How to Put on an Ankle Brace Correctly

The importance of wearing an ankle brace or ankle guard is well known to those who regularly participate in activities which impact their ankles, such as running and basketball. These devices help support your ankle's ligaments, muscles, tendons, and bones, reducing the risk of injury. This piece of sports accessories plays an essential role in protecting one of the most delicate parts of the human body. Wearing it properly is key to maximizing its protective properties, especially during exercise. Here's a quick guide to help you put on an ankle brace correctly if you are unfamiliar with how to do it, or have questions about whether it is working correctly. 

Over the past few years, ankle braces have become a popular treatment option for a variety of common foot ailments, including sprains, chronic ankle instability, and stress fractures. 

When performing physical activity, a ankle brace provides therapeutic warmth/compression and holds the joint/ligament in place. 

Ankle braces can also prevent ankle sprains in previously injured players. However, how do you put on an ankle brace?

Choosing the right ankle brace

There are several types of braces, such as soft (an ankle sleeve), semi-rigid (a laced-up ankle brace) and rigid. There is a wide variety of braces based on your health condition and how much compression/restriction you require. 

The use of an ankle sleeve is sufficient to provide adequate comfort, compression, and foot stability for patients suffering from mild swelling or minor sprains.

A semi-rigid brace or a rigid brace is used for moderate cases when you must prevent your ankles from rolling and maintain stability in the ankle joint. It takes some effort to put on these braces because they have straps and laces, but it's easy once you become familiar with how to do so. 

Read the Product Description

We will provide you with general instructions for putting on your ankle wrap/brace. However, we are unable to cover all models.  As a result, we recommend that you read the product information and instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will give you a better understanding of how to use the brace properly and prevent further injury.

Think about whether you're going to wear socks 

Some manufacturers recommend wearing socks over the brace in order to achieve better compression and heat retention, while others recommend wearing athletic socks underneath. To ensure proper airflow and prevent skin irritation, quality ankle braces are generally made from breathable materials, such as nylon. Therefore, they should not cause discomfort or excessive sweating. You can, however, wear a thin sock under the brace if you feel uncomfortable.

Unlace the Brace

Braces that are semi-rigid and rigid will typically have Velcro straps and laces, with two straps on each side, one strap over the middle, and laces on the ends.

The Velcro should be unfastened and the adjustable lace should be loose enough to allow your foot to fit inside the brace. After that, you should find a comfortable place to place your foot in order to apply the brace.

Ankle sleeves, however, do not have laces or straps. You just need to slip the ankle sleeve over your foot, put on your shoes, and you are ready to go. 

Slide Your Foot

Place your foot in the boot part of the brace and check where the tongue of the brace is located. It should be between the skin and the laces on top of the foot.

Lace 

Make sure that your injured ankle is positioned at a 90-degree angle, then thread the laces and tighten them well, just as you would when putting on a boot. 

The Velcro should be applied in the following manner:

Take the inside strap and place it across the top of your foot and beneath your heel. Then, secure it to the ankle on the opposite side. 

The outside strap should be treated in the same manner.

Ensure that the straps are tight, but not so tight that they restrict blood flow. You may need to make adjustments if necessary. 

The middle strap should be applied over the Velcro straps and laces.

You may need to adjust the tension periodically based on your daily activities.

In case you are using an adjustable ankle brace with Velcro, crisscross the strap and continue following the steps as described above.

Unlike your regular ankle sleeve or ankle wrap, braces have a different design. Braces are generally easy to put on and follow a similar procedure.  

Put on Your Shoes 

After you have adjusted the brace so that it fits snugly, slide your foot inside the shoe with the brace in place. It is important not to loosen the brace during this process. If necessary, use a shoehorn.  

Consider having someone assist you in putting on your brace or shoes if you are an elderly patient. Although the best ankle braces do not have complicated laces, they can present a challenge when it comes to securing them. 

Consult a Specialist

It may take a few days for you to notice an improvement in your symptoms or pain relief after wearing a brace. If you experience intense swelling, numbness, or pain, you should consult your physician.

Benefits Of An Ankle Brace

Generally, ankle wrap prevent inward rotation or twisting of the foot and ankle by keeping the toes and foot pointed forward. The majority of ankle sprains occur as a result of sudden twisting or rotation of the ankle joint, such as when you step off a curb or stair, or when you run on an uneven, bumpy surface.

As a result of ankle injuries, coaches, primary care physicians, orthopaedic specialists, and podiatrists recommend wearing ankle braces for joint support and to prevent further injury. In addition to preventing scar tissue formation and arthritis, bracing reduces both acute and chronic pain.

An ankle brace can be used as an adjunctive tool in conjunction with casting, surgery, physical therapy, exercise, targeted training, and other types of medical interventions. Your podiatrist may advise an ankle brace in these situations:

• A fracture to the ankle

• Fracture of the hindfoot

• Repeated ankle sprains and ankle sprains

• Instability of the ankles due to arthritis, sprains, and obesity

• Poor balance

• Ankle joint dysfunction, such as toeing in or repeated inward rotation

• Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis

• Gout

• Achilles tendonitis

You should see a podiatrist if the pain doesn't improve or worsen, or if you're concerned about another injury. At BLITZU, we have a wide selection of health care products to meet your needs. If you have any questions, our customer service representatives are happy to assist you.