Ankle Braces and Injuries: Basic Facts and Tips

Article Last Updated: December 1, 2024

An ankle brace is worn to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and prevent future injuries.

It works great provided you choose a high-quality brace and you properly educate yourself when using one.

It can even help improve some physical conditions, which will enable its users to do various physical activities with ease.

In this article, we will discuss the right way of putting an ankle brace on and some myths regarding this gear and ankle injuries in general.

Read on and take note of everything you will learn.

Ankle Braces and Injuries: How do You Put an Ankle Brace On?

Generally speaking, it is easy to put an ankle brace on.

Just make sure to follow the specific instructions of your brand  and you’re sure to get it right.

Here are the steps to follow when wearing an ankle brace:

Wear your athletic sock.

It is important to wear an athletic sock underneath the brace. This is to provide more comfort and protection and prevent rubbing.

Put the brace on.

Make sure to do it loosely so as not to feel uncomfortable. Doing so will ensure a smoother process when putting the brace on.

Lace it up.

Do it carefully and see to it that the seams of the brace come together within two centimeters.

Your brace might be too big for you if the seams overlap or may be too small if they are a few more centimeters apart.

Check the fit.

Once your brace is laced up, start again at the bottom. Gently pull everything up one more time to ensure a snug fit.

You may also want to stretch it a bit by putting your finger underneath the seam.

Check the heel.

The heel area is crucial in determining if the brace is comfortable to wear.

After checking the laces, turn around and check the heel. Make sure it does not rub hard against your brace.

Do the stirrups.

If you are already satisfied with how your laces are tied, it is time to do the stirrups.

Keep the laces out of the way and pull the straps firmly to ensure a snug fit. Check and make some adjustments when needed.

There you have it – the general tips when putting an ankle brace on. Take note that there might be some differences among various brands.

Some are easy to put on and use, while some are a bit challenging. Needless to say, it is always best to choose an item that provides a lot of ease alongside high quality.

Debunking Myths on Ankle Injuries

Are you an athlete? With sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, etc., it is common for athletes to suffer from ankle sprains.

Since these are competitive sports, it helps to wear ankle braces in order to get back into the action sooner.

However, some choose not to wear one due to pre-conceived notions about ankle braces.

Here are some of them:

Ankle braces are difficult to put on.

The latest models of ankle braces are easy to put on. There are no laces or adjustments, just tabs or strips to secure them.

Ankle braces get in the way as you move.

Ankle braces are designed and shaped for the foot to provide smooth movement.

They are flexible but stable enough to support your ankles.

You can even wear them with your regular shoes enabling you to do your daily routine without difficulty.

Ankle braces are uncomfortable.

The braces are made of soft and breathable materials which make them comfortable.

Most people hardly notice that they’re wearing one.

Your ankle isn’t broken if you can move it.

Small fractures may not indicate a sprain but never take this issue lightly as it could mean a more serious condition.

Have your ankle x-rayed for a proper diagnosis.

You should soak the injured ankle in warm water.

Never soak your injured ankle in warm water.

Heat stimulates blood flow, making the ankle swell more thus, intensifying the pain.

An elastic bandage can cure a sprained ankle.

An elastic bandage can treat muscle sprains by applying pressure on the affected area to control the swelling.

However, it is still best to consult a healthcare professional to assess the condition of the sprain.

You may stop the treatment when the pain subsides.

The pain may have stopped but this doesn’t mean that the ligaments and muscles surrounding the ankle are already healed.

Terminating the treatment could lead to further injury.

Injuries like ankle sprains shouldn’t be taken lightly. You need to treat them immediately before things get worse.

For accurate diagnosis and treatment, seek professional help.

Conclusion

Nobody wants to suffer from ankle sprains or any type of injury.

For this, you should do every right thing to prevent them from occurring or to help them heal.

From buying and putting on your brace to learning about ankle injuries in general, you should be patient so as not to encounter any bad experiences.

Get the best buy, use the gear properly, and make sure to distinguish facts from myths.

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