Football is the most popular sport in the world. Some play it for fun, others are professionals in this field. Although it is a wonderful and healthy sport, they are also prone to injury, especially in the ankle, since this joint must be constantly mobilized to develop the game.
The best and easiest solution to prevent and reduce ankle injuries is the compression ankle sleeve, which is used on the field because of its many advantages. Therefore, in the following article, you will find information about features, types, function and even the most common injuries in football.
What is the best ankle brace for football 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 fits all
- Colours: 2 Options: Blue and Orange
- Material: Elastic
- Number of Products: 1
- Type of closure: Closure with elastic and velcro straps
- Non-slip ankle brace
- Good fit and strong hold
- No material specified
The Memories ankle brace for sprains fits tightly and firmly around the joint thanks to its one-strap design with velcro fastening, which allows it to fit any size. One of the reasons why you should choose this protector is because its materials are of premium quality and it is available in several colours. Its use is simple, you must pass the elastic strap through the foot until the ankle is firm. Keep in mind that, as you start to use it, the tension of the elastic may decrease.
- Sizes: S-M-XXL
- Colours: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of Products: 1
- Type of closure: None
- Heat retention technology
- Good compression
- Increased blood flow
- Breathable material
- One unit per order
- Not machine washable
You will be able to use it in any type of sport in which you demand the maximum from the joint because the movements of the ankle will be wide, without losing the correct posture of the foot. The excellence in the quality of its materials provides enough comfort to wear it all day long. Don't forget to consider the size of your foot by measuring the arch and the diameter of your ankle, otherwise it will not fit correctly.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: 3 Options: Black, Red and Blue
- Material: Neoprene
- Number of Products: 1
- Type of closure: Closure with elastic and velcro straps
- Durable quality and easy to clean
- Anatomically shaped for a secure fit
- No indication of material
The adjustable strap stimulates alternating compression and achieves a better support of the ligaments. It is characterised by the fact that it is a non-slip garment and its polyamide main component makes the protector machine washable. The articulated elastic thread closure may cause discomfort in the plantar area, making the anatomical fit uncomfortable. The massaging fabric may not fit properly on some users.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colours: Grey
- Material: Nylon
- Number of products: 2
- Type of fastening: Closure with elastic straps and velcro
- Sizing guide
- Perfect support
- Breathable fabric
- Slightly short strap
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.
- 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
- 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: 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.
Video: Ankle joint anatomy
Types of ankle braces you should know about
What are the most common ankle injuries in football?
Accidents are not uncommon in everyday life, but as a football player, the risk increases exponentially. On the field, football players are at risk for ankle injuries due to the constant stress placed on their ankles during sports. This puts the joint at constant risk, and with it, the future prospects of the football player.
Below are the most common injuries suffered by football players, whether in games or in training:
Ankle sprain
An ankle sprain is an abnormal or sudden stretching of the ankle joint, which may be partially torn. The severity of an ankle sprain is measured in different levels that determine how much time the player needs to recover before they can safely return to practice.
Sprains can occur when the foot is in an inverted position, meaning the ball of the foot is in one direction and the lateral side is in the other, which is associated with overstretching of the joint or trauma. It should be noted that this is the most common injury in this sport, since sudden movements are constantly performed.
Fractures
A fracture is a partial or complete break of one or more bones of the tibia or fibula that allow forward or backward movement, depending on the trauma suffered by the football player. It can occur when a football player suffers a violent collision with an opponent or a fall on the ankle, resulting in a fracture of the bones that make up the ankle. It is similar to a sprain, but has more serious consequences and may even require surgery and a recovery period
Tendonitis
A tendon is a tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. On the foot, these tendons are located behind the lateral malleolus and their primary function is to stabilize this lower body joint and protect it from sprains. On the field, these injuries are caused by the overuse of these tendons due to the constant stress on the football player when he does not rest or recover after games and training, as well as the natural wear and tear due to the age of the player. In more severe cases, tears may occur.
Chronic instability
When a football player is constantly suffering from sprains, a condition called chronic instability develops. This is a condition in which the ankle does not remain fixed, but instead rolls over. A football player who suffers from this condition is very susceptible to injury because every time he sprints, he puts more weight on the muscles due to the deviation and the pressure on the ankle becomes too great. In addition to pain in this area, serious injuries such as tears, which take several weeks to recover from, are more likely to occur.
The footballer's ankle
Injuries are so common in football players that they even have a name. It is the compression of a muscle in the anterior part of the ankle that results from repeated injuries to the ankle or poorly treated sprains. In the worst case, it can lead to premature osteoarthritis, resulting in the formation of plaques between the tibia and the ankle bone. This injury is caused by repetitive trauma to the ankle, whether hitting or kicking a ball, which causes the player to swell and feel pain when resting the foot. Treatments can vary, but surgery is not out of the question.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best ankle brace for football
As explained in this article, there are ankle injuries and in turn ankle suspenders for football players of different models, but not only by the type of injury you can choose a garment, as there are several characteristics that allow you to choose it as its functionality, materials, price, design and more. We will look at them in the next section:
By function
- Ankle braces to relieve pain: the ankle brace you choose should support the joint through compression, that is, it should be held firmly, but without applying undue pressure on the area to be treated, improving rehabilitation, since the ankle does not make movements that affect the injured muscles. There are even ankle splints with gel on the sides for cold application that every football player should use for a more effective recovery.
- Protective ankle braces: one of their most important and most requested functions is protection. This means that the sports ankle brace provides stability in every minute of the game, from the simple step to the run on the opponent's goal, the ankle is protected from wrong movements, sprains and injuries. Undoubtedly indispensable for every football player.
- Ankle supports: One of their main functions is to support the joint. Made of lightweight, adaptable and compressive materials that provide excellent support to the ankle and protect it on any type of grass or playing field, regardless of the unevenness of the surface.
- Stabilization of the ankle: sports sleeves for the ankle, although not intended for post-operative procedures, provide enough stability to allow the player to perform any movement without fear of sprains, dislocations and other injuries that affect the professional career and the life of an athlete in general. There are different models with different materials that can be used with the shoes without being uncomfortable when running or shooting.
Material
Ankle braces have evolved to include a variety of materials depending on each individual's needs and priorities. I try to avoid skin allergy problems and antibacterial products. If you take good care of the garment, you can extend the life of the garment without losing its stabilizing or sweat-wicking function, and also make it more flexible.
- Nylon is a tough, elastic textile fiber used in the manufacture of fabrics and knitwear, as well as silk and fishing line.
- Noprene is a polymer derived from rubber. One of its main advantages is flexibility, compression and support.
- It can also be made from wool, linen, silk or other textile fibers.
Type of support
Some of the great benefits of ankle supports include injury prevention and quick recovery, but this is largely due to the support they provide, as weak support would put the ankle at risk of sprains and very strong support would cause pain and problems in the joint.
Some of the most recommended types of support are:
- Velcro: This closure system works around the ankle and also acts as a stabilizer to prevent any movement of the player, but without hindering the forward and backward movement of the foot. They are most commonly used by players because they can be perfectly adjusted in a short time.
- Sleeve: they are applied with the help of the cruciate sleeves, which is adjusted on the top of the foot. They are used for tendonitis as well as for minor injuries or postoperative injuries. They are very useful, provided the player uses them properly, as they provide comprehensive protection and care.
- Braids: Braided ankle supports are those whose design resembles that of a shoe, as the straps must be intertwined to apply pressure, which has a stabilizing effect on the ankle. They are the least common type of support, as braiding can take a lot of time and the game is visually uncomfortable.
Size
Size is just as important as the materials they are made of. A fancy ankle brace is useless if it doesn't fit your foot. It must have the ability to stabilize and support the joint, but without restricting blood circulation.
Design
Design is a key element when choosing a new pair of football ankle supports. The most important thing is that they provide stability and security, but it's also important that they match your team's uniform. The fact is that the sport that has promoted the use of the garment the most is that of football players, because it helps them improve their performance, avoid injuries and more. All in one piece that is also very pleasing to the eye.
Currently, there are a variety of models and colors for ankle support that, depending on the price, offer reinforced versions for better protection, as well as padding on the sides; all in a truly modern and extremely lightweight getup that will make you feel like a pro if you're not already, without making you uncomfortable when wearing it.
Price
The cost of ankle supports depends on a number of factors, such as the materials used, the design, the function, and the quality of workmanship. It is not advisable to skimp on buying a cheap sports ankle braces, as they do not benefit from quality control and their function is limited in time.
Do compression ankle sleeves for football really work?
In football, the materials used on the field have evolved over time, both in training and in the game, to protect the integrity of the players. In this case, ankle supports are used by football players based on the recommendations of professionals in the field, as they are based on various studies and research that have been carried out for decades until today to know their functionality from a therapeutic and sports point of view.
The use of ankle braces has many benefits for players, as they not only help prevent and heal injuries, but also enhance athletic performance, speed up recovery after training, improve blood circulation, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, maintain proper temperature in the joint and much more.
If you really want to become a professional football player, you should always demand the best from yourself, which includes excellent protective gear. Many talented players have ended their careers due to ankle injuries. Avoid them and protect yourself by wearing sports ankle braces during training and on the field.