Ankle Braces

Why should we use an ankle brace?

The most current evidence reveals that the use of ankle bracing has decreased the incidence of initial ankle injuries and re-injuries. Bracing protects the ankle by restraining lateral motion and proprioceptive feedback. Studies have shown favorable results for both bracing and taping. However, the disadvantage of taping is that it will stretch during activity and lose some of its rigid support. The properly fitted ankle brace will maintain its rigidity much longer and can be re-adjusted during activity to ensure its effectiveness.

An
external ankle support helps
to decrease the incidence
of repeat (chronic) ankle
sprains by aiding balance
and structural stability during activity. Additionally, an ankle brace will improve muscle reaction time and provide an improved sense of what your ankle is doing while in motion (proprioception), decreasing the risk of injury.

Compression Brace

Neoprene or elastic compression braces are used in aiding the treatment of mild ankle sprains and
tendinitis. Elastic braces consist of a
light weight stretchable material and

provide the ankle joint with compressive support. Compression enhances joint support and balance, while still allowing the motion necessary for daily functions and sport activities.

The benefits of compression braces include:

• Maintains ankle joint warmth, decreasing muscle stiffness and associated discomfort during activity
• Provides compression which reduces swelling associated with injury
• Fitted easily by measuring ankle joint size or shoe size
• Universal fit for either the right or the left ankle

Semi-Rigid Ankle Brace

The lace-up ankle brace is one of the most common types of semi-rigid ankle braces. These braces are used for mild to moderate ankle sprains or for the prevention of repeat ankle sprains that occur with activity. The lace-up braces are designed to limit the ankle from rolling side to side as well as the up and down ankle motion, theoretically providing “full ankle support”. 
These braces are available in a variety of types, including those with and without figure-8 strapping systems. Similar to the compression braces, the lace-up brace will fit according to ankle joint size or shoe size. Brace fitting and adjustment is provided by some type of lace-up / Velcro system. The braces may have an option to insert semi-rigid supports for added lateral and medial stability. The braces with external straps provide a figure-8 strapping system that allows for rapid tightening without re-lacing the entire brace. The benefit of the straps is increased ankle support. These braces are reusable, but require more time to put on and take off than the semi-rigid hinged brace, especially those with the figure-8 strapping system.

The benefits of lace-up braces include:

• Combines durability with a comfortable, lightweight feel
• Provides more support than the compression brace and fits in most shoes
• Universal fit for either the right or the left ankle

The Hinged Ankle Brace

The hinged ankle brace is another type of semi-rigid brace. These braces are designed to prevent rolling the ankle from side to side without affecting the up and down motion of the ankle. They will feature padded sides for increased comfort and either one or two Velcro straps for quick adjustment and easy on and off application.

The benefits of hinged ankle braces include:

• Increased side to side support compared to the lace-up brace
• Designed to fit in most shoes
• Constructed to fit contour of the right or the left ankle

The Rigid Ankle Brace

The rigid stirrup ankle support is perhaps the most widely used brace in sports today due to the effectiveness and versatility in treating ankle sprains, stress fractures, and (chronic) repeat ankle sprains. It is made of a hard plastic shell that extends up both sides of the ankle and is strapped into place with easily adjustable Velcro straps.

The rigid brace provides more side to
side support than the semi-rigid braces,
yet may be difficult to fit in some shoes.
After the ankle heals, a more functional lace-up ankle brace is recommended to prevent further injury.

The benefits of rigid braces include:

• Increased side to side support compared to the semi-rigid brace
• Provides compression which reduces swelling associated

In summary the advantages of wearing an ankle brace are:

• Support
• Stability
• Balance
• Improved functional movement
• Decreased pain

Featured Product:

Ankle Brace

The patented ATF 2 Ankle Braces with straps self-adjust to support your Anterior Talofibular Ligament and help protect against “rolling the ankle” without restricting jumping, speed or agility. ATF 2 Straps also help in the support of weakened or sprained ankles. A resent study showed that the wearing of the ATF 2 Ankle Brace had little effect on the times of 100 m sprint athletes. Mueller has designed these ankle braces and ankle supports with the athlete in mind, whilst protecting the ankle the agility of the player is not compromised.