Athletes are not the only ones who suffer from ankle injuries. Even you can get hurt simply by walking on an uneven surface or losing your balance and landing on your ankle. When this happens, your doctor may suggest wearing an ankle brace as part of the standard treatment.
However, you may refuse to wear it because of preconceived ideas about ankle braces. In this blog, we’re going to help you make a wise decision by breaking down the most common misconceptions you hear about ankle braces.
Myth #1: Wearing braces weakens your ankles
There are no clinical studies available that say wearing ankle braces weakens the ankle. There is no connection between wearing an ankle brace and weakness in the ankle. Wearing braces to provide needed stability can actually help strengthen your ankles and the reason for this is that the brace increases muscle activity.
Myth #2: Wearing braces negatively affects performance
It has always been the goal of athletes to maximize performance and minimize injuries to achieve success. Many professional athletes are starting to use ankle braces for both running and jumping as a way to prevent ankle injuries and improve performance.
Contrary to popular belief, wearing braces does not harm the performance of athletes. Several studies show that ankle braces don’t hurt performance. In fact, some smaller studies have seen an increase in performance.
Myth #3: Ankle braces can cause knee injuries
There’s no data to support this claim. However, some studies have shown that there’s no increase in knee injuries when wearing ankle braces. Ankle braces are designed primarily to prevent injuries from the shoe during activities.
They are designed to decrease pressure on an ankle, improve balance and control, and increase support for your foot arch. They can help people with general pain in the feet reduce wearing time for splints and/or walking aids.
Myth #4: Ankle braces prevent all ankle injuries
There are mixed stories about ankle braces and how reliable they are for preventing all ankle injuries. Ankle braces can reduce the risk of injuries but no studies suggest that wearing them can prevent all ankle injuries. If you’ve previously injured your ankle, you’re at a higher risk for reinjury.
Myth #5: Ankle braces are uncomfortable
High-quality ankle braces are comfortable to wear. They are made using breathable materials that allow air to circulate and help keep your skin dry. Ankle braces are designed to go on easily and then be securely wrapped around the foot which provides them with a tailored fit. They give the wearer unparalleled comfort while providing support.
We’re sure you’ve heard a lot of opinions about ankle braces. When it comes to ankle injuries or any injuries for that matter, it’s always important to distinguish facts versus myths.
For more information about ankle braces, visit Senteq today.
