You have probably seen people wearing either an ankle brace at your local recreation sports center. You may have recently sprained your ankle and looking for that extra support when you return to sport. In this blog, we are going to explore the benefits and cost of wearing a brace for sports and every day activities.
Why use an ankle brace?
Ankle sprains frequently occur when because of an awkward landing or a twisting movement when we walk and run. An ankle brace helps prevent recurrent ankle sprains especially when playing sports. It achieves by locking our ankle in a fixed position to prevent it from rolling either outwards or inwards. This is especially important when we play a sport, our body is placed under considerable load as we move and react to the play of the game. Let’s take soccer for example, our ankles have to quickly shift direction as we run as chase after a ball. The uneven grounds of most soccer pitches add an extra element of challenge to the body. This can be further exacerbated when your body is fatigued from the demands of the game. These are all factors that can contribute to a recurrent ankle sprain.
Ankle brace or sports taping?
Ankle brace and taping both achieve the same result of protecting your ankle for sprains. This decision ultimately comes down to your finances and the severity of your ankle sprain. A proper ankle brace is more expensive compared to taping in the short term. However, taping in the long term is going to be more expensive because you have to regularly purchase rigid tape when it runs out. The effectiveness of taping is dependent on the skill of the individual. It can also a time-consuming task as opposed to a slip-on ankle brace. However, taping does allow the individual to control how snug the tape can be on the ankle. This is especially beneficial for soccer players because they can better control the ball with their foot in the game.
What ankle brace should I get?
At Myphysio, we offer ASO ankle brace to help protect your ankle from inversion (ankle rolls in) and eversion (ankle rolls out) sprains. It uses an elastic cuff and nylon straps to replicate taping the ankle. The ankle brace is designed to allow some natural movement of the ankle required for sports but prevents excessive rolling of the ankle which is associated with injuries. The supportive nylon fabric will allow you to easily throw it in the washer for a quick clean after your physical activity. If you are still unsure about if you need an ankle support, contact a Myphysio physiotherapist. Our skilled physiotherapist will be able to lead you in the proper direction so you can safely perform in your sport.