Best ankle braces & supports compression sleeves (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Ankle injury or pain is much more common than you think. It can occur during sports, normal walking or any other activity. Since it is one of the joints that suffers the most, it is important to take good care of it and always be prepared.

The most effective solution is the ankle brace, which is placed around the ankle toimmobilize and protect it. Knowing the benefits, features and injuries you can treat with this garment can help you avoid serious diseases in the future. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about compression ankle braces.

What is the best ankle brace to relieve ankle pain?

The Voltactive right ankle brace uses 3D technology in the flat mesh fabric. This allows for proper ankle mobility, while maintaining the importance of joint support in sports activities. This protector can also be used in everyday activities due to the anatomical Technogel pad on the underside of the heel which acts as an ankle cushion.

Thanks to its unique design it is possible to relieve pain, reduce swelling and protect the ligaments in the demands placed on the tibio-tarsal joint. This model can be worn on the right leg when playing football, basketball or gardening. The elastic material is breathable, but in summer or in high temperatures it can cause superficial injuries to the skin.

Enjoy full ankle movement in your daily activities or your favourite sports using the FYSHOP stabilising ankle brace. Thanks to this breathable protector you can keep your foot dry and firm. By simply placing your foot on the elastic band and then wrapping the ankle and sole with the adjustable strap you are ready for action. The great advantage of this system is that you always keep your tendons protected, without losing the joint opening.

You can use it on either foot and, as it is one size fits all, it is suitable for both men and women. The silicone of the anti-slip bars offers safety when walking, running or jumping, avoiding injuries or sudden displacements of the ankle. As it does not come with instructions, you must put it on carefully to avoid misuse, and the stitching finish may scratch the sole and ankle, causing skin irritation.

ANT children's ankle braceWearing the two-piece elastic ankle brace will keep your ankles protected at all times. Thanks to the quality materials with 3D technology you will prevent your feet from slipping when doing yoga, fitness, cycling or any other joint-demanding sport. In this offer you will also find a detachable strap that will help you to better support your ankle and maintain maximum joint width.

You can also use the VANWALK double ankle brace to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation caused by arthritis, tendonitis or tears. The comfort of the three sizes offered by this support may be too stretchy and not supportive enough in cases of sprains. On the other hand, the stitching on the edges is too stiff in relation to the rest of the garment, causing discomfort to the wearer.

The EULANT children's ankle brace is the ideal support to keep the joint firm when children are doing sports activities, going to school or going about their daily routine. Thanks to the breathable, high-quality neoprene, the skin is not at risk of irritation and the soft seams ensure that the ankle is not scratched when worn with shoes.

By improving blood circulation, it has a therapeutic effect which helps to reduce inflammation in case of ligament injuries or joint diseases. In order to know the correct size of the ankle brace, it is necessary to compare the size of the product with the size of the shoe. The pressure may decrease over time as you loosen the elastic support or the adjustable ankle strap. The right stabilising ankle brace should, in some cases, be worn with compression socks to produce a better effect.

Support your ankle at all times and prevent injuries during sports! To do this, you will need to use the TOVIKI ankle stabiliser with elastic straps. Thanks to its ergonomic open heel design, a large number of biomechanical movements are possible while maintaining the correct position and the right compression. Its breathable mesh evaporates heat, increasing the feeling of comfort and ensuring that the foot always remains dry.

To improve the efficiency of shock absorption it is necessary to position the foot and fasten the support to the ankle and sole, by means of its powerful Velcro straps. Then, incorporate the stabilisation strap and you are ready for climbing, running, cycling and many other sports. Keep in mind that its non-pilling material can cause irritation due to the bulky space it takes up, so you won't get a proper fit.

Ankle instability will disappear when you wear this one-size-fits-all neoprene protector. This will improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation caused by tendonitis, bursitis, sprains or osteoarthritis. The ankle brace is ideal to be worn underneath your shoes when you do your daily activities or play ankle-demanding sports.

Its built-in stabilising strap improves the grip of either foot, making it an easy fit for both men and women. The multi-functional hook and loop protection system may cause some discomfort when wearing tight-fitting footwear. The Hually ankle brace may lose elasticity in the malleolus area over time or when worn frequently.

It's important to protect your ankle with the NEOtech Care ankle brace. Their adjustable compression strap and hook and loop closure system provide the ideal support to reduce post-operative pain, combat varicose veins and reduce swelling caused by sprains or tendonitis. Their unisex design makes them light and comfortable for any type of sport and to avoid injuries from everyday activities.

It reduces the risk of rupture of the Achilles tendon, as it is possible to cover the heel and keep the joint aligned at all times. It is very easy to use, just place your foot inside the ankle brace and adjust the elastic straps until you have the correct ankle position. Measurements may vary according to the size of the user's foot, so it is necessary to pay attention to the indications before choosing the correct size.

Your ankles will always be protected with an Awenia ankle brace. This offer includes a pair of units that can be worn by both men and women to protect the ankle from sprains, plantar fasciitis and strains. They are also used to combat the wear and tear on the joint caused by arthritis and gout disease. The breathable elastic fabric with double loops provides the utmost comfort, preventing slippage and keeping the foot free of moisture.

Thanks to the silicone material and sturdy seams of this pair of ankle supports, you can go hiking, climbing and gymnastics in comfort. But for that you should not forget to include this product in your backpack, and don't worry about their weight, because they are very light. The ankle brace allows you to move your foot widely, so it is not advisable to choose it when you are looking for maximum compression to stop a sprain.

The ultra stretchy, breathable fabric of the Bauerfeind ankle stabiliser keeps the joint stiff, relieves pain, prevents re-injury and reduces swelling in the area. The protector is ideal for use in sports, as its compression edges are reduced at the ends, making it more comfortable to wear with footwear.

It is designed for people suffering from arthrosis and tears because it stimulates blood circulation thanks to the viscoelastic pads located on each side. The model of this muscle-stabilising bandage comes in different sizes, but be aware that it can only be used on the right foot. The lateral guides can cause discomfort when walking and, in some cases, wear out easily.

Prevention and recovery are the two features that make this ankle brace with strap for men and women stand out. It is ideal for use in high impact sports where the correct ankle posture must be maintained at all times. It can be worn inside sports shoes and over one or two compression socks to avoid skin irritation.

You should give a good tension to the laces, stretch the lower strap to fit the instep and then pull the upper band until you feel that your ankle is stiff. If you want to maintain more pressure you should stretch the loops during activity. If you do not tighten the laces properly the whole brace will be loose. Please note that you cannot apply this stabiliser if you have open wounds on your ankle, suffer from dermatitis or have blood circulation problems.

Video: Ankle joint anatomy

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What types of injuries are ankle compression sleeves recommended for?

The ankle is the area where we support our entire body. Therefore, you have to be very careful not to injure it, because otherwise it can be difficult to move regularly.

Below we will explain for which diseases or bruises this compression garment can be used to improve health:

• Injuries: Ankle brace is the most recommended and effective equipment for all types of injuries in this area. The most common of these are sprains. This is damage to the ligaments caused by a sudden movement of the joint, whether it is a tear, a rupture or a complication of minor or major magnitude.
• Fractures: these can be caused by a simple fall, a car accident, during sports and many other factors.

Injuries and fractures are the most common ankle medical complications, but there are many other pains and bruises for which compression sports ankle sleeves can be used.

Here we explain the most common of them:

• Foot pain: these are very common in the population and are caused by obesity, trauma, aging, injury or sports activities. The pain affects different areas of the foot such as the arch, heel, sole, instep and toes.
• Achilles tendon: also known as the heel tendon. It connects the back of the calf, specifically its two muscles, to the heel bone. It is so important that without it, you cannot perform activities such as running, walking or jumping.
• Tibialis anterior tendonitis: it is located in the lower part of the leg. Tendonitis occurs when the tibialis anterior muscle becomes inflamed. This is most common in runners, handball players and elite athletes.
• Peroneal tendonitis: This injury occurs primarily in runners. There must be a history of sprains or the shape of the foot for instability to occur. Peroneal tendonitis is due to a change in stride length as they become overloaded, causing the contusion.
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: These are signs and symptoms that occur due to compression of the plantar nerves in the tarsal tunnel, which is located on the medial side of the ankle. One cause may be existing lesions such as varicose veins, cysts, etc.
• Arthritis: there are many forms of arthritis, including arthritis of the foot and ankle. It becomes inflamed and causes severe pain in the joints in these areas. There is no cure, but with a compression garment, you can relieve the pain and live a normal life.
• Bursitis: It occurs on the back of the ankle and in the tendon. It occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed. It mainly affects people who run, walk or do any physical activity that requires constant movement of the ankle.
• Plantar fasciitis: it is caused by inflammation that surrounds the muscles of the foot from the heel to the toes. Causes vary and can be due to overuse, improper footwear or fractures of varying degrees. These injuries are also very common in runners.
• Chronic Ankle Pain: This occurs when there is a sprain, fracture or other poorly treated injury. This pain may occur outside the ankle. Treatments include physical therapy, ankle braces and, in more severe cases, surgery.

Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best ankle brace

Ankle support have many benefits for health and sports performance. Its use will undoubtedly make a radical change in your life, so a good choice of garment is of paramount importance for good use. The first thing you need to do is to determine the intended use, and then move on to other more physical aspects such as materials and design.

Below, we will explain and analyze each feature so that you can have a clearer and more accurate idea before buying:

Depending on the use

• Sports ankle sleeve: protects the entire ankle area and a large part of the foot from injuries that can occur during training, competition or physical activity. Thanks to the compression, you will also improve your performance and ensure the right temperature in your joints.
• Work ankle brace: used in work situations that require constant mobility to avoid pain or bruises in this area and achieve greater productivity.
• Orthopedic ankle support: usually used after sprains, strains or other problems in the ankle area. It controls sudden movements, provides stability and quickly improves the injury.
• Ankle brace for pain relief: it is very common for people to use it for this purpose. Whether they are athletes, elderly, pregnant or just because they are in pain and don't know why. Regardless of age or circumstances, an ankle brace is the best solution.

Material

Knowing what materials or fibers the clothespins are made of can make your search easier, because it depends on what you want to use them for. Here are some of the most common materials used to make these garments:

• Nylon: it is a synthetic polymer that is very breathable, lightweight, temperature resistant, does not wear out, is a hard and resistant material, but at the same time is very soft, so it is very comfortable and safe to use.
• Lycra: also known as Spandex. It is light, breathable, soft, supple, more resistant than rubber, but its greatest advantage is its ability to stretch as much as possible without affecting its natural state. It is most commonly used to blend with other materials.
• Neoprene: This is a type of synthetic rubber. Breathable, flexible, produces good stability, resists twisting and bending, resists all kinds of temperature, whether cold or hot, so it always maintains a good temperature. It is widely used to make ankle pants, but shares its manufacturing share with nylon or lycra because it is not breathable.

With or without silicone band

There is a wide range of garments with gel support, some are smaller than others. The right size depends on the severity of the injury. Silicone provides stability in the ankles so the hematoma can heal faster, but you will be less mobile. Fits quickly and can be worn with the shoes of your choice.

With or without Velcro

Velcro consist of two fabric fibers joined together to act as a hook and loop or contact closure. Today, they are used in all kinds of products, from shoes to clothes to cars and so on. Their use in ankle bracelets is that they are very strong, meaning they can hold the garment in one place so you can do any activity without it shifting. You can also use Velcro to create custom compression, depending on your needs.

Size

Choosing the right size is important because the ankle brace should fit well, but not too tightly. Each manufacturer has slightly different standards. So before you buy anything, you should ask the seller (either on a website or in person) about their sizes. But here we bring you a table of their measurements that can help you choose the right one.

Design

The design is related to many factors, such as the material, the price and even the functionality. It is not the same as an orthopedic ankle brace, which is made in neutral colors and with additional elements to give the patient good support and stability; as ankle braces, these are more colorful, with a variety of designs and shapes, much more pleasing to the eye, which is why they have become fashionable in many sports disciplines because of the good physical appearance they offer.

It is also important to know that there are stabilizing sportswear with medium compression that only covers the ankle and part of the calf. As well as those that extend from an area of the calf to part of the foot. This way you can cover more ligaments and areas of the lower body.

Price

The cost can vary depending on the quality of the product. As mentioned earlier, a sports ankle brace is not comparable to an orthopedic ankle brace due to the materials required and is therefore much more expensive. Likewise, there are ankle orthotics with much more durable compression, fit and material, which of course increases the price.

Advantages and benefits of ankle braces for men and women

Elastic ankle sleeves are the best way to treat, prevent and improve any kind of injury not only in this area, but also to cover a large part of the foot with one product.

Below we explain the health benefits of ankle compression sleeves:

• Pain relief: sometimes pain occurs in the lower part of the foot without knowing the reason or the exact location. Compression garments protect the entire ankle area at all times and in all places.
• You can recover from your injuries: The level of lactate in the blood is lowered, which allows you to recover quickly.
• The most common reason for their use is to relieve or prevent pain. This is possible because the garment protects the muscle from severe pain and also speeds up the healing process.
• Reduces swelling: Compression garments are the most commonly used treatment for this type of complication.
• Stabilizes injured joints: allows for a quick recovery.
• Prevents and relieves cramps: people who frequently exercise often suffer from this discomfort. The pressure it exerts allows them to avoid them.
• The ankle is a very sensitive area of our body: with this garment you will have the security and confidence to perform your movements without injury.

How can ankle braces be used to relieve ankle pain?

This garment is used in sports such as basketball, soccer, football, running, volleyball and other disciplinesto stabilize the ankle and protect it from injury. Because it offers so many benefits, it is also used for many other ankle injuries.

You can wear this sportswear with or without socks, depending on your preference and comfort. Putting it on is very simple: take the ankle brace at the end of your foot and slide it towards you until it reaches slightly above your ankle. The lifespan of the piece can vary. For example, if they're not breathable, you shouldn't wear them for more than 6 hours. Other than that, it can be worn all day and for any activity.

It is impossible to say how long it will take to see the first improvements, as every situation is different. For a mild sprain, recovery is much faster than for a fracture. It is important to know what type of injury it is so you can take the appropriate precautions and support the compression ankle with rest and exercise for the affected area.