How to choose the right Ankle Braces and Ankle Supports

 

The ankle is one of most used parts of the body. It can be subject to natural wear and tear as well as a variety of injuries and mishaps that could cause pain. Before we get into the treatment, rehabilitation and symptoms of various types of ankle pain, it is important that we first understand the anatomy of the ankle.

Understanding the anatomy of the ankle

The ankle is hinge-type and is composed of two joints (upper tarsal joint and lower talofibular joint), which allows for normal movement. The primary bones of the ankle are fibula, talus, and the anterior talofibular. The ankle is supported by the capsule, ankle tendon and a combination supporting muscles.

Types and movements of the ankle joints

    Dorsiflexion

This is the position of the heel (or dorsum) in relation to the anterior portion of the leg.

    Plantar flexion

When the heel is raised, balance the leg on your toes. These motions allow you to walk, run, and do other activities that require your legs to move on the ground.

Why are injuries to the ankle common?

The obvious answer to this question is that your ankles take the entire weight of your body when you run, jog or sprint. However, there are many other reasons that can cause ankle injuries.

·         As your body ages, natural wear and tear occurs. The ankles begin to wear out. This is a common occurrence for seniors.

·         As you age, your body parts become weaker and weaker. In such a situation, weak ankles can be vulnerable to injury in the latter half of your life.

·         Being overweight is not a good thing. It only puts more pressure on your ankles.

·         The most common way to injure or sprain your ankle is by rolling or twisting it

·         Ankle sprains account for 85% of all ankle injuries. They are caused by ligaments being stretched or torn beyond a certain point.

·         Sportsmen are more likely to sustain ankle injuries than others because they often perform high-intensity tasks that put greater pressure on their ankles.

What are the various types of ankle injuries?

There are many types of ankle-related injuries. Here are the most common:

·         Ankle Sprain

·         Avulsion fracture

·         Stress fracture

·         Arthritis (Rheumatoid, Reactive, Psoriatic, Septic)

·         Tendon rupture

·         Osteoarthritis

·         Peroneal Tendon injury

·         Talar Dome Lesion

·         Gout

·         Bursitis

·         Tendonitis

·         Instability

·         Nerve compression (Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome)

·         Infection

·         Structural alignment damage

Each one of these comes with its own risks. It is important to have your injury treated as soon as possible so that you can take the appropriate steps.

Treatment and rehabilitation for ankle injuries

Here are some key signs that indicate serious ankle injuries.

·         Swelling

·         Tenderness

·         Bruise

·         Acute pain

·         Inability of the ankles to support body weight

·         Stiffness is an inability to move the ankle without assistance.

·         Skin discolouration

Why should you seek professional help for your ankle pain?

It is not difficult to determine if you have hurt your ankle. However, it is better to see a doctor if the pain continues for more than 24 hours. It might be worse or better than you thought. Your doctor will first take a look at your ankle and move it in various directions to check its range of motion. Then, he or she will ask you a few questions, and then run an X-ray/MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury.

 

What can be done to relieve ankle pain? What are the best treatments?

An injury to the ankle can cause severe pain. There are proven ways to alleviate this discomfort. These are some of the best home remedies for managing ankle pain.

    Rest/immobilization

You can give your ankle as much rest as it needs to heal. During rehabilitation, you should not put any weight on your ankle or place stress on it.

    Mobility aids

It is up to you to decide if you want crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs. However you should use any mobility support equipment for walking.

    Foot elevation

Use pillows to raise your leg or foot while you are lying down. This will help reduce swelling around your ankle joint. This is a good idea regardless of whether you are taking medication.

    Ice, ice baby!

Ice therapy, also known as icing, is a great way to reduce swelling and pain. Ice wrapped in cloth or ice packs can be used to reduce swelling and speed up the process.

    OTC medicines

Although acetaminophen and ibuprofen have been shown to be effective over-the-counter medications that relieve pain, we recommend seeing a doctor before taking any medication.

    Cortisone injections

To relieve pain, cortisone shots can be injected into the ankle joint. The shots include a corticosteroid medication and a local anaesthetic.

    Stretching/exercising

As with any joint recovery, slow movement and restricted exercise are important parts of rehabilitation. Therapy bands or resistance bands can be helpful in aiding the recovery process. While exercising, you must ensure that your ankle doesn't get too much strain.

    Surgery

If the injury is severe or the condition of your ankle isn't improving with nonsurgical treatments, the doctor may recommend arthroscopy and reconstruction surgery.

    Ankle support products

To alleviate ankle pain, you could also try easy-to-wear support equipment and aids.

How do you choose the best ankle support equipment?

There are many options for ankle support products, from sleeves and straps to braces and splints to stirrups or hybrids. It might feel like you are choosing between a shirt and a dress when selecting an ankle support product. There are so many options available in today's market for injury rehabilitation products. Before you make your decision, it is important to weigh the pros and cons for each type of ankle brace. It is possible to see that stability and comfort are not always in line with each other.

Sleeves

While ankle sleeves can be very comfortable, there is some debate about their effectiveness in managing moderate-to-severe injuries to the ankle. These are useful first-line treatments that you can buy if you have a mild sprain.

Straps

Ankle binders or ankle straps are meant to be wrapped around your ankle in an eight-shape, much like a bandage. Different straps can have different thicknesses and flexibility levels. It is up to the user to choose which one to use. A lot of athletes and young people love straps.

Lace-ups

This brace is classic in its functionality and support. Lace-up braces are made of stiff material and provide excellent stability. Although rigidity may seem negative, there are many designs that offer a great balance of stability and comfort.

Hybrids

A hybrid ankle braces sport is a combination of a strap, stirrup, and lace-up. Although most professional athletes prefer hybrid braces it all depends on the severity of your ankle injury (or what your doctor recommends).

How can you prevent further injury or damage to your ankle?

To reduce the pressure on your ankle joints, it is important to maintain a moderate weight. These are just a few of the preventive steps you can take to help avoid future injuries.

 

    Choose the right shoes

Quality footwear should not put undue strain on your legs. Avoid wearing heels or hard soles if you have suffered an ankle injury.

    Warm up

Stretching and warming up are essential before you start your workout, or any other strenuous activity that puts your ankles under stress, is important. Many times, ankle injuries occur because you haven't warm enough.

    Wear an ankle brace

An ankle braces sport can be used as a preventive device for any activity that involves lateral movements.

    Exercise regularly

Muscle-strengthening exercises are a must to ensure a strong support system for the ankle joint. Calf raises, and similar exercises, can help strengthen your ankle.

    Mind the surface

Although it may seem redundant, many people don't pay enough attention to the type of surface they walk on. Ankle twists and other injuries can often be caused by uneven surfaces. Seniors should be aware of where they are walking, especially when you are older. It is crucial to seek professional assistance immediately if you have an ankle injury. If left untreated, ankle pain can cause instability and long-term aches, which could further damage the joint. You can find reliable support for your ankle in our section on ankle pain management products.

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