Top 5 Ankle Injuries That Benefit From a Support Brace

Ankle injuries surprisingly occur in our daily lives. A sudden fall, a minor sports injury, a fracture, or even household accidents can leave your ankle hurting terribly, which is very common. Ankle injuries are often triggered by overuse or repetitive motions, sudden ankle twists, or chronic ankle instability. Performing activities that include high-impact motions, wearing unsupportive shoes like flip-flops, and walking or jumping on uneven surfaces may trigger ankle sprains gradually. Even simple daily routines like walking or standing become challenging. That’s when an ankle support brace becomes more than just support; it's relief. These orthopedic gears are designed to support your ankle during the recovery process.

In this blog, we will explore the top five injuries that benefit from an ankle support brace.

Which Ankle Injuries Need a Brace?

Ankle braces are an essential support tool for preventing further injury and promoting faster recovery. Understanding which types of ankle injuries benefit most from a brace can guide proper treatment and ensure effective rehabilitation.

Sprained Ankles

It occurs when ligaments are stretched or torn. An ankle sprain can happen while walking or running on uneven surfaces, tripping, or participating in sports that involve sudden stops and jumps. Basically, a sprain is triggered by any action or activity that forces the ankle to twist, roll, or move beyond its normal range of motion. 

An ankle support brace provides stability for mild to severe sprains, helping ligaments heal and preventing re-injury. Wearing an ankle sprain support brace can be especially helpful during recovery to protect the ankle when walking or returning to activities.

Achilles Tendonitis

This illness can be referred to as an overuse injury. The overuse injury affects the tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. This condition involves inflammation or irritation of the Achilles tendon, which runs from the calf to the heel. 

Wearing unsupportive shoes like heels or flip-flops may also lead to Achilles tendonitis. 

Certain braces, like Leeford Ortho Ankle Support, Ankle Binder, or Ankle Binder with Splint, are designed to support the conditions associated with tendonitis and provide compression to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy, or peroneal tendinopathy, is a condition that involves a tendon issue. It's when the peroneal tendons, located on the outer side of your ankle, become irritated. Whether it's running, jumping, or standing for prolonged periods, pressure is applied to your ankle region. Over time, these repetitive motions cause you to experience pain and discomfort in your ankle. 

An ankle brace for sports injuries can offer compression and support to the affected tendon, which can help alleviate pain and improve function.

Chronic Ankle Instability/CAI

CAI develops when you have a history of recurrent sprains. Repetitive strain or sprain on the ankle leads to weakened ligaments and joint instability. This can result in ankle instability or a sudden loss of support. 

An ankle support brace is highly recommended when suffering from this condition, as it helps to stabilize the ankle. It offers sturdy external support as you perform your daily tasks or when walking. Wearing it helps to prevent sudden twists or injury recurrence.

Ankle Fracture  

Ankle fractures can result from traumatic events like falling, twisting the ankle, or direct impact from activities like sports or tripping. An ankle support brace is ideal whether you have a minor fracture, severe fracture, or are dealing with post-surgery recovery, such as ligament repairs. It helps to keep your ankle in a stable state, and this promotes healing. It also helps to maintain a safe or proper alignment, aiding in effective recovery and protecting the ankle from further injury.

Can Wearing an Ankle Brace Prevent Injury?

An ankle brace can indeed help prevent injury. It’s often useful for athletes with a history of ankle sprains. Braces might not be as effective at preventing first-time injuries in people who have never had one before. Rather, they can still lower the overall rate of ankle sprains in athletes. Wearing an ankle brace for sports injuries provides extra secure safety and healing effectiveness. It also:

• Provides external support and stability to the ankle joint
• Limits risky or unnecessary movements that may lead to slower recovery
• Helps to reduce injury by protecting the ankle from sudden accidents or twists

Among the trusted and best brands are Leeford Ortho Ankle Support, Ankle Binder, and Ankle Binder with Splint, which are known for their sturdy support and comfort. Before choosing an ankle brace, consult a healthcare expert for a proper examination based on your condition or your daily activity routine.

How Long Should I Wear an Ankle Brace After an Injury?

It's crucial to know that an ankle brace helps reduce pain and promote recovery, but overuse may cause stiffness. Your doctor might recommend the following duration of wearing an ankle brace based on conditions like:

• Minor sprain: 1-2 weeks
• Moderate: 3-4 weeks
• Severe/Post-surgery care/Chronic ankle instability: 6 weeks or more

What Type of Brace Is Best for a Sprained Ankle?

Consult a healthcare expert for proper guidance on choosing the best type of brace. The result is mainly based on the various factors that include the type of your injury, daily routine performance, and the severity of the injury. Various types of ankle braces include:

• Rigid braces: Ensure maximum support and are often used for severe conditions like fractures or post-surgery recovery.
• Semi-rigid: Braces that provide high-level support and are suitable for conditions like ankle instability or minor sprains
• Lace-up: A semi-rigid brace that fits into a shoe and provides extra support by limiting side-to-side movement. It's often used for mild to moderate sprains.
• Stirrup: Commonly recommended for post-injury rehabilitation, they provide extra protection against further damage.
• Sleeves and straps: Used for mild/minor sprains or at a later recovery stage. It offers light protection and compression, meaning it's not suitable for moderate or severe injuries.

Consider Leeford Ortho ankle support gear that comes in various types, such as:

• Ankle Support
• Ankle Brace
• Ankle Brace with Splint

These orthopedic ankle supports are ideal when dealing with minor sprains, moderate injury, severe injury, or post-surgery injury.

Is an Ankle Brace Better Than Taping?

An ankle brace is often considered more effective for all types of ankle injuries and treatment than taping. An ankle brace is effective in preventing sprains and further injury, whether you have an injury history or not. Tapping is also effective when you don't have an injury history. However, choosing a better option depends on the type of your injury, its severity, and your daily routine. The choice should be based on your healthcare provider’s advice.

Wrapping Up

Finding the right ankle brace for ligament injury doesn’t have to be hard or complicated. The top five injuries that benefit from an ankle brace include sprains, fractures, Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendinopathy, and chronic ankle instability. Comfort comes with a few cautions, which include choosing the proper support as per your injury, choosing a snug fit, refraining from high-impact motions, and regularly checking if there is improvement in your recovery.

Above all, seek advice from a healthcare provider to determine the type of your condition, its severity, and the proper type of ankle support you can use. Also, consider orthopedic ankle support gear from brands like Leeford Ortho. They promote safe, proper, and effective ankle recovery. With the right guidance and support, an appropriate ankle brace can significantly aid recovery and prevent further injury.