When to Use an Ankle Binder After Injury: Full Guide

An ankle binder is a supportive garment that you can wear around your ankle for additional support during recovery from injury. It reduces the chances of future injury. This guide covers everything you need to know about wearing an ankle binder. We will also explore when to wear an ankle binder with its different types along with levels of support it provides. 

When Should I Wear an Ankle Binder?

Ankle binders are useful in various situations giving stability as well as helps in healing. Here are some situations in which an ankle binder might be helpful: 

1. During Exercise 

Running, jumping, as well as during sports that require brisk movements in direction put a lot of stress on your ankles. The ankle binder provides extra support as well as helps to prevent injuries. 

2. Following an Ankle Sprain 

During the recovery process after an ankle sprain, an ankle support plays a major role. It helps to reduce swelling to an affected area. The pain gets limited by reducing the movement. This allows the injured tissues to heal faster. Wearing an ankle binder should not be a replacement for proper rehabilitation after an injury.

3. Chronic Ankle Instabilities 

Some people suffer from chronic ankle weakness that leads to recurrent sprains. An ankle binder can help to provide ongoing support. It improves body awareness to position the joint in order to reduce further injury. 

How Long Should You Wear an Ankle Binder?

The length of time that you will need to wear an ankle binder varies. It depends on multiple factors such as the severity of your injury. The other factors include activity level as well as recommendation of a doctor. During ankle sprain you can generally expect to wear an ankle binder for different times during the healing.  

• 1-2 weeks after an acute ankle injury: For best support as well as to enhance the healing process it is required to wear the brace the whole day long. But it should be taken off at night to give your skin time to breathe as well as reduce the chances of blisters.  
• During physical activity: As pain reduces the muscles strength gets increased. Therefore at that time it should be used for primarily physical activities that put stress on your ankle.  
• Injury prevention: Once full recovery is experienced wearing an ankle binder during high risk physical activity can help to prevent future injury in many people. 

Choosing the Best Ankle Brace

Nowadays there are many different types of ankle braces to select from. 

Mild Ankle Support

For mild ankle sprains as well as injury prevention an ankle compression sleeve or an ankle wrap will help limit movement. It reduces swelling as well as helps to give extra protection.

Best for:

• To avoid injuries when doing low impact activities
• Mild ankle sprain
• Support for ankles

1. Ankle Sleeve

Ankle sleeves are a type of support wear usually made of elastic materials. These lightweight sleeves provide gentle compression, increasing circulation as well as stimulating healing. These sleeves are very comfortable with durability. It can be worn with most shoes so that you can experience all day comfort.

2. Ankle Wrap 

An ankle wrap is a mild support brace that comes with straps. It wraps around the foot to provide an adjustable support. The design makes this type of ankle brace easy to wear.  

Moderate Ankle Support 

For moderate sprains or support during high-impact activities, a lace-up ankle brace or semi-rigid or hinged ankle brace may be the best choice.

Perfect for:

• Moderate sprains of the ankle
• Chronic Instability of the ankle
• Physical activities such as walking, hiking, or recreational sports

1. Lace Up Ankle Brace

They are secured with laces like a shoe. The braces are adjustable to customize the tightness as well as compression to give you a perfect support. They give a snug fit so your ankle doesn’t roll sideways. But it gives you complete back and forth motion.

Ankle Brace is a perfect example of a quality lace-up brace that is built to help with injury recovery. It helps to prevent future ankle rolls. Its unique lacing design allows you to make individual adjustments to your forefoot, mid foot as well as ankle. This helps to give maximum comfort as well as stability.

2. Hinged Ankle Support

Hinged ankle braces offer support with a rigid hinge mechanism. It limits side to side movement but permits up and down motion. They offer a higher level of support than other types of braces. They are often recommended for people who are recovering from moderate injuries.

Maximum Ankle Protection

For more serious sprains as well as post operative support there is a need for rigid high stability ankle brace. Maximum support ankle braces are designed to help you recover. It helps to prevent further injury while still allowing healthy movement.

Ideal for:

• Severely sprained ankle
• Fracture of the ankle or foot
• Post-surgery support
• Ankle Brace

1. Ankle Stabiliser

Ankle stabilizer is a maximum support brace with a semi rigid shell to protect the ankle from re-injury. Ankle stabilizers are commonly used for severe sprains. For conditions like chronic instability as well as after major injuries ankle stabilisers are the best options. It provides support and compression for all day protection as well as pain relief.

How to Get Maximum Comfort Wearing an Ankle Binder

Some of the best ways to maximize your comfort when wearing an ankle binder generally includes:

• Wear it over socks: It is recommended that you wear thin socks under your brace to prevent blisters. It helps you to stay comfortable. 
• Wear it comfily: Make sure it is tight but comfortable. The brace should not restrict circulation. A tight ankle binder belt can restrict blood flow which can increase the further harm to the affected area. 
• Remove it at night: Avoid wearing an ankle binder when you sleep to let your skin breathe. It allows the blood to circulate therefore avoiding the irritation. 
• Clean your ankle binder: Make sure to wash the brace frequently. The feet while wearing the brace should be clean. It helps to stay comfortable. Wash it regularly as per instructions of the manufacturer. 
• Never ignore pain: Pain or discomfort while wearing the brace can be experienced due to wrong fit or wrong type of brace being used. When you ignore it the condition gets worse over time.