1. Protecting Your Ankles in Motocross
Motocross riders are susceptible to many joint and ligament injuries because of the sport's physicality. Knees, legs and ankles are some of the most commonly injured body parts in motocross. Smart riders wear protective gear and shoes to protect their bones and joints, but you can also use a stabilizer ankle brace in motocross to prevent ankle strain and injury.
2. All About Your Ankles
Athletes are prone to a lot of ankle injuries because of all the impact on the ankle joint from running and jumping. Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons in the ankle caused by stress or overuse. Strains also inflame the tendons, and sprains are stretched or torn ligaments in the ankle caused by overextension when the foot turns inward. More severe injuries include an Achille's rupture, which is a complete tear of the Achille's tendon caused by sudden motion like jumping or sprinting. Contusions occur when there is a direct blow to the ankle, causing deep bruising of the muscles and ligaments. Stabilizer braces help prevent ankles from twisting too far, straining ligaments or aggravating existing injuries.
3. Choose a Brace
Stabilizing ankle braces come in a few different styles. Stirrup braces get their name from the stirrup shape of the race that comes up around each side of the ankle. Stirrup braces are held in place with Velcro straps that can be adjusted for a proper fit. Braces can be rigid or soft depending on the necessary range of motion. Other stabilizer braces slide over the ankle and lace into place with laces in the front. These are often referred to as lace-up or "figure 8" braces because of the pattern of the laces.
4. Stabilizing and Support
Stabilizers and side supports can keep your ankle ligaments from tearing or straining. You can wear stirrup braces to support ankles weakened by surgery or past injuries. Stirrup braces have a rigid plastic outer shell and padded with inserts for comfort and cushioning. They provide stability on the sides of the ankle. A lace-up brace is a rigid brace that can help prevent tendinitis or muscle strain from overuse. The brace's built-in stabilizing shape restricts the ankle's range of motion.
5. Gel that Heals
Stabilizer braces often feature gel inserts that help support and cushion the ankle. Most of the gels actually conform to the unique shape of your ankle, giving it maximum cushioning and stability. Some gel inserts can also be removed, washed, and frozen for cold therapy while you ride.
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