If you regularly participate in activities that affect your ankle, such as running or basketball, then you probably understand the importance of wearing ankle braces or braces, as they help support all parts of the ankle, i.e. ligaments, muscles, tendons and bones , to minimize the risk of injury. Playing such an important role in maintaining one of the most vulnerable parts of the human body, proper use of this sports accessory is crucial to maximizing its protective properties, especially when you are engaging in sports. If you're not familiar with how to wear an ankle brace, or if you're not sure if it's working properly, here's a simple guide on how to wear it properly.
Choosing the Right Ankle Brace
There are three common types of ankle braces in Singapore - soft, semi-rigid and rigid. The condition of your ankle and the amount of compression or restriction you need are some of the determining factors that can help you determine the best ankle brace for you. For example, an elastic sleeve is sufficient for mild swelling and minor sprains, while a semi-rigid or rigid brace is better for moderate situations where you should prevent rolling and stabilize the ankle joint. Knowing that using the right type of ankle brace in Singapore will provide you with the proper protection and stiffness to help you recover or protect your ankle from further injury.
Consider whether you need to wear socks
Some ankle braces are more effective when wearing socks because this improves compression and warmth, while other ankle braces work better when wearing socks. However, this is ultimately optional, as ankle braces are often made of breathable material to prevent skin irritation and promote ventilation. While they usually don't cause much discomfort or excessive sweating, you can still choose to wear socks for extra protection or comfort.
Learn how to put on an ankle brace
Adjustable ankle support sports accessories
While soft ankle braces are flexible and easy to wear, semi-rigid and rigid ankle braces can be more tedious because they incorporate Velcro straps and laces. As with shoes, unfasten all Velcro straps and loosen the adjustable laces until your foot fits snugly into the ankle brace. Then, slide your foot into the boot portion of the ankle brace while making sure the brace The tongue is located on the top of the foot, between the skin and the laces.
Correctly fasten your braces
In order to fasten the ankle brace without weighing the ankle, hold it at a 90-degree angle before threading and tying the shoelace. When tightening the Velcro strap, be sure to thread the inner strap through the foot and under the heel before attaching it to the other side of the ankle. Do the same with the outer straps, checking that the straps are tight enough, but not so tight that they suffocate your feet. Finally, attach the middle strap to the other two straps as well as the shoelaces.
put on your shoes
Finally, once your ankle protector is comfortable enough and securely fastened, carefully slide your foot into the shoe. Avoid loosening the ankle brace while doing this, and use a shoehorn if needed. If you are an elderly patient, or you have limited mobility, consider having someone else wear an ankle brace for you.
While the steps to properly wearing an ankle brace may seem simple, these little details can be the difference between effective and ineffective ankle protection. If you are looking for a reliable and affordable ankle brace or ankle brace in Singapore, check out ZSZBACE's online store where you can also find a wide range of sports accessories for all your sports needs.
The benefits of ankle braces for athletes
The ankle is one of the most vulnerable parts of the human body. Ankle injuries can range from mild irritation to serious, debilitating injuries. In normal operation, the ankle supports 1.5 times your body weight when walking or standing, and 8 times your body weight when running. They allow the feet to move up and down, creating a fluid movement of walking or running. Knowing how to care for your ankle and keeping it healthy is the most important thing for any athlete. Below, we'll discuss the four most common sports with ankle injuries, and the benefits of ankle braces for athletes in each sport.
The ankle joint is a hinged joint that includes three bones, several tendons and ligaments, nerves and blood vessels. Three bones, the tibia, fibula, and talus, are held together with the articular cartilage between them. This cartilage is smooth and smooth, allowing bones to move smoothly and painlessly against each other, and also acts as a shock absorber. These structures are held together by ligaments that connect bones to each other and tendons that connect bones to muscles. All of these must work together, with nerves and blood vessels running through them, for the calf, ankle and foot to function properly.
Benefits of Ankle Brace for Basketball Players
The ankle is the most injured body part in basketball. Moving quickly on the court, changing direction at top speed, jumping, landing, and colliding with other players means the ankle is at risk of hyperextension and overuse. The most common causes of ankle injuries in basketball players are awkward landings after jumping off the backboard, stepping or landing on another basketball player's shoe, and colliding with another player on a layup. A good ankle brace will help players avoid these injuries or reduce the damage they cause.
For many basketball players, the best ankle support is a durable lace-up ankle brace, which will help control the inversion and valgus of the ankle. This type of stand is small enough to fit easily into a basketball shoe. The lace-up stand also has the feel and compression of sports tape, no hassle, and more support.
Semi-rigid ankle braces are also a popular choice for basketball players who need intermediate protection while recovering from a serious injury or with a history of ankle rolling. These ankle braces are lightweight, easy to wear and provide support without the need for a ton of laces, braces and straps.
The benefits of ankle braces for football players
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries among football players due to frequent fast chipping, kicking and changing directions, as well as contact with other players. A well-chosen ankle brace can help treat or prevent ankle injuries on the court because it limits where ankle injuries can occur.
An ankle brace with rigid bilateral hinges will help prevent medial and lateral ankle sprains. The hinge significantly reduces the range of motion in directions that can lead to injury.
Lace-up ankle braces function similarly. This brace supports and stabilizes the ankle, preventing movement beyond safe limits. They are not rigid and offer slightly less medial and lateral support. Most of these ankle braces can be worn under the sole - a key advantage for footballers returning to training after an injury.
Ankle compression sleeves and socks are best for chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. These braces are very effective in relieving pain and inflammation caused by such conditions. As with lace-up braces, athletes can wear these braces every day under any type of footwear.
Benefits of Ankle Support for Volleyball Players
According to the National Association of Track and Field Coaches, 24 percent of all injuries sustained by volleyball players are ankle-related, making it the most common injury in the sport. It is clear from this statistic that ankle protection is essential in volleyball. Volleyball involves sudden, violent movements that can put a lot of stress on the ankle if not protected. Therefore, the benefits of ankle braces are particularly relevant for these athletes.
Front row volleyball players are more likely to suffer ankle injuries from vigorous lateral movement, frequent jumping and dangerous contact under the net. Rigid braces provide the maximum protection offered by ankle braces. These ankle supports typically feature offset bilateral hinges and a multi-point strapping system for a tighter and more comprehensive fit.
The back row players also need protection. However, the defensive movements they typically perform require a higher level of mobility, which may not be compatible with rigid braces. A rigid stand with open padded interior and rigid exterior support will provide full inversion protection without compromising the mobility of players that are critical to these activities.
Alternatives for volleyball players include lace-up braces, which provide the feel and protection of athletic tape work, and ankle sleeves, which provide low-profile ankle support and act as a compression sleeve.