What is the Best Ankle Brace?
Are you tired of traditional, uncomfortable, bulky ankle braces?
Ankle braces that are hard to fit into shoes or boots and make it impossible to wear a shin guard.
As a Podiatrist I know all too well the importance of ankle braces and how they can help prevent ankle sprains.
When I was younger and a keen Soccer player I struggled with ankle sprains and had to wear the big, bulky traditional ankle braces.
They were uncomfortable and I found it hard to find boots that would fit.
Thankfully now there is a solution to this problem…. The EXO-L ankle brace is in a league of its own in the ankle brace world.
In this blog; I will explain what is the EXO-L brace and how it is superior to traditional ankle braces, but firstly we need to understand what ankle bracing does….
EXO-L Ankle Brace
Do Ankle Braces Make My Ankle Weak?
This is a common question that I get in the clinic and it is not a straight-forward answer.
Ankle braces are designed to prevent ankle sprains by supporting the lateral ligaments of your ankle.
Ankle bracing in sport is generally only recommended for the following reasons:
- Previous high-grade ankle sprain
- Returning to sport post ankle fracture or ankle surgery
- Ankle instability during high load, multidirectional sport
Ankle braces should ALWAYS be accompanied by an ankle strength and conditioning program.
So to answer the question; NO, ankle braces used correctly will not make your ankle weaker.
They will allow you to do more activity and more strength and conditioning to make your ankle STRONGER so that in the future you shouldn’t have to rely on ankle bracing.
EXO-L Ankle Brace Perfect for Hockey Players
What is the Best Ankle Brace?
The EXO-L ankle brace is the new era of ankle brace technology.
The EXO-L ankle brace is a fully customised, 3D printed ankle brace which acts like an external lateral ligament for your ankle.
Unlike traditional bulky ankle braces the EXO-L ankle brace sits above your ankle and
externally connects to your shoe allowing complete freedom of movement.
In a recent study users of the EXO-L ankle brace gave ratings of:
- 98% confidence
- 93% stability
- 90% no obstructions during sport EXO-L Ankle Brace is Superior
- 95% would recommend the brace
High-level athletes including many of the Olympic Hockey team have made the switch to EXO-L braces due to the superior support and quality.
I Struggle With Ankle Sprains, What Should I Do?
Firstly, before we think about ankle bracing you will need a full biomechanical assessment from your Podiatrist.
Your Podiatrist will be able to determine the biomechanical factors that are contributing to your ankle sprains and then provide you with a personalised management plan.
Your management plan may include the following:
- Pain management strategies
- Load advice
- Footwear advice
- Bracing advice
- Strength and conditioning program
If you struggle with ankle sprains and traditional bracing techniques and would like further information you can book an appointment online here or call 8330 0004.
Alex Taylor
Podiatrist at Complete Podiatry