Ankle Brace

How Do Ankle Braces Work?

Ankle injuries are among the most commonly experienced injuries in sports, particularly in activities requiring sudden sharp changes in speed or direction. These injuries typically result from forced lateral movement such as when landing awkwardly from a jump or losing your balance when running at high speed. Using a properly designed ankle brace will reduce the risk of these types of ankle injuries. An ankle brace will also help the patient maintain regular activities while recovering from an ankle injury.

The human foot is constructed with several internal supports that hold the bones together in their correct positions. These positions allow the foot to support the weight of the human body in the most effective way possible. These internal supports are the ligaments, tendons, muscles and other tissues that hold the bones together. They are normally sufficient to withstand the forces to which the foot may be subject when walking or standing normally.

However, for athletes and, in particular, athletes in contact sports or sports requiring sharp changes in direction of movement, the foot will regularly experience forces that are greater than normal and that may act in unusual directions. Ankle braces function as “external supports” that supplement the internal supports holding foot bones and other structures in their correct positions.

Three types of foot movement that can produce unusual forces on the foot for which the internal supports may not be enough are ankle inversion/ eversion and plantar flexion.

Ankle Inversion

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An ankle inversion causes the foot to point inward and places abnormal stresses on the ligaments on the outside of the ankle (see image on the left). When these ligaments become overstretched or torn in response to this type of movement, you have what medical professionals call an inversion ankle sprain. This is actually the more common type of sprain. It can happen either during sporting activity or while performing everyday activities such as clearing snow or walking on an icy pavement.

Ankle Eversion

Under ankle eversion, the foot turns outward and unusual stress in placed on the ligaments on the inside of the foot. Tearing or overstretching these ligaments in response to such a movement results in an eversion ankle sprain. This type of injury tends to mainly happen to serious athletes.

Plantar Flexion

Under plantar flexion, the foot points downward away from the leg. This movement places unusual stresses on the ligaments on the top of the foot.

Ankle Braces As External Supports

Ankle braces serve to limit ankle inversion or eversion movements as well as plantar flexion.As a result, the wearer of such a brace has less risk of damaging foot ligaments as a result of these movements. For more information on how an ankle brace can be of use in preventing such injuries, please read our post on the benefits of using an ankle brace for sprains.

Types of Ankle Braces

When choosing your brace, you can select from a wide range of designs such as advanced or basic ankle supports, wraparound braces or rigid ankle braces. Each has a particular purpose, as explained below:

Ankle sleeves provide moderate compression and therapeutic warmth. They will help with stiff or sore ankles. However, they will not offer the support patients may need for protection from moderate or serious ankle sprains or instability.
Ankle braces with straps offer a higher level of support than ankle sleeves and will provide protection from mild to moderate ankle sprains and instability. They will also provide customizable compression.;
Stirrup ankle braces provide excellent lateral support to prevent ankle inversion or eversion sprains. They are generally useful for serious ankle sprains as well as post op recovery or rehabilitation;
Lace up ankle brace designs offer high levels of support and are a good choice for everyday (non sports) protection from ankle sprains.

In practice, many of the ankle braces available on the market are actually hybrid designs that incorporate features of two or more of the categories above.

Choosing The Right Ankle Brace

When choosing an ankle brace, we can offer the following general advice:

If you choose a brace with a lace-up design, make sure that the laces are not too long or short. Then you can tie them correctly;
Ensure that the brace has the right size. To ensure they perform as the manufacturers intended, there should be no gaps between your skin and your ankle support;
If you are wearing your brace for treatment of rehabilitation of an injury, be sure to wear it during everyday activities. Don’t wear it only during physically intensive activities;
You may be wearing your brace for preventative purposes. It is then particularly important to wear it while playing sports that involve lateral movement.

A healthcare professional will be able to advise on which of these situations applies to his or her patient.

Our selection of ankle braces is presented below. For information on how a brace can help an avid runner, please read our post on how an ankle brace for running can aid injury recovery. If you are an athlete in another sport and would like to know more about how an ankle brace can help you, you can read our post on the benefits of an ankle brace for athletes.

If you are not actively involved in sports but would like to understand how a brace can be of benefit during everyday activities, please read our post on the reasons to wear an ankle brace in Toronto.

Should you have any questions after reading these posts, our customer service personnel will be only too pleased to assist.

Suggested Ankle Brace Products

In Stock
4 Way Stretch Ankle Support
Ankle Sleeve
Mueller® Sports Medicine
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The Mueller 4 Way Stretch Ankle Support uses 360 degree compression from its no seam knit material to treat ankle pain and swelling.
- Provides round the clock ankle support and comfort that allows you to continute your active lifestyile with less pain and discomfort;
- No seam knit that will not scrape or damage the skin;
- Uniform 4 way stretch material that applies support to the entire joint;
- Also helps keep the ankle warm and supple, improving blood circulation and reducing joint stiffness;
- Can be used to treat injured, sore, weak, unstable or arthritic ankles.
Active Ankle AS1 Pro
Ankle Brace with Straps
Active Ankle
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Discover how the Active Ankle AS1 Pro Ankle Brace provides targeted support for recovery from mild ankle sprains and injuries.
Active Comfort Compression Ankle Sleeve
Ankle Sleeve
McDavid®
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The McDavid Active Comfort Compression Ankle Sleeve combines use of tech print technology and an ultra lightweight compression to offer superb compression, support and comfort in a ground breaking ankle sleeve.
Adjustable Ankle Stabilizer
Ankle Brace with Straps
Mueller® Sports Medicine
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Choose the Mueller Adjustable Ankle Stabilizer for help with your unstable, weak or slightly sprained ankles. Replaces the 44547 Adjustable Ankle Stabilizer.
In Stock
Adjustable Ankle Support
Ankle Brace with Straps
Mueller® Sports Medicine
Rated 5.00 out of 5
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Discover how the Mueller Adjustable Ankle Support uses a patented strapping system with criss-cross tension straps to produce a comfort oriented design with minimal bunching.

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In Stock
AFTR Ankle Brace
Ankle Brace with Straps
BioSkin®
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AFTR Ankle and Foot Trauma Rehabilitation

The BioSkin AFTR ankle brace provides support and stabilization for the non-operative and post-operative treatment of many foot and ankle pathologies. Brace includes medial and lateral plastic stays as well as figure-8 stirrup straps to limit movement in the ankle and hindfoot. The AFTR is made from Bio Skin material so it contours to the anatomy during normal volume changes following injuries and surgery. Bio Skin is hypo-allergenic, breathable, and thin.
Ankle Brace / Lace Up With Stays
Lace Up Ankle Brace
McDavid®
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The McDavid Ankle Brace / Lace Up With Stays has spring steel medical stays for solid support and is built of highly breathable two-layer polyester/vinyl mesh. The ventilated tongues makes this brace highly breathable, as do its highly breathable lining and reinforced eyelets.

Level 3: Maximum Protection – Helping to prevent and/or recover from common ankle sprains
In Stock
Ankle Brace With Straps
Ankle Brace with Straps
LP® Support
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The LP Ankle Brace With Straps features non-stretch nylon “figure 8” straps and will protect you from ankle inversion and eversion sprains. We also recommend this brace if you suffer from instability due to previous ankle injuries and are worried about repeat strains or other injuries.
Ankle Brace With Straps
Ankle Brace with Straps
McDavid®
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The McDavid Ankle Brace With Straps helps to prevent and/or recover from common ankle sprains. It is constructed of single-layer polyester fabric for full support and minimal weight.

Level 3: Maximum Protection – Helping to prevent and/or recover from common ankle sprains
Ankle Sleeve
Ankle Sleeve
McDavid®
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The McDavid Ankle Sleeve features a 4-way stretch that facilitates comfort and compression in all directions. It also features Mcdavid’s exclusive 5-needle stitch for a flatter, cleaner and stronger seam. The brace also has an exterior layer of nylon fabric for added durability.

Level 1: Primary Protection – Relief from pain associated with arthritis and tendonitis; minor ankle support
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Ankle Sleeve / 4-Way Elastic With Figure-8 Straps
Ankle Brace with Straps
McDavid®
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The McDavid Ankle Sleeve / 4-Way Elastic With Figure-8 Straps features 4-way stretch elastic material engineered for increased compression and fit without heat retention.

Level 2: Advanced Protection – Moderate support and relief from pain associated with arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis
Ankle Sleeve / 4-Way Elastic With Gel Buttresses
Ankle Sleeve
McDavid®
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The McDavid Ankle Sleeve / 4-Way Elastic With Gel Buttresses provides support and relief from pain, swelling and inflammation due to tendonitis, arthritis or injury.

Level 2: Advanced Protection – Support and relief from pain, swelling and inflammation due to tendonitis, arthritis or injury
Ankle Sleeve / Elastic
Ankle Sleeve
McDavid®
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The McDavid Ankle Sleeve / Elastic features a breathable non-neoprene knitted elastic construction. The choice of polyester/rubber/nylon as construction materials makes this an ideal choice for those affected by neoprene allergies.

Level 1: Primary Protection – Support and relief from pain associated with tendonitis, arthritis and minor injury
In Stock
Ankle Support
Ankle Sleeve
LP® Support
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The LP Ankle Support supports weak ankles, prevents ligament sprains and relieves pain from tendonitis. You can add a simple strap to enhance the adjustability or stability of the brace. It is is an ideal choice for those with a history of neoprene or latex allergies.
In Stock
Ankle Support
Ankle Sleeve
Mueller® Sports Medicine
Rated 5.00 out of 5
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The latex free Mueller Sports Medicine Ankle Support features a non restrictive fit and soothing warmth and compression from its neoprene blend. Replaces the MU964 ankle support.
In Stock
Ankle Support -704
Ankle Sleeve
LP® Support
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The LP Ankle Support 704 is designed to support and compress weak or unstable ankle joints and will also reduce swelling and stiffness after injury. Its open toe and heel design increases your wearing comfort and simplifies application and removal.
Ankle Support With Figure-8 Straps
Ankle Brace with Straps
McDavid®
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The McDavid Ankle Support With Figure-8 Straps features a wrap-around figure-8 strap design that provides compressive comfort and pain relief. It also features McDavid’s exclusive 5-needle stitch for a flatter, cleaner and stronger seam, which results in increased comfort for the patient. It includes an adjustable hook and loop closure for a customized fit.

Level 2: Advanced Protection – Minor to moderate ankle support plus relief from pain associated with arthritis and tendonitis
In Stock
Ankle Support with Straps
Ankle Brace with Straps
Mueller® Sports Medicine
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The Mueller Ankle Support with Straps combines elastic straps for optimal ankle support with a neoprene blend construction for joint warmth & blood circulation.
- An excellent choice for mild ankle sprains or weak or unstable ankles;
- Warmth for its neoprene blend optimizes blood flow through the joint;
- Warmth also reduces joint stiffness and pain;