Alternatives to Ankle Braces
- Thread starter Nod15
- Start date
accidental
Hall of Fame
Tape them heavily everytime you play? That would be far more time consuming than wearing a brace though
charliefedererer
Legend
Be thankful that ASO ankle braces exist. For those with "weak ankles" they are the difference between playing and being on the sidelines.
There are defininitely exercises like heel and toe raises and medial/lateral exercise band exercises that can strengthen the lower leg muscles that control ankle motion: 12 Ways to Build Ankle Strength for Top Performance
http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/12_Ways_to_Build_Ankle_Strength_for_Top_Performance.htm
But some people will still have lax ligaments and will still benefit from ASO braces.
There are defininitely exercises like heel and toe raises and medial/lateral exercise band exercises that can strengthen the lower leg muscles that control ankle motion: 12 Ways to Build Ankle Strength for Top Performance
http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/12_Ways_to_Build_Ankle_Strength_for_Top_Performance.htm
But some people will still have lax ligaments and will still benefit from ASO braces.
^Great link.
I already use the balance training when I tweak my ankles. My club pro recommended it since he said that soccer players usually do it to prevent little injuries.
His method is a little different from the link though. This is what I do:
-Balance on one leg on carpet with my eyes closed. Try to stay balanced, if you tip over, just reset and continue for 1-2 minutes. Do the same for the other leg. Do it everyday. The idea of closing you eyes is to trick you body/mind into using all of the muscles in your ankles, therefore strengthening them.
This actually helped with the little nagging ankle injuries and also helped my balance on my tennis strokes. If you can remain balanced with your eyes closed, imagine when you eyes are open. Not sure about if you have broken ankles though.
I already use the balance training when I tweak my ankles. My club pro recommended it since he said that soccer players usually do it to prevent little injuries.
His method is a little different from the link though. This is what I do:
-Balance on one leg on carpet with my eyes closed. Try to stay balanced, if you tip over, just reset and continue for 1-2 minutes. Do the same for the other leg. Do it everyday. The idea of closing you eyes is to trick you body/mind into using all of the muscles in your ankles, therefore strengthening them.
This actually helped with the little nagging ankle injuries and also helped my balance on my tennis strokes. If you can remain balanced with your eyes closed, imagine when you eyes are open. Not sure about if you have broken ankles though.
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Funny ding....
It's a known fact that people with severe flat feet CANNOT balance with one foot. It's been taught to policemen for that balance test for possible drunk/impaired drivers.
If you have flat feet, you'd know you cannot pressure the ball of the foot at the big toe with enough pressure to balance on one foot.
It's a known fact that people with severe flat feet CANNOT balance with one foot. It's been taught to policemen for that balance test for possible drunk/impaired drivers.
If you have flat feet, you'd know you cannot pressure the ball of the foot at the big toe with enough pressure to balance on one foot.
I know this is an old thread, but I've been dealing with a similar issue. Have been wearing ankle braces for tennis and basketball, but trying to get away from them. Tried these compression socks and they are working well so far: https://lassogear.com/. Definitely not the same level of support as the braces, but I feel a little more mobile. They've also done some studies related to ankle sprains: https://lassogear.com/blogs/health/can-lasso-compression-socks-really-prevent-ankle-sprains.
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S&V-not_dead_yet
Talk Tennis Guru
- Jog on sand
- Jog on uneven ground [of course, be careful you don't sprain your ankle!]
- Use a Wobble Board
SlvrDragon50
Semi-Pro
I'd try them out for a lot less, but their "study" is laughable. Sure the sock appears to be providing more structure compared to a cotton sock... but when you're calling 1.5kg of weight is a force, then I know that the study is a sham. I would not tell anyone to use KT tape as an alternative to braces unless you have done some extensive PT to rehabilitate the joint. One sprain and you're setting yourself back drastically. Wearing a brace for 2 hours isn't going to be that catastrophic to your rehab if you're doing exercises several other days of the week.
DonJoy POD Ankle Braces have been fantastic for me. I don't feel any significant loss of mobility.
S&V-not_dead_yet
Talk Tennis Guru
The only way I can see a compression sock preventing a sprain is if the compression were so high that it essentially turned the sock into...an ankle brace. There may be 2nd order effects from the compression but I can't see them being of primary benefit.
Of course, I haven't looked at the physiology so I could totally have it wrong.
Traffic
Hall of Fame
I'm 50. I rolled my ankle twice two years ago. I've accepted I will not play without an ankle brace. The ASO brace is not bad.
The DonJoy looks pretty nice! I have a couple pairs of ASO, but my main complaint is the time it takes to put them on (especially if I'm in a rush).
Mongolmike
Hall of Fame
I had to laugh at your typo. You said 1-2 MINUTES. Lol, good one! That made me chuckle. I'm sure you meant to type 1-2 seconds.
Right? 1-2 SECONDS?
Um, right???
Heh, heh... no? Oh oh.
SlvrDragon50
Semi-Pro
Give the PODs a try. I wear them on both ankles. Super easy to put on and way more comfortable than stirrup styles.
FIRETennis
Professional
I've tried the lace up style braces (similar to ASO but another brand) and I got some pretty nasty bruises on my shins because of the lacing system so I've changed to the Aircast A60 (Andy Murray) braces and I absolutely love them. The stability is fantastic. I wear them every session. The only downside is the mesh that holds the plastic brace is super flimsy and easily gets nicked by the shoes. I've had to do a homebrew patch and for the price I would have hoped they were more durable. Having said that after rolling both of my ankles on ****ty clay, I refuse to play without braces.
Pulled the trigger on the DonJoy PODs, great recommendation. Have enjoyed them so far, much more comfortable and convenient than the ASOs. I still like the socks for hiking and walking the dog, but def not suitable by themselves for sports haha.
Btw, a side note that ankle braces are an eligible expense for FSAs/HSAs. Purchased them from BetterBraces (there are several promo codes available) using my HSA.
SlvrDragon50
Semi-Pro
Yup! You can actually buy from Amazon's FSA/HSA store as well. Glad you are enjoying the PODs. I think they do take up a bit more volume in the shoe, especially underfoot, but usually it doesn't take too long to get used to it.
