Ankle braces are commonly used to help people with ankle weakness or injuries recover. The brace gives additional support and provides stability to the ankle. However, this brace can slip during activity, causing a loss of support and discomfort. One way to prevent this is to wrap the brace using an elastic bandage, similarly to the way you wrap a sprained ankle. This will not only help hold the brace in place, but can provide additional support.
Step 1
Prepare a pad. Cut several pieces of cloth felt in a horseshoe shape to make a pad that is 1/2 inch thick. Place this pad around your ankle (open end up) where it can provide cushioning. Push the ends of the pad inside of the ankle brace.
Step 2
Roll up an elastic bandage.
Step 3
Hold your foot out at a 90-degree angle and start with one wrap around your foot where your toes meet the rest of your foot. Hold the loose end of the wrap firmly down at the side of your foot (the instep or inside of your foot will work best).
Step 4
Circle the arch of your foot once with the wrap and then wrap it diagonally across the top of your foot to your ankle (above the pad). Then, wrap it around your ankle and over the brace.
Step 5
Wrap the bandage over the felt pad and brace several times to secure the brace.
Step 6
Continue wrapping your foot using a figure 8 pattern. Do one loop around your ankle, cross over at the top of your foot, and then loop around the arch of your foot. Work your way up towards your calf (on your ankle) and towards your heel (when wrapping your foot).
Step 7
Fasten the end. Most elastic bandages either come up with a fastening clip or are self-fastening, but if this does not work, use a small piece of sports tape to fasten the loose end to the rest of the wrap.
Things You'll Need
- Cloth felt
- Scissors
- Elastic bandage
- Sports tape (optional)
