How to Choose the Best Ankle Brace for Support and Recovery

'Standing on your own feet' could not have been possible if the human anatomy did not have an ankle. This small part of our body is probably the most overused and under-cared. It is time for us to understand this joint and give it the right protection since that keeps you standing.

A short picture of the ankle’s anatomy shows us that this hinge joint is made of the upper and lower tarsal. This allows us the normal foot movement. It has four ligaments and three primary bones, the fibula, talus, and tibia, that make up this joint. The tendons of the ankle, the capsule, and supporting muscles form the basic construction of the ankle.

Coming to the point, what is imperative and inevitable is the injury to the ankle, considering the load it bears. Be it age or athletics, or merely a bad walking posture can put undue pressure on this joint and cause severe complications or injuries.

The most common ankle injuries include structural misalignment, sprains, torn ligaments, fractures or tendonitis, and other soft tissue injuries. This is where ankle braces come in as the ultimate saviour. Whatever the doctor’s treatment or physiotherapy, the ankle brace is always part of the therapy. It is highly recommended to protect the ankle from further damage and disintegration.

An ankle brace is an ankle belt for pain, which offers compression and support and reduces the ankle’s impact by providing temporary and low-key immobilisation. It is imperative to choose the correct ankle brace that compliments your leg as well as the injury. There is a massive array of ankle support products available in the market. These vary from sleeves and straps to braces and splints and also hybrids and stirrups. But which brace you pick for the rehabilitation of your ankle purely and primarily depends on the intensity of your injury.

Following are some points to consider while choosing the correct ankle brace for yourself and find the perfect balance between stability and comfort.

Types of Braces:

Sleeves: Ankle sleeves are fairly easy to slip on and are quite comfortable, though their efficiency is debatable. This ankle band is a decent fine-line treatment if your injury is mild, like a mild sprain or twisted foot. It keeps the ankle protected and movement restricted. These are not very useful for moderate to severe injuries. These could also be used as light protection after physiotherapy.

Straps: Binders or ankle straps can be wrapped around the ankle like a bandage in an eight-shape. Straps vary in flexibility and thickness. Athletes and youngsters prefer these ankle belts for pain.

Lace-ups: These braces are made of stiff material and a classic design that provides stability with functionality. These braces are more rigid and used for hairline fractures, and when the ankle needs minimal movement.

Hybrids: This is a brace that includes a sleeve, a strap, and lace-ups together. Professional athletes usually prefer these or if the doctor recommended depending on the severity of the injury.

Stirrup brace: This is an ideal brace for post-injury rehabilitation as it provides extra protection to your ankle from getting further damaged.

Quality:

Your brace quality should be premium as compromised quality will not offer you the grip and support required by the ankle. It is not worth taking a risk with cheaper products because the ankle will be tougher to repair once the damage is done.

Stability:

The brace you buy should offer perfect stability because your ankle is injured and weak. A brace should not be loose or wobbly.

Fit:

Make sure the brace you pick is the right size for your ankle. For example, a sleeve brace slips on like a sock and needs to have a perfect grip. One too small or tight may reduce blood circulation and cause more pain, while one too big will not offer support for the joint.

Silicone Padded Braces:

These braces are suitable for post-injury recovery. These can be worn like socks and offer extra support to the ankle. They include an ergonomic fit, soft padding, and a silicone pressure pad to stimulate blood circulation.

Cost:

Though this should be the last point of contention, one must have a budget for the brace depending on the injury. A mild injury may not require a high-end brace (do consult a doctor first to understand the intensity of the problem). Whereas it will not be worth compromising for a cheap, unbranded brace if the injury is severe and extensive rehabilitation has been recommended.

Whether an injury is minor or severe, the ankle needs support and protection post-trauma and during rehabilitation. One may think an ankle band could hinder walking or athletic activities, but in reality, the support from a bandage can help your ankle a lot of pain.

Hansaplast's latex-free Sport ankle brace is anatomically designed for individual fit and comfortable support during movement. It helps to relieve pain associated with ankle sprains, chronic ankle instability and discomfort to the stressed and overused joints.

It's time to embrace your ankle and get back on your feet.

How to choose the Best Ankle Brace for Support and Recovery