Ankle Brace Basics

If you've ever injured your ankle, you understand the importance of keeping that ankle supported while it's healing.  That's what an ankle brace is for.  An ankle brace can come in many different styles, fabrics and shapes.  If your doctor doesn't prescribe a particular kind, how do you know which kind to purchase?

Whatever kind of ankle brace you purchase, it should serve the purpose of providing stabilization for the ankle joint.  An ankle brace can be the slip-on kind with laces and straps, like an ASO (Ankle Stabilizing Orthosis) ankle brace, or it can be the more common version of slip-on elastic brace with elastic or Velcro straps.  Some people prefer to use a roll of elastic bandage or gauze to create an ankle brace, while others prefer the pre-shaped forms with elastic straps.  In most models and styles of ankle brace designs, the user is able to adjust pressure with the straps.  Most new versions of ankle brace designs are made to fit inside a shoe.

Most ankle brace designs are also created using padding in key spots, like the top of the foot and around the ankle and instep portions of the ankle brace.  An ankle brace can be worn if there are signs or indications of strain or pain in the ankle such as inflammation, arthrosis without instability, slight malformations or irritations.

An ankle brace can be worn inside or outside of a sock, though outside is best since it allows easy access to the elastic or Velcro straps.  For firmer support, an ankle brace that fits like the basic slip-on kind is available, but with additional wrapping strips that can be wound around the ankle joint like a figure-eight bandage, offering exceptional support.  This type of ankle brace also comes with a built-in heel lock to insure maximum support. This type of ankle brace should be worn for moderate stress or instability and/or treatment of lateral ankle ligament lesions or sprains.  This type of ankle brace can also be used for some types of ankle fractures or as a follow-up treatment to ankle fractures.  A physician will most likely prescribe this ankle brace.

An Orthosis ankle brace is for a severe ankle instability problem.  Formed with a solid shell support for the heel and the back of the ankle, this brace comes with straps that are wound around the ankle joint.  This ankle brace provides optimum support for high stress fractures or as a follow-up treatment after an ankle fracture, surgery or other serious joint impairment.  This type of ankle brace is also designed to be worn inside the shoe.

 Another kind of ankle brace that offers maximum support is the PSB ankle brace.  Less bulky than most other ankle braces, a PSB ankle brace doesn't inhibit movement and offers optimal support for the ankles.  Most athletes prefer this type of ankle brace.  The best thing to do when looking for the right kind of ankle brace to suit your needs is to ask your doctor or find a medical supply store or medical brace supply store in your community.

Remember, there's more than one kind of ankle brace, and most are designed to address certain ankle joint issues.  It's important to find the best ankle brace to fit your needs.