The compression on your ankle is embracing but not too tight which will help reduce swelling, pain, soreness, and discomfort quickly. However, for mild discomfort, we asked our experts for recommendations for the best ankle braces on Amazon, including selections for better stabilization, compression, and physical activity. It has an open heel design that allows you to retain ankle range of motion during most kinds of activities, such as exercising, hiking, or climbing. It is made with premium quality fabric that helps to absorb sweat, keeping your fit dry and odor-free. The material is breathable, so can easily wear the ankle brace for extended periods of time without experiencing discomfort. A. It will help by providing you with stability and support. Symptoms include: pain that is mild, some amount of swelling, joint instability, mild joint stiffness, and difficulty walking comfortably. As you recover, you may be susceptible to a recurring sprain. "The continued support will prevent the surrounding muscles from strengthening and can actually weaken the joint," she adds. |, Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate, Returning to Sports After an Ankle Sprain, Infographic - Ankle Sprains by the Numbers. You can wear it every day without experiencing any discomfort. This can cause weakening over time," says McEneaney. 4 Financial Tips You Shouldnt Ignore (in your 20s and 30s), Top 10: Best Physical Therapy Schools in the US Ranked by Tuition Cost, A bilateral brace that you can wear on either foot, Limits lateral motion with lateral support stays, Features comfortable, breathable material, Minimal design it fits even in a snug shoe. If you have questions, please contact customer service for assistance. For active individuals who need an ankle brace to wear during workouts, the Active Ankle Prolacer Brace is a great option. Learn more about But it's a common occurrence: About 25,000 people report an ankle sprain per day, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. During activity, your foot is in a 60 degree position for the majority of the time, this is where you are on the toes and ball of your foot as you jump, move, and run around. How do you know which brace to buy? This can include issues such as sprains, arthritis, inflammation, tendonitis, ankle fractures, and more. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. The One Ankle Brace has greater overall stability in preventing inversion and eversion, motions that can worsen your ankle sprain. A soft or lightweight ankle brace is another option that offers a less bulky support and can help to prevent injuries or protect injured ankles, in some cases. ", You'll also want to look for an ankle brace that provides stability and keeps your foot in place during activities. Ashleigh is the editorial director for commerce at Verywell where she oversees health, fitness, family, and mind content. All the benefits of the Air-Stirrup Ankle Brace are combined with the ankle wrap to add the benefit of additional swelling control to speed recover. There are also braces made with lycra, which is stretchy and lightweight and can give you more flexibility. One top-rated ankle brace that gives this type of result is the Sleeve Stars Ankle Brace. "The degree of injury, acuity of injury, and activity level all play an important role in the type of ankle brace that may be utilized," he says. This process works in a couple of ways. We like the breathable polyester, TPU, and neoprene fabric blend that wicks away sweat and helps keep your skin cool and dry. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body. The Aircast Stirrup braces are the best brace to provide maximum support. This is a great choice if you often have issues selecting the right size of footwear, since this brace typically lace-up or strap options can be easily adjusted to give you a custom fit. The adjustable design also ensures that you can use it on either foot with ease. Back to School Sale. You need to specifically look for the rigid or semi-rigid types if you want this type of effect. Dont let the minimal design fool you; it may be slim enough to fit in a shoe, but its supportive enough to stabilize activities such as walking, hiking, or sports. It is also designed as a snug fit brace that can fit almost any size of foot. It shouldnt be so tight as to make you uncomfortable or so loose that it loses its purpose. This brace is made from a blend of nylon and neoprene for durability and breathability. Follow this breakdown of the Stirrups to find the right one for you. The Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Material: Elastic and neoprene blend | Sizes available: Small/Medium, Large/X-large | Machine washable? The best ankle brace for you will fit snugly without pinching and will be comfortable while providing support and the amount of rigidity you need to aid your recovery. Ice will reduce inflammation and pain. He loves to teach PTs and OTs ways to save time and money in and out of the clinic, especially when it comes to documentation or continuing education. Wed love to hear from you! Depending on the quality of the material and its function, recovery ankle braces typically range in price from $6-$50, though you can easily spend up to $100 for the rigid or professional-grade selections. And while capsaicin offers pain relief, there's a risk of irritation for those with sensitive skin. The velcro straps criss-cross over each other to brace the foot while providing light compression needed to soothe swelling ankles. She is also a certified barre instructor teaching at a boutique studio. This brace is made from a breathable and durable nylon material and features a figure-eight strapping system for a customizable fit. The manufacturer recommends hand-washing this product for proper care. The One Ankle Brace by Mueller is your best option for support immediately after a moderate ankle sprain. Use this ankle sprain infographic to get a visual understanding of how common ankle sprains are and what you can do to protect and treat yourself. The sleeve has three size options, including S/M, L, and XL. Material: Nylon | Sizes: XXS-3XL | Machine washable? According to Dr. Parisien, ankle bracing while sleeping isn't always necessary, but it may help in some cases. It is a rupture or total tear of a ligament. It gives you the confidence that you need to continue your routine without any hitches. BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Specifically recommended by Dr. Parthasarathy for anyone needing rigid support, the nylon boot uses stabilizing straps that create a figure-eight brace to keep the foot aligned. The main motion of the ankle joint is flexion and extension, and ankle braces provide an external restriction for motions that can cause acute injuries. The ankle brace sleeve design helps relieve pain from sprains, arthritis, muscular fatigue, and fractures. The Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer is our top pick, because it's made from high-quality materials and provides superior support. What you need to know: An excellent option if youre recovering from an ankle sprain. It doesnt matter if you have an average amount of everyday activity or partake in high-intensity training; having an ankle brace is helpful in either situation. Pay close attention to the sizing chart when purchasing an ankle brace, as some brands may run small or large. Semi-rigid ankle braces limit your feet's movement, but they give support ideal for healing and recovery. A brace stabilizes your ankle from eversion or inversion the motions you need to prevent after a sprain while supporting your ankle for rehabilitation. For this reason, we will discuss some of the most reliable ankle braces in the market in this guide. Contrary to popular belief, Maryland-based podiatrist Priya Parthasarathy, DPM says it's best to wait until after an injury occurs to wear an ankle brace, rather than using one consistently as a preventative measure. In the event of an ankle sprain, Dr. Parthasarathy suggests this performance-based ankle brace that delivers equal parts support and compression. The only downside is that it's not as discreet as some options, and it may not fit into every shoe. You should also consider if the brace is durable or not. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. "An ankle brace, when worn after an injury, would help support the ankle and foot by providing an external layer of support to help facilitate healing the injured internal structures (ligaments and muscle tendons)," says Chanel Perkins, DPM, an assistant professor of podiatry at University of Texas Medical Branch. Made from a breathable elastic and neoprene blend, it's designed to provide compression and stability for weak or injured ankles. Tape support is light and flexible, but it can stretch out rather quickly. Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional health and wellness writer. Based on these factors, we compiled a list of the best ankle braces on the market. The patented cushioning along the brace also compresses the foot to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Using a brace in such situations can provide you with the soothing compression, protection, and support that you need to subdue pain and continue your everyday activities. As you may well know, an ankle sprain causes painful swelling and debilitating fatigue in your ankle muscles. Lindsay Modglin has written articles for Insider, Forbes, Everyday Health, and many more. We researched dozens of ankle braces and evaluated them based on material, support, comfort, adjustability, and price. ACE Compression Ankle Support, Best Compression Sleeve: It also helps control acute and chronic ankle injury symptoms, and if you have had an injury in the past, it keeps it from reaggravating. However, if the brace is too tight, it can restrict your blood circulation, potentially causing more issues. This next brace offers exceptional ankle support and minimizes your risks of injury during activity. A good ankle brace should provide support and stability during the healing process, and this best-seller with more than 12,700 five-star ratings on Amazon gives you both. It has an ankle stabilizer that helps improve your posture and balance, and the special protector compression design improves blood circulation. As with any type of injury, the first thing you should do is PRICE therapy, the new form of RICE therapy. It is a complete system for the care of a mild ankle sprain. The Rikeep Adjustable Ankle Brace provides premium support and is designed for acute healing purposes rather than providing regular support. She tells Health that wearing an ankle brace can prevent excessive foot movements or "abnormal biomechanics" that could potentially cause discomfort and inflammation. Symptoms include: severe swelling, moderate pain, some loss of motion or use of the ankle, trouble walking. Semi-rigid braces are an excellent choice if youre treating an acute or mild ankle sprain. Overall, it beats out the competition in terms of quality and support for the best ankle brace. There is also a non-slip silicone embedded inside the fabric to provide a tight grip and give adequate compression where you need it. The tight fit is ideal for reducing ankle inflammation and improving blood circulation, and you can efficiently run, play sports, or join other kinds of physical activity while wearing this ankle brace. Plus, it's made with moisture-wicking materials, so you can stay active while wearing the brace. At a very basic level, these are the best Aircast ankle braces based on mild, moderate, and severe injuries. The goal of recovery after an ankle sprain is to prevent further discomfort while speeding up the healing process. This comfortable ankle sleeve is it. However, overall, this is a great option for those who need a padded ankle brace. "An ankle brace can be worn to bed, but, in the case of an ankle-stirrup or ASO, it's typically not requiredespecially following a minor ankle injury." However, every ankle brace is different. There are many reasons why you might need an ankle brace. While the Bio-Logix Ankle Brace is heavy-duty and adjustable, some users may find it bulky and uncomfortable. Using an ankle brace helps improve blood circulation and reduce swelling in your ankles and feet. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. If you are looking for an ankle brace that gives you suitable compression to address pain, then the TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve may be your best choice. For more moderate ankle sprain injuries, I recommend a tie-up brace. Its design will also help reduce inflammation and promote healing. No. Suite 106, San Diego, CA 92108, 2022 Mission Valley Heights Surgery Center. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and its partners may receive compensation for links to products and services on this website. Ive tested out a wide variety of ankle braces but narrowed my favorites to these three. The higher the length of the stirrup, the more protection your ankle will receive.