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Ankle brace, also known as ankle brace. It is a product made for people who have joint problems. This may be due to instability, sprain, strain or distortion. Such ailment requires the use of a stabilizer, which helps in quick recovery and in alleviating ailments. The material from which the stabilizers are made must be friendly to the patient’s skin so as not to disturb the skin structure and not to sensitize it.
Ankle stabilizer – action
Injuries often occur in athletes, but also in common people who do not do any sports. The ideal solution then is to use such a stabilizer. Thanks to its anatomical structure, it perfectly adapts to the arm or leg and the way of movement of each person. Their action, when applied to the stretched tendons, does not hinder the patient’s movement or any movements.
Such stabilizers are available in various sizes, so everyone can choose the one that suits them best.
Also read: The five most common injuries that can happen to you when playing sports
Ankle stabilizer – choice of stabilizer
At the very beginning, it should be mentioned that it is not recommended to choose the stabilizer of the ankle yourself. The choice of the stabilizer should be done by an experienced person, i.e. an orthopedist, physiotherapist or a dealer in a medical shop (with appropriate education). However, when it comes to the decision to use a brace, this can only be made by an orthopedist. It is worth remembering because a poorly selected ankle stabilizer may adversely affect recovery and expose the patient to unnecessary pain.
There are a few things you should pay attention to when choosing an ankle brace. The first is the comfort of using the stabilizer. For this, it is good to check out several different models of stabilizers. Thanks to this, we will know which one reduces the discomfort and in which our gait is the closest to the natural one.
The second equally important aspect is the strength of a given stabilizer. The point is that the greater the weight of the user, the more durable the stabilizer he needs. In this case, it is good to check the product in various situations, i.e. walk a few meters in the stabilizer, e.g. on gravel, on an inclined surface or go up and down stairs without holding on to the handrail.
Endurance is also important when playing sports. The ankle brace must withstand large overloads (greater than those during daily use of the brace) if it is used by a physically active person.
It is very important to choose the correct size and model of ankle brace. If your doctor recommends using a brace, it’s a good idea to go to a medical store that specializes in orthopedic products. In such a place, we can count on the help of qualified employees who will help us choose the perfect product for us.
See also: How to avoid skiing injuries? Orthopedic advice
Ankle stabilizer – types
Ankle supports can be divided according to the material they are made of.
- Seamless – in the form of a band and made of flexible material;
- Neoprene – this type has small holes for the ventilation of our foot;
- Mesh – these, in turn, are made of mesh material, thanks to which they provide air to the skin.
It should be added that on the market you can also buy stabilizers made of antibacterial material.
One of the very important features of an ankle brace is its stiffness. For this reason, it is distinguished by:
- stiff – they are mainly aimed at athletes after an injury, but they can of course also help in the case of sprains and sprains;
- semi-rigid – aimed at people in the final stage of treatment;
- soft – intended mainly for seniors.
Find out more: Achilles tendinitis – an injury difficult to heal. Causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention
Ankle stabilizer – indications
Ankle supports they protect against further damage, fractures or twists of sick ligaments. Sometimes their use helps to get rid of swelling or they are used during rehabilitation.
Braces often help treat a patient with problems such as:
- irritation of the joints and periosteum,
- choroba Mortona,
- Achilles tendonitis,
- degenerative changes of the ankle.
They also help in problems with transverse flatfoot, metatarsal ailments, any damage to the peroneal nerve or various diseases with a neurological basis.
Read also: Joint bag – injuries, treatment, rehabilitation
Ankle stabilizer – advantages of use
Such stabilizers are very light, breathable and, most importantly, flexible, so when wearing them, patients do not feel any discomfort. The use of such orthoses helps to return to physical fitness faster and reduce pain to a minimum, as well as quickly reduce swelling or shorten the rehabilitation period.
Ankle brace will help you recover from an ankle injury to full range of motion if you perform certain ankle exercises while wearing the brace. Increasing the range of motion of the ankle can inhibit the development of scar tissue. The less scar tissue that forms, the less pain we experience.
It is worth noting that ankle stabilizer is also an element of prophylaxis, especially in the case of athletes or just active people. It is perfect as a preventive measure in the event of possible future injuries. The stabilizer is even more economical than continuously wrapping the ankle. A good ankle brace allows you to control the weight and pressure exerted on an injured ankle. It also allows you to perform exercises with precise control so as not to cause further damage
Ankle brace should be worn every time you engage in any vigorous physical activity. It will improve the stabilization of the joint, and our body will get used to it over time.
Worth knowing: Kinesiotaping – a way to deal with injuries and overload of the osteoarticular system
Ankle stabilizer – price
When it comes to the price of an ankle brace, it varies relatively widely and depends on many different factors (e.g. the material of the stabilizer or the degree of stabilization). We will probably have to spend from 50 PLN to 400 PLN on the stabilizer of the ankle joint.
It should be added here that it is also possible to obtain funding for the purchase of an ankle stabilizer from the National Health Fund.
See also: Enjoy sports without injuries and pain
Ankle support and plaster
Many people believe that ankle brace is a much better choice than a cast, unless the injury is very serious, of course. What it comes from? Basically a few different things. Gypsum is not only heavier than the stabilizer, but it can also put pressure on the bones. This is especially important at a later stage of treatment, where too much pressure may adversely affect its fusion.
In addition, gypsum can also cause skin maceration, i.e. moisture and its loosening, which in turn may lead to the skin flaking off. Gypsum may not only compress the bone inadequately, but also the muscles and nerves, and this can cause limb numbness and gradual muscle wasting. The stabilizer of the ankle joint, in turn, supports blood circulation by maintaining a constant temperature, thanks to which there is no formation of necrosis. It should also be remembered that the stabilizer can be easily removed, and thus it is possible to take care of proper hygiene of the diseased limb.
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