Selecting the Right Ankle Brace for Your Injury

Selecting the right ankle brace for your injury is important; ankle injuries come in all shapes and sizes and figuring out the problem can be tricky. If you're unsure, try our blog: what type of ankle injury do I have?

Diagnosing the issue is one thing but selecting the right ankle brace for your injury can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available.

Below is a list of the different types of ankle braces, their main features they usually have in addition to what injuries they are ideal for.

Selecting the right ankle brace

Type: Ankle sleeve

These are usually made of neoprene, woven elasticised fabric or other stretchable materials. 

Type of injury: An ankle sleeve is designed to be worn as you need it and are ideal for mild issues like stiffness and soreness, weakness in the ankle and mild swelling.

Try the MalleoTrain Ankle Support or the Sports Ankle Support Dynamic

Type: Ankle strap/wrap brace

This type of ankle brace usually incorporates a sleeve in addition to a built-in strap, often a figure 8 strap that is adjustable, to provide extra stability to the ankle joint.

Type of injury: These are a great option for reducing the risk of rolling, twisting or spraining your ankle, without being too bulky or obtrusive. These braces are designed to utilise the stronger parts of your ankle and lower leg to take pressure off the ankle itself.

Try the MalleoTrain Plus or the Sports ankle support

Type: Lace up Braces

This type of ankle brace isn't a as common as others. Originally designed for athletes who want to fully control the amount of tension on the ankle, they can be adjusted to each person accordingly.

However the fabric is often not as comfortable as most woven fabrics, and the lack of venting often means they can overheat. They’re good for low end instability when strapping is not desired.

Type: Semi-Rigid

Semi-Rigid braces are designed to offer recovery and support post injury while still allowing active movement, and they often have multiple components to suit various stages of rehabilitation from an injury, helping patients to transition through their recovery.

Type of injury: These braces are highly versatile, and great for multiple issues, such as swelling and instability, fractures and post-op recovery.

Try the MalleoLoc L3

Type: Rigid

Rigid braces are the highest level of support you can get for your ankle. Utilising a rigid splint to keep your ankle in a particular position, they’re most often fastened with strapping, and can use padding, air cushions and inserts to keep the joint supported.

Type of injury: These braces are most commonly used for chronic instability, severe injury and post-op recovery, and often are the best change many people have of still walking with a severe injury.

Try the Caligaloc ankle brace. 

Using the right brace is just one part of treating ankle issues, and is best done alongside treatment by doctors and physiotherapists, resting the ankle, and strengthening the joint with regular targeted exercise.

For assistance selecting the right product for your needs, book a video consultation with a Bauerfeind expert: Book Video Call, or call us on 1300 668 466.

Do you have private health? Most private health extras will cover Bauerfeind Products, check to see if yours is included. Bauerfeind Private Health Insurance Enquiry.

Bauerfeind products are developed at our innovation and manufacturing facility in Zeulenroda, Germany. Based on years of scientific research, our award-winning braces and support garments are highly recommended by medical professionals and athletes worldwide.