked out when you experience pain.
- Take breaks during games and practices. It helps to lower the chance of injury when you take a break and gather your strength. Fatigue is a leading cause of injury.
- Do the proper strength and conditioning between practices and games.
- Play within the rules of your sport. Injuries often happen due to actions that result in penalties.
- Hydrate correctly by drinking plenty of fluids. Do this before, during and after conditioning, practice and game situations. Feet and leg cramping often occur from dehydration and opens you up to ankle issues.
- Prevent toenail issues (such as fungus) that cause a shift in how you run and plant. This change can result in an otherwise avoidable twisting action of your ankle joint.
- Use the correct technique and form when it comes to shooting, blocking, throwing, kicking and footwork.
Exercises To Keep Your Ankles Strong
One of the best ways to prevent ankle problems is to use exercises that strengthen the ankle area. Here are six exercises you can use.
Ankle circles: Rotate your ankle in a clockwise circle while sitting. Repeat the process in the other direction.
Ankle alphabet: Trace the entire alphabet with each ankle.
Calf raises: Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart. Lift your heels up so you’re standing on your toes. Hold that position for about two seconds. Raise your toes up off the ground as you bring your heels back to the floor.
Calf stretches: Move one of your legs to the rear and keep the heel on the ground. Stretch your calf muscle for about 30 seconds as you lean against a wall.
Single leg balance: Stand in place and raise one leg while balancing on the other leg.
Ankle inversion and eversion: Using a resistance band around your foot, rotate your ankle inwards (inversion). Rotate the ankle outward against the resistance as well (eversion).
Think About An Ankle Brace For Protection While Playing Sports
You might wear an ankle brace if you’re suffering from:
- Plantar fasciitis
- A fracture or sprain
- Achilles tendonitis
A brace will keep your ankle joint in place and provide improved stability. You might want to consider wearing an ankle brace even if you aren’t dealing with an injury. An ankle brace can help prevent an injury from happening in the first place.
Take the above tips and use them. If you wear the proper shoes and protective devices while exercising properly, then you can play sports and avoid ankle problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Wear an Ankle Brace to Bed?
You can. The best ones to wear that provide the most comfort while you are the tight-fitting compression ankle braces. You will want a brace that will still allow adequate circulation.
Should I Wear an Ankle Brace All Day?
To get the proper support for your ankle injury, it is recommended that you do keep it on all day. You can get two or more tuple of braces to fit the activities you participate in. A sports brace will work while paying a game, while a more general brace will help reduce the pain while walking.
If you are solely using the brace for injury prevention, you should not wear it all day, but only during the activities where you need the extra support.
What Is the Difference Between Ankle Brace and Ankle Support?
An ankle brace is usually specifically created to reduce a lot of problems that may be caused by your ankle injury. An ankle support is a simple brace, giving you enough compression to stabilize the joint.
Do Ankle Braces Weaken Your Ankles?
If you wear one everyday because of an injury, your ankles can weaken. This is because the brace locks down the joint for a period, so there is not much extra motion in the ankle to strengthen the surrounding muscles. A brace is great for rehab purposes.
