Ankle braces range in size, length and rigidity. Without the aid of a health professional, it may be difficult to choose the right option. It is important to allow the swelling to reduce before trying to find a correctly sized brace. Without proper care of the first ankle sprain, a chronic condition can develop, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
White Athletic Tape
This type of taping can be done at home, before a sports event, or in a doctor's office. The most important thing with taping is to not tape so tight that the circulation is cut off in the foot. Foam supports should be cut out to support the ankle bones and an elastic bandage or pre wrap, a type of non elastic wrap, can be used on the ankle before the tape goes on to protect the skin. The athletic tape should be wrapped around the ankle in a figure eight pattern leaving the heel open, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Tubular Bandage or Pull on Bandage
This bandage is a simple elastic bandage pre-formed to the shape of the ankle. This bandage comes in different sizes and slides on like a sock with an opening for the heel. These types of braces are commonly found in the grocery store. If the toes turn a darker color or lose sensation, then the brace is too small.
Below the Knee Cast
This brace is a custom plaster and fiberglass cast put on in a doctor's office or hospital. This is usually chosen in more severe injuries, a few days post injury for decreased swelling. A study published in Health Technology Assessment in February of 2009 compared the effectiveness in both clinical and cost values for three different types of braces. This study found that the below the knee cast provided the best clinical outcome at three months. The cast was also one of the more cost effective items.
Air Cast
An air cast is a brace that has two hard foam lined supports to be placed on either side of the ankle and strapped around. The air cast varies in length and how firm the supports are. The article published in Health Technology Assessment in February of 2009 did state that an air cast was another type of cost effective treatment for ankle sprains, but not as clinically effective as the full cast.
Bledsoe Boot
This boot is a full support for the ankle from below the knee to the whole foot. It is usually made of a hard, black plastic with Velcro straps. These boots are commonly given out in doctor's offices and are more expensive than all the other options. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that braces can be worn from 10 days to six weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
References
- Health Technology Assessment; Treatment of severe ankle sprain: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial comparing the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of three types of mechanical ankle support with tubular bandage. The CAST trial.; Cooke MW et. al.; February, 2009.
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Ankle Sprain
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Ankle Sprain
