Ankle Support
When should I wear an Ankle Support?
Ankle Supports are normally used for those looking for stability as they may have weak ankles, but the majority of people wear these types of supports when recovering from an injury. Most users wear them for daily tasks, others may only use ankle supports during recreational activity or for sports.
There are few questions our customers ask us when they’re buying ankle support.
Can I wear an ankle brace in bed?
Yes, however it ultimately depends on personal preference. When your leg is in an upright position, particularly if you're dealing with an ankle injury and aiming for recovery, it is common for individuals to remove the support during sleep. Allowing your ankle to rest without the support can facilitate the recovery process, whereas wearing it at night might potentially lead to additional harm and restrict movement. There are exceptions, such as cases involving ligament tears, fractures, or if you frequently find yourself falling asleep on your ankle.Wearing an Ankle Support at home
Yes, the decision largely hinges on personal preference and the nature of the injury you might be dealing with. Typically, individuals with more severe ankle injuries, such as sprains and fractures, tend to utilize a support indoors. However, for most mild to moderate injuries, wearing an ankle brace inside your home may not be necessary unless you're experiencing issues like balance problems or difficulty walking.Going out
Typically, individuals using our Ankle Supports prefer to wear them while venturing outdoors and engaging in daily activities. Wearing the supports proves advantageous, especially when walking on uneven terrain or navigating through crowded areas.When playing sports or forms of recreational activity
Engaging in sports or recreational activities heightens the risk of ankle injuries, and without proper bracing, the likelihood of exacerbating existing damage is even greater. If you're approaching the end of your recovery and wish to participate in physical sports, donning an ankle brace and ensuring a snug fit can provide stability and minimise the risk of future ankle injuries. Our ankle supports come equipped with adjustable compression straps for added customization.What about wearing an Ankle Brace all day?
It is advisable to consult with a medical professional regarding this matter, as improper use may result in more harm than good. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on wearing the support during specific times of the day, possibly even during nighttime, and may recommend limiting usage to specific physical activities.Can an Ankle Support Help Reduce swelling?
Injuries such as ankle fractures or sprains often result in rapid swelling around the affected area. Ankle supports play a crucial role in safeguarding mobility, thereby aiding in the prevention of swelling and promoting improved blood circulation.
Stride Flex incorporates 360-degree compression, applying gentle pressure to the ankle, which can effectively reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If you find the brace becoming overly tight or observe swelling above the ankle support, it may indicate that the support is too constrictive for your ankle, and prompt removal is recommended.
How ankle supports can improve healing
The effectiveness of ankle recovery depends on the severity of the injury, with movement playing a crucial role in the process. Unlike muscles, joints lack a direct blood supply for nourishment; instead, synovial fluid within the joints requires movement to circulate effectively.
Strengthening the muscles around the ankle is essential during the joint's repair phase, tailored to the specific nature of the injury. Movement facilitates improved blood circulation, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the affected area. Ankle Supports serve as a safeguarded means of movement, allowing the ankle to articulate in various directions while avoiding strains on muscles, ligaments, and joint surfaces—areas prone to causing pain.
Do Ankle Supports work?
Wearing an ankle brace can be a proactive measure to reduce the prevalence of ankle injuries, particularly during sports and running. Research indicates that opting for a brace over tape for ankle support can significantly decrease the likelihood of recurrent ankle sprains. Notably, a well-designed brace, especially one that wraps around the area above the heel and foot, can effectively provide support to an injured ankle, enhancing stability.
The internal support structures of your ankle, including ligaments, muscles, tendons, and bones, play a crucial role in safeguarding this joint. These internal supports create a connected network from your foot to your hip, contributing to optimal performance. Complementing these internal supports, ankle braces act as external supports by restricting specific movements, such as plantar flexion/inversion, and promoting a heightened awareness of the ankle joint's position in space.
For optimal results, it is essential that ankle braces fit comfortably within the shoes worn during physical activities. This not only enhances their effectiveness but also encourages compliance with brace usage.
Ankle Supports can be used for a number of different sports, such as: Football, Netball, Tennis, Running, Rugby, Cricket and many more.
How to Wrap an Ankle for Support
Using the Stride Flex ankle supports is a breeze. Begin by sliding your foot into the ankle support sock and positioning it snugly around your ankle. Pull up both straps, using your right hand for one and your left hand for the other, so that you now have a strap on each side of your foot. Next, cross the straps in the middle of your feet, switching the right strap to your left hand and vice versa.
Guide the straps around the back of your foot, just above the heel, creating a supportive cushion.
Adjust the tightness according to your preference to ensure a secure fit. Finally, secure the straps in place at the front, pulling them snug to not only guarantee a stable fit but also to enhance the overall support for your ankle.
Adjust the tightness according to your preference to ensure a secure fit. Finally, secure the straps in place at the front, pulling them snug to not only guarantee a stable fit but also to enhance the overall support for your ankle.
FAQ’s
Should I wear an ankle support for a sprained ankle?
Ankle sprains often result in swelling around the ankle joint. Effective management of this swelling involves protected movement, which enhances circulation and contributes to a reduction in swelling. An additional strategy for minimizing swelling is the use of ankle supports that incorporate some form of compression, facilitating improved lymph drainage.
During the recovery phase of a sprained ankle, ankle supports and braces prove invaluable. When resting the injured ankle, an ankle brace plays a pivotal role in controlling swelling and providing stability as the ligaments undergo the healing process. As you progress to resuming physical activities, the utilization of an ankle strap for a sprained ankle becomes beneficial, instilling confidence by offering the necessary additional support. It's crucial to note that in cases of severe ankle injuries, the process of optimal loading during recovery should be guided by a healthcare professional.
What is the best ankle support for arthritis?
Choosing the ideal ankle support for arthritis often boils down to personal preference. Optimal solutions typically involve supports that offer a balanced combination of compression and stability for individuals grappling with this condition.
Key considerations for achieving the desired outcome include:
- Compression around the ankle:
The support should provide adequate compression to address the specific needs associated with arthritis. - Comfortable fit:
The emphasis should be on a comfortable fit, avoiding excessive tightness that could cause discomfort. - Support for continued activity:
An effective ankle support should enable individuals to engage in sports or other recreational activities without hindrance.
Our Stride Flex Ankle Brace is meticulously designed with 4-way compression, catering to those dealing with tendonitis, ankle injuries, and helps those with arthritis. The adjustable straps offer precise compression and a customized fit. These straps play a crucial role in enhancing ankle stabilization, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking to improve circulation, alleviate joint and tendon pain, and reduce the overall load on the ankle.
