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How do I Choose the Best Sprained Ankle Brace?
Choosing the best sprained ankle brace for your injury depends on the nature of the injury itself. Different varieties of braces are applied to the needs of each specific sprain. Sprained ankle braces can range from thin, flexible varieties that provide a little support for mild sprains, to sturdy, rigid devices that provide maximum support and immobilize the ankle while it heals.
An ankle sprain is the result of injury to the ligaments that connect the joints in the ankle. The severity of the ankle sprain depends on how much damage is caused to these ligaments. Stretched ligaments result in a mild sprain, while torn ligaments show a more serious injury. You might be able to asses how bad your sprain is by the amount of pain, swelling, or bruising that is present in the ankle. In order to be sure that your injury is properly treated it is generally a good idea to check with a health care professional.
The best sprained ankle brace to treat a mild injury is probably a wrap or lightweight fabric brace. Wrapping the ankle should be sufficient to ease bruising and swelling, assuming there is not severe ligament damage. If you are uncomfortable using a wrap that you must fashion around your ankle yourself, it is easy to find sock-like fabric wraps that simply slide over your ankle. You should also consider treating the sprain with ice and getting plenty of rest.
Severe sprains, characterized by partially or fully torn ligaments in the ankle, may need a more heavy-duty brace. The best sprained ankle brace for a badly damaged ankle should immobilize the joint and ligaments. Limiting the range of motion of your ankle will help protect the ligaments from further damage, allow them to heal faster, and reduce the amount of pain you feel as a result of the sprain.
A sprained ankle brace that limits mobility will usually slip over your heel and strap around your ankle. These braces are often a combination of sturdy fabric that compresses the injury to prevent swelling and plastic supports that provide the rigidity needed to keep the ankle immobilized. Convenience is a great benefit of these types of braces; typically they are narrow enough to fit inside a shoe and under a pant leg.
Sprains that are extremely severe may require a walking brace, which is the most heavy-duty type of sprained ankle brace. Walking braces are generally worn like a boot. The brace completely covers the foot and the lower leg in a rigid plastic shell with plenty of padding to cut down on swelling. This kind of brace provides maximum support and completely immobilizes the ankle as it heals. They cannot be worn over your normal shoe, and they generally provide maximum support and complete immobilization of the ankle.
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![A person with a sprained ankle.]()
By: Dusan KosticA person with a sprained ankle. -
![Ice is commonly used in addition to a brace to treat a sprained ankle.]()
By: LovrencgIce is commonly used in addition to a brace to treat a sprained ankle. -
![The severity of a sprained ankle depends on the amount of damage caused to the ligaments.]()
By: lightwavemediaThe severity of a sprained ankle depends on the amount of damage caused to the ligaments. -
![The severity of a sprained ankle can be determined by the amount of bruising.]()
By: Luis SantosThe severity of a sprained ankle can be determined by the amount of bruising.
Discussion Comments
@rundocuri- Thank you for this important information. Many people find it to be easier to simply keep using an ankle brace rather than to work to regain ankle strength.
A good way to begin this process following an ankle sprain is to remove the brace for several hours at a time each day while healing. Leave it off for longer periods of time each day until you no longer have a need for it. You will find that this method works, and that you will regain the strength in your ankle in time.
It is important that you only use an ankle brace during the early stages of healing from your ankle sprain. These types of wraps are great for reducing swelling and pain. They also provide support while the muscles and tendons begin to heal, so they play an important role in the healing process.
However, you can also become dependent on using an ankle brace. Over time, if you continue using a brace, you may find that your ankle hurts when you remove it. It is important that you work through this pain with the help of your doctor instead of continuing to reapply the ankle sprain brace. If not, you will find it difficult to function without the brace, and your muscles and tendons will not regain their original strength.
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