Why You Should Wear An Ankle Brace

Any form of athletic activity, be it intensive or low-impact does have an impact on your body. To minimize the impact and increase stability before, during, and after activity, braces can be a great solution. Additionally braces can also provide relief for recently injured or previously injured areas. This is not to replace doctor recommendations, treatments, or physical therapy, however braces can provide many benefits that make them an important part of many people’s routine, whether you are an athlete or just want extra comfort and protection!

The possibility for injury from sports, running, jumping, and impact if you are someone who participates in strenuous activity is obvious. The ankle is an extremely important body part for mobility and we don’t give our ankles much thought until there’s an injury or issue. The ankle is crucial in many lower body movements and workouts such as running, walking, climbing, squatting… the list could go on. Movement Performance  gives a little more insights into the importance of the ankle stating: “The ankle is a hinge joint where the foot and lower leg meet. The ankles need to be able to move side to side, and up and down pain free. The primary actions of the ankle are plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. Plantar flexion occurs when you point the foot down like a ballerina. Dorsiflexion occurs when you pull the toes up towards your nose.” Additionally, according to Movement Performance, “Tension in the ankles can contribute to pain and injury in the knees, hips and lumbar spine because limited ankle mobility often results in compensation and compression in the joints above it.” The ankle is therefore not only incredibly important, but quite vulnerable and in need of protection. Ankle braces are a great solution to support ankle and ensure the risk of damage is minimized. Additionally, we all know the immense benefits of compression. By combining ankle support and compression with the use of braces, ankle braces are a product that provides comprehensive benefits for a user.

There are many different types of ankle braces, sleeves, and supports to assist with a variety of issues. Some braces feature straps and outside supports, while others are a sleeve for added protection and, in some cases, compression. According to The Body Posture’s in depth analysis on wearing ankle braces to bed, which may be a whole other topic: “Typically, an ankle brace is used when you have an ankle injury, such as a sprain, or when you are trying to prevent an ankle injury. Ankle braces are used to immobilize the joint while providing warmth and compression to the bones. They are common in injury rehabilitation processes that affect the ankle because they are made of rigid fabric such as nylon and neoprene which allow limited mobility of the foot and are attached to the ankle by means of velcro.” 

As beneficial as braces are, they should not be used in place of rehabilitation, strength, or training programs for a specific issue. Continuing with recommended training exercise is important, especially if at the recommendation of a physical therapist or physician. So, even if you do choose a brace for that added support, ensure that you aren’t using it without other helpful practices. 

See and shop our favorite Pure Athlete Ankle Brace below:

1. The Ankle Brace Support Stabilizer - Shop it HERE.