Ankle Supports for Sprains & Strains

By Tens Machine UK . Last Updated Thursday, 5th September 2024

Ankle Supports for Sprains and Strains

Ankle supports and braces have become increasingly popular for protecting and aiding in the recovery of ankle injuries. While these supports are designed to prevent further injury and assist in recovery, they are not necessary for everyone.

Their popularity can be attributed to their affordability, widespread availability, and the effectiveness of many high-quality options on the market. However, as with any product, there are also low-quality options that may not provide the support or protection needed

Do I really need an ankle support for a sprained or strained ankle?

Choosing whether to use an ankle support largely comes down to personal preference. Ankle supports can aid in a faster recovery and make it easier to return to sports or daily activities.

For individuals with minor ankle ligament tears, known as Grade 1 injuries, an ankle support isn't always necessary. However, many people opt to use one for the added stabilisation and protection it provides. This can be especially beneficial when walking on uneven terrain, as it helps reduce the risk of further injury.

For those with Grade 2 or 3 ligament tears, wearing an ankle brace is more common due to the significant benefits it offers in terms of support and protection compared to those with Grade 1 injuries.

How do I know if I have torn a ligament?

Once you have torn a ligament, you’ll definitely know about it. There will be localised swelling, bruising and also it will be quite difficult to walk on, depending on the grade / severity of the sprain or injury.

There are 3 grades of ligament tears that you should be aware of, especially when it comes to choosing what ankle support you may require:

Grade 1: One of the mildest forms of ankle sprains, but also one of the most common. This usually occurs when the ligament is stretched but not torn, this results in minor swelling appearing around your ankle and the pain is usually quite mild, but it could increase with further movements.
Grade 2: This type of grading is a little bit more serious, this involves a small tear in the ligament and may result in a longer term recovery period. The swelling from this injury will be more significant compared to grade 1, and the pain will be a little bit more intense, and you may experience sharp pains with movements.

Your ankle may feel very weak or uncomfortably unstable when trying to walk or put pressure on your ankle. The normal recovery period could be weeks to a few months, depending on your treatment and whether you choose to buy an ankle support to aid with your recovery.

Grade 3: Grade 3 ligament damage is the most severe of all the gradings, this involves a complete tear of one of more ligaments within your ankle. This will result in major swelling around your ankle, foot and lower leg and may extend beyond that. The pain will be quite intense, however over time the pain will reduce but the ankle will continue to be extremely sensitive and putting pressure or weight on your foot will be difficult.

The ankle itself will be very unstable, and it may be that you will find it incredibly difficult to put weight on your affected foot, without support it is often impossible to walk as the chances of you risking further injury is incredibly high.

Is an Ankle Support good for sprained ankles?

Ankle supports have become very popular due to their effectiveness, but also the benefits they provide. Research shows that wearing the correct type of ankle support at the right time can:

Help Prevent Further Ankle Sprains
Reduce Swelling
Helps with Recovery
Better stablisation
Reduce Pain
Better & More Controlled Movements

What happens when you sprain your ankle?

Spraining or straining your ligaments can be an unpleasant experience, often affecting not just the ligaments but also the ankle joint and surrounding muscles. This injury usually leads to swelling, pain, instability, and bruising.

It's important to give yourself time to heal and recover. Avoid putting too much pressure on your ankles or making sudden movements, as these can worsen the injury. To aid in your recovery, it’s recommended to use proper protection and engage in targeted exercises that can help strengthen your ankle and speed up the healing process.

How do Ankle Supports help with the healing process?

Research suggests that while Grade 2 and 3 ankle injuries (moderate to severe) are often treated with casts or orthopedic boots, this approach may not be the most effective for healing and recovery. The primary issue is that these methods fully immobilise the foot, preventing any movement, which can actually slow down the recovery process.

Studies indicate that allowing controlled, protected movement during these stages of injury can lead to quicker recovery. This approach helps maintain some mobility in the ankle while still providing the necessary support and protection, promoting more efficient healing.

Movement in the ankle and other joints facilitates the circulation of oxygen, blood, and essential nutrients throughout the body, all of which are crucial for the healing process. When combined with the added protection of ankle support, this movement not only helps to safely strengthen the surrounding muscles but also aids in restoring lost agility, ultimately accelerating the overall recovery.

Can an ankle support reduce swelling?

Ankle supports are effective in reducing swelling, particularly those with 360-degree compression. These supports promote protected movement, which enhances blood circulation around the injured area and helps reduce swelling by improving lymphatic drainage.

Can I still play a Sport with the Ankle Support on?

If you choose to purchase an ankle support, depending on the severity of your injury, it may allow you to return to sports before your ankle is fully healed. However, if you opt not to wear an ankle support, you'll likely need to wait until you've completely recovered before resuming physical activities.

We’d typically suggest speaking with your physiotherapist first, as they will give you a better indication on whether an ankle support will allow you to return to sports. Usually a physio will give you a specific movement test and then monitor how your ankle reacts when wearing an ankle support.

When should I wear an ankle support?

If you decide to wear an ankle support, it's common to use it during most daily activities to provide ongoing stability and protection. However, how often and when you wear it, especially at night, is largely a matter of personal preference and comfort.

Some people find wearing the support at night beneficial, particularly if they experience discomfort or instability while sleeping, while others may prefer to remove it for greater comfort and mobility during rest.
Ultimately, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust your usage based on what feels best for you.

Some recommendations:

In bed: Typically, people remove their ankle brace at night to give their ankle more "breathing space." However, if you've experienced a complete ligament tear, a more severe injury like a fracture, or if certain sleeping positions cause strain or additional pain, it might be beneficial to keep the brace on while you sleep. Wearing the brace at night in such cases can provide extra support and help prevent further discomfort, promoting a more restful recovery.
Outside: When heading out for activities like walking, shopping, or visiting family, wearing an ankle support can be highly beneficial. It provides essential stability to your ankle, significantly reducing the risk of further injury while allowing you to stay active with greater confidence.
Sports or Recreational Activities: Participating in sports or recreational activities with an ankle sprain or strain always carries a risk of aggravating the injury. However, wearing an ankle brace during these activities can significantly reduce this risk by providing additional support and protection, potentially allowing you to return to sports more quickly. That said, if you’ve suffered a more severe injury, it’s advisable to avoid sports for a while to ensure proper healing before resuming physical activities.

By Paul Warburton . Last Updated Friday, 17th September 2021

At our company, we understand the importance of having access to the best medical equipment for your health and well-being. However, we also understand that the cost of medical equipment can be a significant burden, especially for those who need it most. That's why we are pleased to offer VAT relief on all qualifying medical equipment purchases. If you are purchasing medical equipment for personal use, you may be eligible for VAT relief. This means that you can save up to 20% on the cost of your purchase. To qualify for VAT relief, your equipment must be designed for use by someone with a chronic illness, disability, or other medical condition.

To Qualify for VAT Relief

To take advantage of VAT relief, simply select the qualifying items you wish to purchase and proceed to checkout. At checkout, you will be asked to provide some basic information about your medical condition and the intended use of the equipment. Once this information is verified, the VAT relief will be applied to your purchase. We are committed to providing our customers with high-quality medical equipment at affordable prices. By offering VAT relief, we hope to make it easier for everyone to access the medical equipment they need to maintain their health and well-being. If you have any questions about our VAT relief program or our products, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always happy to help.

VAT Relief Program

It is important to note that our VAT relief program is in compliance with HM Customs and Excise Notice 701.7. This notice outlines the conditions under which medical equipment may be eligible for VAT relief, and we strictly adhere to these guidelines. We want our customers to have peace of mind knowing that they are receiving legitimate VAT relief on qualifying medical equipment purchases. If you have any questions or concerns about our compliance with Notice 701.7, please don't hesitate to contact us.