The Best Sprained Ankle Brace

A sprained ankle can become a more serious injury if you don’t use the best sprained ankle brace available. Ankle braces should both support and compress your ankle to prevent swelling and reduce pain. We have sifted through all the braces to show you the best ones on the market.

What’s the Difference Between an Ankle Sprain and an Ankle Strain?

Ankle injuries don’t only happen to athletes. They can happen to anyone, at any time. Since the terms ankle sprain and ankle strain are easily confused we will cover the differences and similarities between these two injuries. To get all the info on these injuries, make sure to check with your doctor.

• Ankle Sprain

  An ankle sprain is when the ligaments, the bands that connect bone to bone, are stretched past their normal ability. This can cause tiny tears or even a total tear of the ligament. Ankle sprains are painful and can make your daily activities difficult to do. If you’re looking for the best ankle brace for sprains you’ll want one that compresses the foot and ankle. This will reduce swelling and pain, which in turn speeds up healing time.      

• Ankle Strain

  An ankle strain is when the muscles and tendons are overstretched. Since the cause of injury for an ankle strain is so similar to that of a sprain it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. The key difference is that an ankle strain causes muscle spasms and in an ankle sprain there is bruising around the ankle joint. If you are looking for an ankle strain brace, we recommend one that offers slight compression and has adequate lateral support. This will prevent further injury and allow your ankle to heal quickly.

FAQ on Wearing an Ankle Support

Many people have questions when it comes to properly wearing their sprained ankle brace. Here we cover the most common questions that come up. But remember–for proper diagnosis and treatment of a sprained or injured ankle, speak with your doctor to come up with what works for your specific needs and condition.

• How long should I wear an ankle brace after a sprain?

  The length of time most people wear a sprained ankle brace is ten days to six weeks. The timing will vary based on the severity of your ankle sprain and your doctor’s recommendations. The more severe the sprain, the longer you’ll need to wear your brace. It’s important to know that the brace will prevent your injured ligaments and bones from moving which will speed up your recovery.

• Should I wear an ankle brace to bed?

  Typically, you should not wear your ankle brace to bed. It is meant to be worn during the day. You should place a pillow under your foot to elevate your ankle while you are sleeping. This will reduce foot and ankle swelling.

• Can you walk on a sprained ankle?

  If the pain isn’t prohibitive you can walk on a sprained ankle. If the pain is too much to walk, then you should rest your ankle and allow it to heal. Let your body be the guide, if you are in pain don’t push it. Walking on a severely injured ankle can cause further damage and pain and remember to always follow your doctor’s advice.

• How long does it take for a sprained ankle to heal properly?

  This depends on the severity of your sprain. A mild sprain should take five to fourteen days to heal properly. A more severe sprain can take up to six weeks to heal. After a sprain, you should speak with your doctor to determine the severity of your sprain and what the next steps should be for treatment.

Weighing All the Factors

When you’re choosing the best sprained ankle brace there are a lot of features that can sway your decision. Finding the brace that protects your ankle and reduces healing time should be at the top of your list. With its silicone lined interior, breathable material, and strong nylon exterior it’s easy to see why the brace by Vive is our top choice. Zamst’s ankle immobilizer brace and Venom’s neoprene ankle brace are also top performers. Whatever you choose, look for the sprained ankle brace that fits your unique needs.