- What is the best ankle brace for basketball injuries?
- Video: Ankle joint anatomy
- Types of ankle braces you should know about
- What are the most common ankle injuries in basketball?
- Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best ankle brace for basketball
- Do compression ankle sleeves for basketball really work?
Therefore, the use of ankle braces is always recommended, as performance, physical well-being and health on the court depend on it.
In this article, we will provide you with information so that you can be informed before purchasing your compression garments, as we will develop topics related to the best compression ankle sleeves for the practice of basketball, as well as their characteristics, and in addition, we will also reveal the most common injuries in this discipline, due to the high risk they have on the ankles.
What is the best ankle brace for basketball injuries?
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colors: Green, Pink and Grey
- Material: Breathable
- Nº of Products: 2 pieces
- Uses: Rehabilitation and sport
- Elastic Fabric
- Double Anti-Slip Silicone
- Ergonomic & Adjustable
- Sport Design
- Unisex
Double Silicone Anti-slip
Elastic Fabric
Various Colors and Sizes
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: Black
- Material: Nylon
- Nº. of Products: 2 Pack
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Includes 2 units
- Adjustable strap
- One size only
This ankle support is worn on either foot by simply placing its adjustable strap with the desired tension to keep the joint firm. Its cuffs are non-slip, so you'll always have your socks in the right place to control mobility. In those injuries where you need the adjustable wraps to hold the flexo-extension movements you should consult because it is possible that it does not fulfill this function.
- Sizes: S-XL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Nylon
- Nº. of Products: Single
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Includes protective plates
- X-shaped cross-band fastening
- Breathable
- Quality finishes
- Too bulky
- Not suitable for washing machine
- Only one per order
Thanks to this protector you will be able to relieve pain and reduce inflammation caused by acute injuries or by professional recommendation to prevent domestic accidents. The protective plates are located on the side of the ankle and provide ideal support during movement, while the lightweight, breathable fabric offers a cross-band support to maintain stability. It is a product that limits much of the movement of the ankle, so it is not recommended in certain daily actions or sports.
Ultra Ankle - Ankle Brace for Injury Prevention, Provides Support and Helps Prevent Sprained Ankles
- Sizes: S-M y L-XL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Thermoplastic resin
- Nº. of Products: Single
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Ultra zoom technology
- Quality finishes
- Not suitable for all shoes
- Only one per order
Men and women can choose the size by measuring the circumference between the calcaneus and talus bones. It adapts to any type of foot, thanks to its straps with Velcro closure that you can insert them in any of the two available slots. Do not forget to place the ends correctly so that they adhere to the pad. Keep in mind that not all footwear adapts to this protector, so the fastening may not be as desired.
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Polyester
- Nº. of Products: Single
- Closure type: Laces, elastic and Velcro straps
- Well-designed for proper support
- Breathable and ventilated tongue
- Ideal for anyone
- Breathable
- No hot/cold pack included
- Not suitable for washing machine
- Only one per order
Don't think twice! Choose the Mcdavid ankle brace for men and women because it offers breathable and ventilated materials with a padded lining so you can wear it all day and night. In addition, in summer seasons you will not have any inconvenience, since it does not generate bad odor. Choose the correct size because, in some people, the size of the ankle brace is too big according to the reference table.
- Sizes: T1 to T5
- Colors: 3 Options: Beige, Gray, Black
- Material: Viscoelastic
- Nº. of Products: Single
- Closure type: None
- Does not retain heat
- Breathable
- Stretch fabric
- Machine washable
- Low support strength
- Difficult to select the perfect size
- Only one per order
You can wear it anywhere you go because its ergonomic design will adjust to the ankle so you can wear it under your shoes. It promotes blood stimulation due to the compression and support that the ankle receives, but you must keep in mind that heat is not retained. The different sizes offered by the product will serve to accompany each movement of the joint opening, although in some people the size does not correspond to the table.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colors: 2 Options: Black-Grey and Black-Yellow
- Material: Nylon
- Nº. of Products: 2 Pack
- Closure type: None
- Quality finishes
- Highly elastic fabric
- Low support strength
It is ideal for use in any activity, and thanks to its size and weight you can take it wherever you want without taking up space. Warm or cold weather is not an obstacle for this ankle protector because its nylon and elastane fabric keeps the foot at the ideal temperature. As it wears it is likely that the compression will decrease, so you should analyze the correct size to order.
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colors: 3 Options: Blue, Pink and Black
- Material: Breathable
- Nº. of Products: Single
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Optimal support with strap
- Quality finishes
- Good fit
- Breathable fabric
- No material indicated
- Not suitable for washing machine
- Only one per order
Its adjustable strap gives extra pressure to keep the foot always aligned. You can use the ankle brace to combat the symptoms of arthritis and inflammation of ligaments and tendons. Just measure your ankle circumference correctly and choose the right size, according to the size chart. If you tighten the straps too much, you may feel a tingling sensation, so it is often advisable to consult your doctor before continuing to wear this compression sock.
- Sizes: S/M, L/XL y XXL
- Colors: 8 Options
- Material: Breathable
- Nº. of Products: 2 Pack
- Closure type: None
- Various colors
- Ideal for everyone
- Various sizes
- Highly elastic fabric
- Very small sizes
- Not suitable for washing machine
The compressive support absorbs perspiration, eliminating odor and keeping the foot always dry, which increases the feeling of comfort. The different sizes are divided between men and women and, to choose the correct size, you should measure the circumference of the arch and ankle. If you have skin lesions or wounds, it is not recommended that you use this product.
Video: Ankle joint anatomy
Types of ankle braces you should know about
What are the most common ankle injuries in basketball?
Basketball is characterized by the fact that it is a sport that requires intensity, precision and physical strength, and that requires very frequent movements with bending and jumping, all of which rely on the ankle joint, since this joint absorbs many types of forces as well as its own weight.
The most common ankle injuries in basketball are:
Ankle Sprain
Most basketball players have suffered this type of injury at one time or another, as it is the most commonly treated by sports physical therapists. It occurs after several intense jumps, poor footing, falls or twisting of the ankle. In basketball, this is often the case because the sport itself requires careless jumping and running, which directly leads to this type of accident.
An ankle sprain is an injury to a ligament that causes structural damage due to the forced movements required for the sport. The ligaments are stretched more than usual and can cause sprains of varying degrees, with the lateral collateral ligament being the most common in basketball.
Overuse damage
As explained above, basketball requires a high level of physical development, both in practice and in games. This injury is defined by the frequency of force application, excessive demands in exercises, jumps and sudden movements with repetitions or efforts to which the ankle is not accustomed, resulting in inflammation, muscle strain, joint problems or bone wear.
The movements and passes in basketball are frequently repeated in the game, so this overuse injury can occur at any time, especially if the joint has already been exposed to other types of injuries or high-intensity training. The ankle is the supporting pillar of the body, and although it is very resilient, simultaneous stresses can deteriorate it and its balance.
Ankle Tendonitis
Tendons are responsible for the strength of our ankles. Ankle tendonitis there fore occurs when the tendons become inflamed due to improper stretching, sudden movements and impacts or overloaded activities. In basketball, it is caused by jumping or stretching due to extensive training, which stretches and usually tears the tendons.
In the ankle, the tendons are located in the posterior and anterior parts, but the most common injury in basketball is in the Achilles tendon, which is exposed to the most impacts. The symptoms require the attention of a specialist to assess the degree of intensity of the problem, which manifests itself in pain, difficulty in moving the joint, swelling and protrusion of the tendons.
Cramps
These occur when the athlete is not well supplied with blood, accompanied by poor mobility of the ankle, which causes this condition in a very intense form and immediately makes mobility and anchorage impossible. At the physiotherapeutic level, it is noted that the changes of direction and jumps required in basketball affect the overall function of the ankle, and although cramps may occur frequently, they are signs of fatigue and possible ligament rupture, so it is advisable to stop practicing this sport.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best ankle brace for basketball
In order to get a quality ankle brace that will contribute to your performance, you need to consider a number of features that will determine the performance of the brace. In turn, you need to evaluate beyond the superficial, ie its materials and the impact they can have on the product and its objectives, the importance of the size and the difference between each of them, among others.
Below we present a number of features that you should consider before buying:
According to their function
Pain is the main symptom that occurs after an injury, and in all cases where the ankle is affected, it usually makes movement impossible. Therefore, compression sleeves for the ankle are the most effective to relieve this discomfort, as they apply pressure and provide a feeling of relief.
- Ankle braces with lateral plates: These are used to immobilize the ankle, along with plates that are placed on the lateral sides of the ankle. They ensure perfect harmony of the joints and relieve the pain caused by the blow or injury.
- Ankle braces: The ankle supports provide additional comfort. They also serve to cushion falls and blows that may occur in the game, forming a kind of protection for the ankles.
- Ankle stabilizing supports: stability in the affected area of the ankle helps in absolute recovery and blocks the sudden movements that can affect you. Ankle stabilizers include:
- Hinged ankle braces: this brace is designed exclusively for full recovery of basketball players after surgery. The hinges add strength and stability to the ankles, making movement easier.
- Ankle splints for protection: they are important for basketball players because this kind of protection helps them to play this sport safely and avoid any kind of injury. Either by: Blows, falls or sudden movements.
Material of manufacture
The materials from which ankle orthoses are made determine 80% of their function and the quality of their manufacture. It is therefore important to evaluate all the features of an ankle orthosis before making a final decision to purchase it. In a decade marked by so many advances, ankle orthoses are no exception. Therefore, you can get them in a variety of designs, colors, and with functional features that suit your requirements and needs.
On this basis, we explain two of the best:
- Neoprene: This is the most purchased material for making ankle orthotics because of its resistance, comfort, flexibility and stability, but it is not breathable, which is its main drawback.
- Elastic fabric: this type of fabric is the perfect complement to compression ankle orthoses and is combined with neoprene in different proportions. Its most outstanding feature is the great flexibility it possesses. It can be fully stretched without compromising its natural texture and is also breathable.
Type of closure
The closure is one of the most important elements of the ankle boot, as it ensures the safety of the garment. Therefore, it is important to check the type of ankle support that the ankle boot provides. If you are not careful, the slip may not have the desired effect.
Some of the most common types of fasteners are:
- Velcro: this is a very common material in basketball ankle guards, due to its ease of adjustment, which exists to close and open with the precision you want. In this sport, a simple closure is required so that they can be taken off and put back on in no time.
- Hinges: this type is recommended for orthopedic recovery and is intended to perform a supportive function. They are usually located on the sides of the ankles to increase precision in this area.
Size
The size of the ankle brace is as important as its function, so you need to take an accurate measurement to avoid any kind of inconvenience, because if you choose a smaller or larger size, it will not achieve the right compression and thus prevent you from achieving your goals.
Design
These compression clothes have become a sports fashion, so much so that their design could be a representative factor of your style and taste on the field. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right design and the benefits it offers to the ankle to maintain your public image. You have many options, especially compression or elastic sports ankle orthotics, with a wide range of colors, a variety of designs, shapes, materials and more.
Prices
Prices vary depending on the type of ankle support, its function and material. Therefore, you should compare the costs to choose the offer that best suits your budget. It should be noted that they vary from type to type of ankle orthosis. Choosing a price that is too low is not a guarantee that the product is of the best quality or meets the minimum requirements and standards.
Do compression ankle sleeves for basketball really work?
Compression therapy is essential for the sport of basketball because, as already mentioned, this sport requires very frequent and hard physical performances that directly affect all joints and muscles, but especially the ankles.
Compression ankle braces work effectively as they provide a sense of security to prevent and recover from injuries, they maintain balance, provide warmth, improve blood circulation, reduce pain and swelling.
Many athletes, especially basketball players, choose this garment both for their daily training and for professional games. On the other hand, physiotherapists guarantee this technique as an element of recovery, as they are able to protect and safely move the joints, bones and normal blood circulation.