Ankle Brace Specialist

What does an ankle brace do?

An ankle brace supports and stabilizes your ankle, protecting it from injuries like sprains and strains.

Braces can compress your injured ankle. That’s why your orthopedic foot and ankle physician may recommend wearing one to the reduce the swelling and pain associated with minor injuries.

Are there different types of ankle braces?

There are two common types of ankle braces.

Pull-on braces

A pull-on brace is typically made of an elastic, stretchy material. You pull it on over your toes, like a sock, and there’s often has a hole for your heel and toes. Your doctor may recommend this type of brace for everyday wear or to prevent reinjury.

Lace-up braces

The second type of ankle brace is a lace-up brace. You use the laces to tighten the brace, and it offers more stability than the pull-on type. These braces are sometimes called semi-rigid braces because they feature metal support on each side of your ankle.

Who should wear an ankle brace?

Ask your orthopedic foot and ankle specialist if an ankle brace is right for you. Research shows that athletes who wear ankle braces have significantly fewer injuries. Teams often recommend them as a preventive measure for athletes who play sports that involve shifting the body’s weight back and forth, like tennis or basketball.

If you tend to sprain your ankle, your Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center (FLOFAC) doctor may advise you to wear a brace to prevent future sprains. They may also recommend an ankle brace after an ankle sprain.

An ankle brace stabilizes this vital joint and provides compression to reduce any swelling and discomfort caused by the injury. Your doctor may recommend wearing the ankle brace for up to six weeks to ensure proper healing of your ligaments and reduce the risk of further injury.

If you play sports or have concerns about ankle stability, contact the team at FLOFAC today. Call the office or book your initial consultation online.