- 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: L
- Colours: Black
- Material: Spandex
- Nº of products: 1
- Type of closure: Closure with elastic straps and velcro
- Non-slip elastic strap
- Wide range of motion
- Helps reduce foot pressure
- Additional compression support
- Bulky
- No instructions
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.
- Sizes: M-XL
- Colours: Grey
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: 1
- Type of fastening: None
- High anatomical versatility
- Stabilizes the joint
- Large sizes
Its ergonomic design achieves maximum grip without disrupting joint range and its external seams keep the foot and lower calf area snug at all times. Thanks to the flexible material it is made of, it can be worn under shoes in summer because it evaporates body moisture. If you choose this compression garment for intensive use, it is likely that the back seams will come apart and the ankle brace will separate.
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of Products: 2
- Type of closure: Closure with elastic and velcro straps
- Machine washable
- Quality Finish
- Multifunctional Protection
- Soft and comfortable fabric
- Thin material
- Low compression
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.
- Sizes: T1 to T6
- Colours: Grey and Blue
- Material: Breathable Material
- No. of Products: Single
- Type of closure: None
- Positioning aid
- Highly elastic fabric made of breathable material
- Material not indicated
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.
- Sizes: S-M
- Colours: 2 Options: Black, Pink
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: 2
- Type of fastening: 2 Velcro fastenings
- Easy and quick to put on
- Ideal for youngsters
- Highly elastic fabric made of breathable material
- Available in 2 sizes
- Thin material
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.
- Sizes: L
- Colours: 2 Options: Blue and Orange
- Material: 79% Polyamide and 21% Spandex
- No. of Products: 2
- Type of closure: None
- Breathable fabric
- Comfortable and slip resistant
- Multi-purpose ankle support
- High elasticity
- One size fits all
- No strap included
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.
- Sizes: L
- Colours: Blue
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: 1
- Type of closure: Closure with elastic and velcro straps
- Provides strong support
- Adjustable design with snap straps
- Ideal for anyone
- Breathable material
- Bulky
- Contains only one unit
It is ideal for treating Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, as it stimulates blood circulation and reduces pain and inflammation. You can also use it after surgery. Its adjustable straps with velcro closure provide maximum support to the joint and you can hand wash its breathable fabric without neoprene. It does not come with instructions, so you will need to put it on correctly before use.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colours: Black
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: 1
- Type of fastening: Lace-up fastening
- Laces for improved support
- Quality finish
- Breathable material
- Highly elastic fabric
- Voluminous
- Not suitable for all shoes
You can wear it under your shoes to prevent sports accidents, sprains and also to deflate the joint when the blood circulation is not correct. It can be used for any kind of sport and training. The laces are attached to the breathable mesh fabric to prevent odour. The velcro sometimes does not stick properly.
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.