How to pick the correct ankle brace

There are so many ankle braces on the market it is difficult to know which brace to pick.

I will go over the advantages and reasoning of choosing a correct ankle support brace.

Ankle braces are typically worn to prevent ankle sprains. The best way to prevent an ankle sprain is to strengthen the ankle via physical therapy. Peroneal tendon strengthening is recommended. The strengthening is done using a Exercise Band.

REP Band Pre-Cut Exercise Pack

An Exercise Board is used to increase preconception and balance, increases range-of-motion, strengthens the lower kinetic chain and is appropriate for use in therapy as well as active training.

 Ankle Exercise Board



Light weight ankle sleeves are used right after an injury to control edema. They are also good for the late stage in recovery. The brace gives your body feedback to pay closer attention to the ankle. Since they are soft it is much easier to move around. The sleeve is less bulky.

 Silipos Malleolar Gel Sleeve 
The Malleolar Gel Sleeve provides mild compression to help reduce swelling in and around the anklebone. Two soft polymer gel pads, molded into the elastic sleeve, comfortably conforms over the ankle to moisturize your skin while they cushion and protect your ankle from abrasion, friction, shear, chafing and callus formation. Washable and reusable, the Malleolar Gel Sleeve can be used to provide an additional protective layer to help prevent injuries. Great for sports use. Easily fits inside shoe, boots and athletic footwear. One size fits left or right ankle.

Silipos Soft Skin Heel Sleeve
Molded with Silipos® proprietary gel pad that conforms to the shape of the heel, the Soft Skin Heel Sleeve™ is designed as a night sleeve to provide moisturization and relief for the dry and hard skin on the heel. The dermatologist-tested gel gradually dissipates a high grade mineral oil to moisturize, soften, soothe, and rejuvenate dry and hard skin at the heel while protecting the heel from friction, abrasion and pressure. The sleeve is fully hand-washable and reusable

Pedifix Compression Anklet

• Graduated compression from toes to calf assures increased venous activity.
• Reduces swelling for faster healing and less pain.
• Soft, lightweight spandex/nylon knit for comfort and patient compliance.
• Fleshtone color for undetectable wear.

Stromgren Double Strap Ankle Brace

The nylon/lycra sock of the Stromgren Ankle Brace comfortably supports the ankle and the Posterior Tibial Tendon. Additional stability and support is provided with the two attached straps that are wrapped in opposite directions around the ankle, and are held in place with hook and loop fastners.

This is a thin, low bulk brace that will fit in most styles of footwear with a low heel.

Fits either the left or right ankle.

Fabrifoam AnkleGard

Durable, supportive design, made of NuStimWrap, resists migration and delivers maximum adjustable compression.

Fits securely on either ankle with attached Velcro.

Wrap, when applied directly to the skin, will not cause blistering or irritation.

Slim design promotes comfortable wear in most footwear.

 Elastic Bandages



The next line of braces are known as the Stirrup Type. These braces will provide more support and a higher degree of inversion prevention. They feel light and allow the ankle to bend up and down in a natural way. Sometimes a half size larger shoe is needed. These braces provide ideal support during the healing process after an ankle sprain injury.

 Formfit Ankle Stirrup with Foam Pads

Performance Benefits:

• Patented Form Fit 3 dimensional molded pads
• Flex-Edges and adjustable pivoting heel straps
• Lightweight and breathable
• Quicker application

Gel Ankle Brace

Performance Benefits:

• Safe hot / cold therapy
• Patented lace-lock feature for added stability
• Available with 50% surface gel or 80% surface gel

     Active Ankle T2 Ankle Brace

Features and Benefits:

• The T2 features a durable, quick-fitting single strap system that is adjustable for both high and low top footwear. his Allows for a better fit.
• The sturdy medial and lateral fiberglass shell is covered with feather-light EVA padding that hugs and protects every contour of the ankle, offering a sleeker, less bulky brace while still offering maximum performance and protection.
• The fiberglass shell transfers some of the weight-bearing forces around the injury site up into the lower leg to help reduce pain.
• Bilateral hinges allow unrestricted flexion of the ankle, while preventing painful and damaging inversion and eversion of the ankle.

Fits either the right or left foot and ankle, sizing is by footwear size.

 

  AirCast Air-Stirrup® Universe

Features and Benefits

• Patented Duplex aircell system to enhance circulation and reduce swelling.
• Universal semi-rigid shells prevent further injury while allowing normal ambulation.
• Pre-Inflated aircell and adjustable heel pad for easy fit and maximum comfort.

  Aircast AirLift™  

Features and Benefits:

• Adjustable arch aircell for individualized support and comfort
• Anatomically designed shells for secure ankle stability
• Rear entry design and simple two strap application promote ease of use and compliance

The last type of ankle brace is a hybrid type. The hybrid braces typically consist of a strap and lace pattern. They wrap around the ankle giving more control and support than a plain elastic brace. The sides are usually softer allowing for increased comfort. These type of braces are used for a patient who is a higher risk for inversion injury, but still participates in a high energy sport.

Form Fit Ankle Brace

Features:

• Speed laces allow the user to lace up the Exoform in seconds, a big time saver that will encourage use and drive compliance.
• Slim fit design is low profile and fits easily into all footwear.
• Injection molded exoskeleton forms a network of support zones strategically placed to minimize inversion and eversion without restricting plantar and dorsi-flexion.
• Available with a unique heel-lock strapping system.
• Nylon "figure 8" straps will not stretch during exercise. Fully adjustable even while in use.
• Breathable lightweight fabric enhances comfort by allowing heat and moisture to escape throughout the brace.
• Padded heel and tongue fabric is durable and provides added comfort. Material is 100% latex free. 
• Machine washable, air dries quickly.
• Bi-lateral design fits left or right ankle.

  Swede-O Inner Lok 8

Features:

• Super easy strap adjustment for a comfortable custom fit with solid support.
• Exclusive internal figure eight straps are pre-configured to assure proper placement and support.
• Fast and easy application of brace due to pre-configured internal straps.
• Junior ballistic nylon construction with internal laminated foam provides both strength and comfort.
• Thinner than conventional braces makes for a more natural and comfortable feel.
• Breath-O-Prene™ tongue actually wicks moisture away from your skin. This makes the Inner Lok 8 a very comfortable ankle brace.
• Available in white.
• Fits either right or left.

   Quick-Tie Ankle Brace

The Quick-Tie Ankle Brace is made of DermaDry bracing material. The advantages of this material are:

• It retains soothing warmth in the soft tissues, keeping them flexible, which helps with healing and also helps to prevent further injury.
• It is lined with KwickWick treated polyester to help evaporate perspiration. This makes it cooler and more comfortable than taping the ankle.
• Provides just the amount of comfortable compression that you need and want.

This Ankle Support is durable, comfortable, and easy to apply to the foot and ankle.

Universal right and left. One size fits all.

All the above braces can be purchased at the online store.

Cross Fit

Organized classes are a great way to stay motivated, get in shape, and be fit.

With more people joining there is less personal attention from your trainer. 

Injures in these burst type activity classes are more frequent, even for the experienced athlete.

Be sure to discuss with your personal trainer any orthopedic injuries or other medical conditions you may have.

Be aware of body mechanics during the exercise routine.
Proper technique will decrease the incidence of injury. 

Commonly seen injuries are ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and tendinitis. 

For more questions contact Dr. Gennady Kolodeneker, DPM, AACFAS.

Foot and Ankle Sports Medicine Surgical Specialist in Orange County.