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Ankle Braces & Foot Supports

Ankle braces, ankle supports and foot braces help strengthen sprained, strained or injured lower legs. Many ankle supports come with antimicrobial and moisture-wicking options. Some ankle braces and foot supports are designed to trap heat for additional comfort as your injury heals. Vitality Medical sells a large selection of foot braces and ankle support from trusted brands such as 3M, Scott Specialties, Ovation Medical, Briggs Healthcare, Surgical Appliance, MedLine, Therall, Invacare, FLA Orthopedics, Schering Plough, Ossur, DJ Orthopedics and Pedfix.

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What Is an Ankle Brace?

Anatomy of the Ankle

At the ankle area, a series of bones intersect as ligaments, muscles, and tendons provide support. This arrangement allows your foot and ankle joints to move freely and painlessly.

Risk of Injuries

Yet, the mobility of the joint and the weight it supports open it up to a number of injuries. Ankle supports, wraps, and braces help stabilize this area as you play a sport or heal from an injury to limit certain types of movement.

Functionality of Ankle Braces

Specifically, the brace lets you move your toes upward toward the shin and away from you, letting you walk without needing a crutch or other support as you heal. Additionally, applying a degree of compression, using an ankle brace helps lessen swelling and limits reinjury or delayed healing, letting you return to work or get back in the game sooner.

Benefits Over Boots

While boots were used in the past, ankle braces and supports provide one key benefit for healing: They allow for some movement, which means that the joint’s synovial fluid can deliver sufficient oxygen and nutrients.

Types of Ankle Braces

  • An ankle wrap or foot support — more of a sleeve that provides compression — may be ideal for minor sprains and tears.
  • With a semi-solid form, ankle and foot braces better suit more significant lateral tears and sprains.
  • Make sure any ankle or foot brace you wear fits inside your shoe.

Ankle Braces Key Benefits

  • Limit Mobility to Facilitate Healing
  • Reduce Pain and Discomfort Related to Swelling
  • Compress Region for Optimal Comfort and Healing
  • Stabilize and Support Ankle Joints
  • Secure Positioning to Avoid Post-Operation Injury
Ankle Braces

Foot Supports Key Benefits

  • Help Prevent Future Injuries and Joint Problems
  • Stabilize and Support Ankle and Leg Joints
  • Prevent Ankle From Rolling to Either Side During Activity
  • Light Compression and Reinforcement
  • Improves Performance for Exercise and Athletic Pasttime
Foot Supports

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does an ankle brace help with?
A: Ankle support braces serve as external support to limit motion and provide general support for the region. This reduces injury and strain. Many users also benefit form arch supports, such as Pedifix's Visco-Gel Arch Support.

Q: Is it OK to wear an ankle brace all day?
A: Wearing an ankle brace or support all day may eventually lead to the weakening of the muscles and tendons. While it provides great support, an ankle brace reduces overall use of the muscles.

Q: What is the difference between an ankle brace and support?
A: Ankle supports and ankle braces both protect ankle health but in different ways. Ankle supports are used to prevent injuries while ankle braces are designed to treat them.

Q: Who should use ankle braces and foot supports?
A: Many people can benefit from using ankle braces and foot supports. Ankle supports are a great option for athletes or avid exercisers. They help avoid future injuries while providing support. Ankle braces, on the other hand, are commonly used post-injury and can help facilitate the healing process.

Q: Is a sock worn over or under an ankle brace?
A: Depending on the product, ankle supports may be worn over or under the sock. Most often, ankle supports are worn under the sock in order to achieve the highest level of compression and support.

Q: Do ankle braces still allow the individual to walk?
A: Different foot braces and ankle straps have various levels of support and mobility reduction. Some provide minimal support for fast-paced activity while others may have a full mobility reduction for optimal healing. Typical support braces are designed for active use while healing-focused ankle braces are made to halt mobility.

Q: How does one tell if an ankle injury is serious?
A: A doctor should be contacted if the injury is showing signs of significant swelling, bone misalignment, severe pain, tenderness, inability to walk, change in skin color, numbness, or bleeding. Not every injury is the same and it is up to the individual's discretion to decide what steps should be taken after an injury.

Manuals and Documents

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Product Videos

Lateral Ankle Sprain Treatment and Prevention (4:00 minutes)



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