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Ankle Support

Ankle support refers to any of several means by which external stabilization can be applied to the ankle joint. This typically includes both bracing devices and taping. Ankle support is relevant to the field of sports medicine because of the high incidence of ankle injuries among athletes participating in sports. Approximately 15% to 25% of all musculoskeletal injuries are ankle sprains. Athletes involved in basketball, football, and volleyball typically have the highest rates of ankle sprains. This entry reviews the types of ankle supports, the indications for their use, and the associated risks and benefits.

Types of Ankle Support

Ankle supports can be categorized as bracing or taping.

Bracing

Bracing can be divided into rigid and functional. Rigid bracing (i.e., a cast or removable boot) is typically reserved for acute injuries and is not adaptable for use during sports since it immobilizes the ankle in all planes of motion. Functional bracing allows for improved dorsiflexion and plantarflexion but still limits inversion and eversion motions. Functional bracing is therefore used most often in athletes during recovery from acute injuries and for return to play. The two most common types used for athletes are semirigid and soft braces. Semirigid braces incorporate thermoplastic molded medial and lateral supports that are typically either padded or have air-filled chambers. They are then secured around the lower leg with Velcro straps. Soft braces are canvas or neoprene based, and most lace up the front. Several soft braces have a lateral and/or medial plastic buttress and Velcro straps that secure them into position. They tend to be cheaper than semirigid braces and are easier for the athlete to obtain since they can typically be purchased in pharmacies and sporting good stores. Functional braces range in price from $25 to more than $100.

Taping

Taping is another form of ankle support. Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are best qualified to tape athletes properly. The exact methods of taping differ, but the basic components of any ankle taping include Tuf Skin application, heel and lace pads with skin lube to prevent skin blisters, alternating anchor strips and horseshoe strips, heel locks, a figure eight, and closing strips to hold it all together. Prewrap is used between the skin and the tape by some athletic trainers. This may reduce skin irritation; however, some athletic trainers feel that it results in less support by the tape. After athletic participation, the tape is removed by cutting it off and is therefore not reusable. The average cost of a roll of tape is around $1.50. Usually, two ankles can be taped with this quantity. Therefore, long-term use of ankle taping can be costly.

An ankle brace makes it possible to compete in sports activities despite an injury.

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Source: Can Stock Photo, Inc.

Risks and Benefits of Ankle Supports

Bracing, either semirigid or soft, has several advantages over taping. Although there is an upfront cost to the athlete, it is reusable. Athletes can put on their braces themselves and therefore do not need to have access to an athletic trainer, as for taping. They can also easily adjust the brace's fit for comfort and stability throughout the practice sessions and the competition. Adjustments can be made quickly and without the assistance of a trainer.

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