Rating of the best ankle braces 2024

Ankle injuries occur not only in big-time sports, but also in the lives of ordinary people. Unfortunately, no one is immune from an accident, which is popularly called a sprained ankle. Damaged tissue cannot be healed without a good support band (orthosis). How to choose a good option that suits the needs of the patient can be understood by examining the rating of ankle braces 2024.

Sprain

Since the ligament tissues have weak elasticity, they cannot stretch in the literal sense of the word; in fact, stretching is not a complete, but a partial rupture across the ligament tissues with the preservation of a part of the integral area.

Strong ligaments normally provide constant movement of the joint and withstand heavy loads. But in the case of a sharp, unnatural eversion of the foot, a complete or partial rupture of the ligaments of the ankle joint is possible. At a rupture, a characteristic crunch is heard and the person feels severe pain, and the injured area begins to turn blue and swell.

The ankle joint can be injured both in the upper part and from the outside and inside. Turning the foot inward, accompanied by rupture of the external ligaments, occurs most often due to wearing uncomfortable shoes. Sometimes a person may simply go down the steps or not notice a hole in the road. Experts note that there is also a person's predisposition to injuries to joints and ligaments. There are several factors that increase the risk of injury:

• Wearing high-heeled shoes
• Too much weight and, as a result, stress on the joints,
• Weak ligaments due to insufficient physical activity and congenital anomalies,
• Injuries that have already occurred once in the anamnesis.

Treatment of ankle ligaments may require surgery if the sprains occur repeatedly. The operation helps to completely solve the problem and make the joint more stable.

However, you can try to strengthen the joints and ligaments in a more conservative way, without resorting to surgery. There are methods of physical therapy and physiotherapy exercises using ointments and fixatives that help to temporarily minimize joint mobility and ensure a stable recovery process.

Without qualified assistance, such an injury can lead to difficulty in mobility of the joint when walking, as well as to weakening of the joint and loss of stability. As a first aid to the affected area, it is recommended to apply ice and make the most tight bandage with an elastic bandage.

For successful recovery from injury, an ankle brace is used, with the help of which it is possible to fix the leg well. The use of a bandage eliminates the likelihood of repeated dislocation.

Only a traumatologist or surgeon can correctly determine the degree of damage and prescribe the wearing of a bandage.

Varieties of ankle braces

In the manufacture of supporting and fixing bands, materials of various quality and prices are used. In addition, the designs of orthopedic braces are very different in appearance.

Rigid models of bandages using metal and plastic ribs can be prescribed even in case of fractures, since they weigh less, but in fixation strength they are not inferior to plaster bandages.

The design of the splint has no hinges, allows the doctor to observe how successful the process of bone healing is, in addition, the level of fixation can be adjusted over time. A plaster cast that completely covers the joint can hide problems that will be detected late, which will lengthen the treatment period.

After removing the cast, in some cases it is also recommended to wear the retainer as a support in restorative therapy.

Semi-rigid models allow for little joint mobility, but limit its movement to the side, thus, the patient psychologically passes the fear of stepping on the sore leg and the pain decreases.

Soft clips should be worn as a preventive measure during increased physical activity or when playing sports.

Medicated bandages are usually treated with special agents that warm and relieve inflammation.

The best models of ankle braces

Malleo Immobil Walker, high 50s10

A high ankle orthosis of German production from the Otto Bock company, shaped like a boot, of universal purpose, can be used both in the case of various injuries of joints and ligaments, and during the rehabilitation period after surgery. Anatomically adjustable flexion angle.

Otto BoKK's products have passed mandatory certification in Russia. Innovative and ergonomic devices have been in great demand in our country for many years.

Thanks to the breathable fabric of the lining, there is no greenhouse effect with prolonged use of the splint, the device can provide support in case of fractures and soft tissue injuries. The tissue takes the shape of the body, both very tight fixation and loosening are possible, depending on the period of therapy.

• Wide dimensional grid from 31 to 46 sizes;
• Easy to use due to Velcro fasteners;
• Thanks to the soft fabric lining, the skin is not injured even with prolonged use of the device;
• Lightweight construction compared to plaster casts;
• The traumatologist can give a timely assessment of the healing process after injuries;
• Controlled bending angle of the retainer;
• German quality;
• Wear resistance.

• The high cost of the product - 7020 rubles;
• Not always available in stores.

Walking Boot, Large by Aircast

Before using this orthosis, you must put on a golf or sock. The device is very easy to prepare for use. All fasteners are opened and the top plate is removed, the cover for the toes opens. The leg is neatly placed in the orthosis, closed with fabric and plastic inserts. The advanced design allows you to control the tension using dedicated buttons.

• The brace shortens the healing time after injuries, fully protecting the limb and relieving pain;
• The retainer is a more hygienic alternative to plaster; it can be removed for special exercises and massage;
• The correct anatomical shape of this specimen and the belt system evenly relieves swelling and tightly wraps around the affected joint.

• The rather high cost of the device is 9,833.59 rubles;
• Contraindications due to various skin rashes.

Rehband Ankle Support

Cloth bandage with inserted ribs for additional fixation on the sides. This option is ideal when playing sports, it can be worn well with sports shoes, and is invisible under clothes.

The bandage is available in sizes 35 to 47, so finding a good bandage is not difficult.

Rehband supports the joint and gives confidence, especially if this type of injury has already occurred. Warms, relieves pain and provides blood flow to the joint and strengthens the tendons. When moving in shoes, it absorbs the joint.

Be sure to wash the bandage with closed Velcro at 30 degrees and straighten the corners for even drying.

When choosing a size, the circumference around the ankle is measured.

• Prevention of injuries during active activities;
• Maintaining the mobility of the foot if it is impossible to turn;
• A universal remedy for weak ligaments;
• Good ventilation and hygiene.

• Price - 2397.41;
• Addiction to wearing a bandage and fear of being without support.

Ankle Support Kimony

Breathable neoprene sports support from Kimony. It is also suitable for people who have suffered ligament injuries, but do not lead an active lifestyle. The lateral inserts are rigid, completely repeating the anatomical shape of the leg.

• Designed for safe and maximum free movement;
• Side grips help provide reliable protection and support;
• Fast warming and analgesic effect;
• The lightweight design allows you to wear almost any shoe.

• The price of the bandage is within 2209.89 rubles;
• No other shortcomings were found.

Upfist ankle brace

The sock-like, lightweight and elastic bandage can be worn all day and even at night. Since the fabric is specially designed for long-term wear, it does not create a greenhouse effect, the bandage absorbs sweat.

• The elastic does not curl or slip;
• Fitted bandage fits tightly enough, but does not interfere with blood circulation and does not hinder movement;
• 3D elastic technology for better fit of the retainer;
• Feet stay dry thanks to breathable material that wicks away sweat;
• Uniform compression does not cause pain;
• The size is easy to find by simply measuring the circumference of the ankle;
• A confident step is provided;
• The therapeutic effect in the treatment is observed after a week of use;
• Affordable price, around 700 rubles.

• Since there are no fasteners on the bandage, and the correct bandage should be one size smaller, it is not easy to put on such a bandage.

Venom neoprene ankle brace

Bandage specially designed for professional athletes. It is used in the case of previously existing ankle injuries, as well as in intensive training for joint insurance as a preventive measure. Warms up and reliably fixes a sore joint, allowing the use of medicinal balms and ointments.

• Provides good stability to athletes during jogging, volleyball, basketball, barbell;
• Relief of pain and tension from the ligaments, thanks to the reinforced lateral stabilizers, helps to stay on the legs with increased fatigue or chronic laxity of the ligaments;
• Product weight is small 113 grams;
• The material is dense with inserts, but breathable;
• Does not hinder movement and is used during exercise therapy.

• The cost of the device is 2209.89 rubles,
• Often the product is out of stock because it is in good demand.

Mcdavid Lightweight Ankle Brace

A very lightweight and easy-to-use lacing bandage. Before buying, it is worth trying on this device, since adjusting the compression ratio with lacing is not suitable for all patients, especially if the bandage is assigned to a child. The design is modeled in such a way that the bandage can be worn on both the right and left legs. The material from which the bandage is made is quite dense, but the leg does not sweat.

• Nice and stylish design;
• Sturdy construction, with thin sides that are not conspicuous;
• The lacing looks like an extension of the shoe and allows you to adjust the degree of pressure of the bandage;
• The water-repellent fabric does not create a greenhouse effect due to the design with eyelets for laces and a tab.

• 2691.31 rubles - the cost of this bandage;
• Lacing may not be comfortable for all patients;
• Suitable more for prevention than for rehabilitation therapy.

Comparison of prices for the described models:

Model name	Price
1.Malleo Immobil Walker, high 50s10	7020 rubles
2.Walking Boot, Large by Aircast	9 833.59 rubles
3.Rehband Ankle Support	2397.41 rubles
4. Ankle Support Kimony	2209.89 rubles
5.Upfist ankle brace	700 rubles
6.Venom neoprene ankle brace	2209.89 rubles
7.Mcdavid Lightweight Ankle Brace	2691.31 rubles

Contraindications for wearing an ankle brace

The appointment of a bandage as a fixing agent is sometimes not possible due to the patient's tendency to allergic reactions. In rare cases, irritation, redness and rashes may occur at the place of contact with the orthosis.

There are a number of contraindications for wearing bandages, such as:

• Trophic ulcers that have arisen against the background of diabetes mellitus;
• Thromboembolic disease;
• Various types of skin disorders and dermatitis.

How much to wear and how to care for an ankle brace

The decision that the patient needs to wear an immobilizing bandage for one reason or another is made only by a traumatologist. You cannot independently prescribe this remedy to yourself, because the patient does not even know how to choose the correct size.

Usually, a traumatologist gives a list of budget and not so companies, whose products can be found in a particular city. The specialist advises which model is best to buy based on the characteristics and capabilities of the patient.

The most expensive, as a rule, are the models of postoperative tutors and orthoses, which can, in fact, replace the imposition of a plaster cast on a crack, ligament rupture or fracture.

In case of ankle injuries, an elastic bandage is immediately needed, it, squeezing the affected area, does not allow the tumor to grow and relieves pain.

The rehabilitation period for each case is unique and the treatment is always individual, all the more, it is impossible to remove the orthosis whenever you want without the doctor's permission.

In case of fractures and severe ruptures of the ligaments, it is recommended to wear an ankle splint even at night. If the damage is not very serious, the bandage is worn during the day and removed at night while sleeping.

Usually, recovery from injuries takes from one week to 3 months, depending on the extent of the injury. In addition, orthoses are able to align joints that have been deformed as a result of a birth defect or anomaly. Such treatment can take years of wearing various bandages and exercise therapy.

What if the bandage needs washing?

The bandage becomes heavily soiled throughout the recovery period, in addition, it absorbs particles of sweat and therapeutic gels and massage ointments.

All clamps, with the exception of an elastic bandage, should not be worn on bare feet, because the design can rub heavily and leave redness and sores at the point of contact with the skin. Doctors recommend wearing cotton socks or knee-highs.

The dirty bandage can only be freshened up manually. Machine wash is contraindicated for this product, because the orthosis is prone to deformation.

After washing, the bandage is smoothed out, slightly stretched if the fabric has sat down, and left to dry on a towel, completely straightening all the edges.

If treated with care, the bandage will last a long time and it can be sold, because good orthoses and splints are expensive.

It makes no sense to buy very cheap options, since they will quickly become unusable and a bandage replacement will be required.

conclusions

Ankle orthoses and calipers maintain little joint mobility; if necessary, the angle of inclination and the degree of compression can be adjusted depending on the nature of the injury. Touters do not have hinges at all; they are used when you need to absolutely immobilize a limb in case of fractures with ligament ruptures.

A complete rejection of plaster casts is not yet possible, but thanks to new models of bandages, the healing process has become less painful and reduced in time several times.