The ligaments have the task of stabilizing the joints to prevent unexpected movements. However, due to various circumstances, these tissues can exceed their maximum stretch limit, resulting in a partial or complete tear of the ligamentous apparatus.
This is how an ankle sprain or strain is triggered and manifests itself in a certain symptom pattern. One of the most common sprains is the one in the ankle area (especially on the outside), and since it is common, it is important to know how to treat it with an ankle compression sleeves.
What is the best ankle brace for sprain and strain?
- 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: M
- Colours: Black
- Material: Polyester
- No. of Products: Single
- Type of fastening: Elastic straps, laces and velcro
- Very lightweight design
- Laces for a good fit
- Elastic Achilles arch
- Quick and easy to use
- Bulkier
- One size fits all
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.
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: Black
- Material: Polyester
- No. of Products: Single
- Type of closure: Closure with elastic straps and velcro
- Adjustable tension
- Silicone anti-slip bars
- Size too large
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.
- 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.
- 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: 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: 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.
Video: Ankle joint anatomy
Types of ankle braces you should know about
What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is defined as damage to the bands of tissue that hold the bones of the ankle together, which are the ligaments in that part of the lower extremity. Typically, this type of sprain occurs when the patient abruptly bends or turns the joint while walking or running, causing the ligaments of the ankle to stretch beyond their normal limit until they tear.
Ankle sprains are a sudden occurrence that accounts for about 25% of all sports injuries. Since the diagnosis of this condition, in which the ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range of motion, it is important to determine the severity of the injury so that it can be treated appropriately.
The severity of a sprain is classified as follows:
- Grade 1: It is a slight stretching of the ligaments that stabilize the bony fragments of the ankle. Therefore, the pain and swelling that occur are minor, and there is no laxity of the joints or tearing of the ligaments.
- Grade 2: In this case, there is a partial tear of the ligamentous apparatus in the ankle joint. The pain is more severe, the inflammatory process is more pronounced, and there is deformation and discoloration of the skin (bruising). In addition, there is mild joint instability.
- Grade 3: This is the most severe of all ankle sprains. Because there is a complete tear of the ligamentous tissue (or more than 50%), pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity are more severe. In addition, the affected ankle joint is very unstable, and inability of the joint to function is observed.
The causes and risk factors for the occurrence of an ankle sprain are as follows:
- Sudden fall resulting in twisting of the ankle.
- Clumsy falling after a turn or jump.
- Landing a direct hit.
- Feeling a hard kick from another person.
- Walking on uneven or poor surfaces.
- Playing certain sports (soccer, basketball, tennis, running, etc.).
- Wearing inappropriate shoes.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Lack of strength or mobility in the ankles.
This injury is manifested by the following signs and symptoms:
- Severe pain in the affected joint: this increases when the patient puts his body weight on the foot.
- Sensitivity to pressure or touch: This means that pressure or touching the ankle is also uncomfortable.
- Inflammation or swelling: there may be significant swelling on both the injured ankle and the side.
- Bruising or change in skin color: There may be redness of the area or bruising.
- Limited range of motion: limitation of activity outside the malleolus.
- Instability of the joint: It becomes more difficult to keep the injured ankle stable, so it is not possible to put weight on it on any surface or to walk normally.
- Other symptoms: chronic ankle pain, permanent instability of the joint, and arthritis in the area.
Advantages and benefits of ankle braces for sprain and strain
After diagnosing the ankle sprain depending on the cause, severity and symptoms, the specialist can determine a treatment tailored to each patient to speed up the healing process as quickly as possible.
To promote a faster recovery, the doctor will recommend physical therapy treatment to restore mobility. One of the best alternative therapies is compression therapy. Compression sleeves are elastic garments that are ergonomically and therapeutically designed to help treat persistent pain or discomfort in that area of the lower limb.
These garments are characterized by the following advantages:
- Immediate pain relief.
- Reduces swelling through support.
- Improves blood circulation and provides rapid recovery.
- Protect the ankle to prevent the development of acute injury.
- Reduce muscle fatigue in the affected area.
- Provide more stability and comfort to the ankle.
- Apply heat and avoid cold to the affected area for a soothing effect.
- Restrict movement of the ankle to prevent further disease.
In the case of an ankle sprain, it is recommended to choose a special sports ankle brace that ensures all the benefits of compression therapy. Although it is important to choose an ankle brace depending on the severity of the sprain to immobilize the ankle more or less, there is certainly a suitable model to speed up the healing process regardless of the degree of sprain in this area.
It is called "compression ankle sleeve" and is characterized by its elasticity, which should facilitate sports activities (thanks to its mobility) and strengthen the ankle in case of sprain or tear. The sports ankle brace is made of a high quality, breathable and seamless material that can relieve, stabilize and support the ankle after an injury.
Its main advantages are the following:
- Leads to an improvement in blood circulation.
- Compression massage to provide relief.
- Prevents muscle fatigue.
- Provides more stability for the ankle joint.
- Provides comfort and security for daily activities and/or range of motion.
- Provides significant protection for the ankle and adjacent parts of the ankle.
- Prevents discomfort from occurring after an injury.
- Promotes moisture absorption, preventing unpleasant odors.