Ankle Braces

[Coelah]

Anyone here have any experience with ankle braces?

I've sprained my right ankle 5 times, twice in the last year, and it seems like it is getting easier and easier to sprain every time. I'm thinking I need something to support my ankle and help prevent further damage.

Can anyone suggest a good brace that will provide support, help prevent sideways twisting and still offer good movement?

[Phanuthier]

I'm in the same boat as you, I sprained my ankle a few weeks ago, but I've still been playing using a ankle sleeve. Apparently, the tie up ones are better then the sleeves.

But, I'd be interested in hearing what advice is said here. Maybe in the next 7 minutes before I head off to my next game.

[Locke]

My ankles are garbage, I wear a velcro wrap brace on both ankles for every game.

Its essentially equivalent to a good tape job but its very flexible, it isnt too think so it fits well in soccer shoes and it offers decent mobility,

The 4 straps wrap around the ankle and thats what braces the joint.

It looks kind of like this:

[flylock shox]

I've sprained both my ankles more time than I can count, and have been using various braces since I was about 15.

You may want to buy a compression or tensor brace to wear immediately after injury to offer some support and prevent swelling. But tensor braces will not prevent re-injury, particularly during physical activity.

The best bet I've found is a lace-up brace with two velcro straps that mimic the figure-8 of a proper tape job. This is the one I've had for years, and which has served me really well:



You should be able to pick that up from a medical supply store for around $30-$40. I got my first one from such a shop just across the road from Foothills Hospital. I think it was called MacDonald's medical supply, or something like that. Anyways, shouldn't be hard to find if you look, and a very valuable bit of equipment to have. I never play sports without it.

[Coelah]

Thanks for the advice.

I'll give the ones you guys use a try. I've just been using tensor bandages and they do very little. Getting real tired of limping around.

[Nufy]

Active Ankle FTW...

My left ankle is like a piece of spaghetti from years of Volleyball and multiple rolls and sprains...

It has saved me a few times as well.

[The Goon]

I've had both of my ankles surgically reconstructed and I also use the brace that flylock shox uses. I can't recommend it enough.

Last year, Under Armour introduced a line of cross-trainers, and one in particular, Evade, has stronger lateral support than the typical cross-trainer. The moment I put these shoes on, I felt more stable than I have in years. It seems nearly impossible to roll your ankle in these. If you're constantly spraining your ankle, give them a try.

[Buff]

Marry a physical therapist. Have her tape your ankles before your athletic activities... and never get in the dog house before you go play any sports.

[NORTHERN ALBERTA]

Originally Posted by flylock shox

I've sprained both my ankles more time than I can count, and have been using various braces since I was about 15.

You may want to buy a compression or tensor brace to wear immediately after injury to offer some support and prevent swelling. But tensor braces will not prevent re-injury, particularly during physical activity.

The best bet I've found is a lace-up brace with two velcro straps that mimic the figure-8 of a proper tape job. This is the one I've had for years, and which has served me really well:



You should be able to pick that up from a medical supply store for around $30-$40. I got my first one from such a shop just across the road from Foothills Hospital. I think it was called MacDonald's medical supply, or something like that. Anyways, shouldn't be hard to find if you look, and a very valuable bit of equipment to have. I never play sports without it.

Yep,same 1 i have,works great!

[T I M]

In high school I rolled my ankles a lot. The wrap up ones mentioned are incredible, never rolled my ankle seriously while wearing them.

In my experience with spraining/rolling ankles, the best thing I ever did was go to physio therapy. It strengthened my ankles to the point where I haven't had a serious injury to them since.

[AFireInside]

My gf has a masters in physical therapy. The lace up ones mentioned above are better than the sleeves. The sleeves can help, as well.

She says the ones with bones as structural support (some lace up ones have these), are the best kind.

My ankles are trashed as well. Shattered mine when I was 15 playing basketball, now its mostly metal. Got a steel plate on one side and pins on the other.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by The Goon

I've had both of my ankles surgically reconstructed and I also use the brace that flylock shox uses. I can't recommend it enough.

Last year, Under Armour introduced a line of cross-trainers, and one in particular, Evade, has stronger lateral support than the typical cross-trainer. The moment I put these shoes on, I felt more stable than I have in years. It seems nearly impossible to roll your ankle in these. If you're constantly spraining your ankle, give them a try.

Are they a wide shoe? I ask because I can only buy New Balance it seems, because Nike's and Adidas are way too thin, and I have a wide foot. New Balance has been the only brand I have been able to buy the past 5-8 years because of my wide feet.

[The Goon]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Are they a wide shoe? I ask because I can only buy New Balance it seems, because Nike's and Adidas are way too thin, and I have a wide foot. New Balance has been the only brand I have been able to buy the past 5-8 years because of my wide feet.

I don't believe they have two widths, but my feet tend to be wide, and I've never noticed any tightness with these shoes. The best thing to do is go to a store and try them on. I got mine at Sportchek.

[sclitheroe]

I was hoping this thread was about electronic ankle braces...oh well

[Claeren]

Originally Posted by flylock shox

The best bet I've found is a lace-up brace with two velcro straps that mimic the figure-8 of a proper tape job. This is the one I've had for years, and which has served me really well:

^^ I use this one as well. Kenron Pharmacy (across from Foothills Hospital) sells them for about $50.

One thing I will warn you though, is that with this heavy duty of an ankle brace your ankle is going to be great but if you sustain any ankle twist it will transfer that force into your knee instead (the force has to be released somewhere along your leg and if not your ankle then your knee.) -- so still be extra careful.

I have found that doing up the brace 80%-stiff helps, but I guess that may be a function of how bad your ankle is.

Good luck!




Claeren.

[Nehkara]

Thanks for this thread everybody. I am leaning towards getting at least one of these ankle braces. My right ankle is trashed and my left ankle is getting there. I put together a team for the Play On street hockey tournament in June and we have been practicing regularly but after every practice my ankles are sore and swollen. At some point when I can afford it financially I need to go see if physiotherapy can do anything for my ankles.

I have wide feet and usually I buy Dr. Scholls size 13 wide but they have no ankle support.

I will check out those Under Armour shoes but does anyone have any other suggestions for footwear that might help keeping in mind my odd size as mentioned above?

[Azure]

Wearing a brace doesn't do anything to fix those weak ankles.

I sprained both my ankles in the same summer a few years ago....and I've worn the braces too. But, doing ankle strengthening exercises worked a lot better. I haven't had a serious problem in years.

The University of Michigan hockey trainer developed a few exercises that he makes his players do every year. Check them out....if you can find them on the net.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

I was hoping this thread was about electronic ankle braces...oh well

That is what I was thinking, who on CP is serving house arrest? Too bad.

And thanks Goon.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Azure

Wearing a brace doesn't do anything to fix those weak ankles.

I sprained both my ankles in the same summer a few years ago....and I've worn the braces too. But, doing ankle strengthening exercises worked a lot better. I haven't had a serious problem in years.

The University of Michigan hockey trainer developed a few exercises that he makes his players do every year. Check them out....if you can find them on the net.

This.

Use a brace to get you playing again earlier, but if possible strengthen it and ditch the brace as soon as possible.

Once you start wearing braces long term your ankles will get really really weak, and you'll be more prone to problems from every day things when you aren't wearing the braces. Skipping is a great ankle strengthening excercise. When I played for Alberta Volleyball our coach was a skipping Nazi and we didn't have any ankle injuries. Apparently this held true for most of his teams.

I made the mistake once of wearing a brace for way too long after an ankle injury, thinking it would prevent me from hurting it again and I'd still tweak it here and there. When I stopped wearing the brace again it was downright scary because my ankle was so weak. After a while it got stronger, and I usually only roll it every couple years now. That said, if your ankle is already toast and there is no rehabbing it, then brace away!

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by flylock shox

You should be able to pick that up from a medical supply store for around $30-$40. I got my first one from such a shop just across the road from Foothills Hospital. I think it was called MacDonald's medical supply, or something like that. Anyways, shouldn't be hard to find if you look, and a very valuable bit of equipment to have. I never play sports without it.

Ok I just gave one of these try, seems a little weird to get a touch on the ball and feels a little weird with my shot. Is that to be expected?

I guess I only need one of these for 4 weeks until this heals (apparently I have the same injury Rene Bourque had, high ankle sprain).