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Ankle Support After Injury
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Ankle sprains are common, painful injuries that can keep you out of the game for days, weeks, even a month or more. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) estimates that every day, 25,000 people suffer an ankle sprain. Of course, these accidental injuries are not always associated with playing or practicing a sport. You may have been injured when you tripped over your pet, or missed the last step on your way out the door. Ankle sprains are all too familiar to athletes, and you’re most at risk if you play field hockey! Volleyball, football, and basketball players are also at higher risk, but anyone who competes – cheerleaders included – is a candidate for an ankle sprain.
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Early Treatment Is Key To Preventing Long Term Problems
According to the AOFAS, sprains are classified as Grade I, II, or III, depending on the amount of ligament damage sustained. Your doctor or trainer will want to check your ankle to ensure that you haven’t suffered any broken bones, and will recommend the appropriate course of treatment.
Most at-home care includes the RICE regimen, a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation to aid healing. More serious sprains require more serious treatment, however, and if your sprain is severe, your doctor may recommend additional ankle support to help you heal. Severe sprains may even require a cast or a walking boot that can be removed at night
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What Kind Of Ankle Support Do You Need?
Ankle braces provide varying levels of support, stability, and comfort. According to Podiatry Today, there are five different types of ankle braces that your doctor or trainer may consider, depending on the severity of your injury.
- Sleeves – Least stable, most comfortable; often worn under a more stable brace for comfort
- Straps – Hook and loop strap braces typically wrap around the ankle; take care to not make the brace too tight
- Stirrups – Stirrup braces are designed to limit lateral motion, and are often prescribed as an alternative to a splint or boot
- Lace Ups – Usually made of rigid materials to provide more stability; newer designs are often combined with Hook and loop straps to improve comfort
- Hybrids – Combine different aspects of all of the above-mentioned braces for comfort and stability
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Early Treatment Is The Key To Preventing Long-Term Problems
No matter how much you want to keep going, early, appropriate aftercare can help guard against long-term problems with ankle stability. Have your sprained ankle assessed by a trainer or medical professional, and follow their treatment recommendations to the letter to regain stability and strength in your ankle joint.
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