Ankle Support After a Broken Ankle: A Guide to Recovery 

 

Ankle support after a broken ankle provides stability, pain and swelling relief and a boost to your confidence for recovery. It’s not a one-size fits all solution though, there is risk of dependency, and some braces are not very comfortable and too restrictive. There are various styles for different injuries and protection levels and choosing the wrong one could make your situation worse. Let’s dig deeper into the benefits, disadvantages, when to brace up, choosing the right type and getting the right fit. 

Why A Brace Might Be Right For You 

Your doctor may suggest the use of ankle support after a broken ankle for the stability and protection they offer. The brace prevents re-injury by limiting the movement at the joint during your everyday activities. Your joints and tendons are weak after an injury, so the support prevents the ankle from being damaged further. 

Ankle support after a broken ankle will help to relieve pain and discomfort from the compression that they provide to the joint. They help to reduce swelling by pushing fluids away from the injured joint. By keeping the joint stable, the movement that causes pain and inflammation is minimized, so there is reduced discomfort. You’ll walk easier and recover faster, and your risk of re-injury is lowered. 

As you start to get back to your normal activities, the boost of confidence that an ankle support after a broken ankle can provide will help you gradually bear weight on the ankle again. You won’t feel so unsteady, the brace will help to speed up recovery, and it will get you back to your normal life faster. 

When a Brace Might be a Hinderance 

Wearing ankle support after a broken ankle for too long can develop into a dependency. When you over-rely on the brace, the muscles can weaken over time due to lack of use. To avoid this, it is recommended to mix in some ankle strengthening exercises to build up your strength while you gradually transition away from the brace. 

Choosing the wrong brace can lead to discomfort. Lack of support can lead to injury while too much support might restrict natural movement that is needed to build your strength. A brace that is too tight can cause skin irritation, numbness and tingling.  A brace that is too loose is not providing the support needed to protect the ankle joint. 

To Brace or Not to Brace

You should always talk to your doctor or physical therapist before making any decision about wearing ankle support after a broken ankle. They can guide you to the brace for your specific situation. A general rule would be to wear one in the early stages of recovery to prevent further damage by keeping the joint stable. If you live an active lifestyle, ankle support can prevent reinjury, so wearing one while engaging in high-risk activities is probably a safe bet. There might be some lingering instabilities that might require extra support until you get the strength back in your ankle. 

You might want to skip the brace if you’re far along in your recovery or your doctor of physical therapist advise you to stop its use. Going without the brace will allow your muscles, joint and tendons to get stronger and the use of a brace can hinder the process. Consider things like your age, activity level and the type of injury. Listen to your body and the advice of professionals to pick your right plan and time frames for reducing the use of the support. 

Picking the Right Ankle Support After a Broken Ankle 

When it comes to ankle support after a broken ankle, there are several styles and different levels of support. One of the most common and most versatile would be the lace-up ankle brace. It allows for custom levels of support and makes adjustments on the go much easier. There are compression sleeves for minor injuries and provide pain and swelling relief, but they lack support for more severe injuries. Rigid braces offer the most support, and they can be the costliest of the options.  

You want to look for material that is breathable to avoid sweat and friction that can cause chaffing. Adjustable straps allow you to customize your support level in a way that is like ankle taping to prevent ankle rolls. You want to weigh the cost with the benefits so don’t just grab the cheapest brace you can find. That can be a recipe for disaster, you want to select a brace like you would pick your shoes. It should fit comfortably and be designed to handle your level of activity. 

Your Ankle's Road to Freedom 

Ankle support after a broken ankle can be your best friend or worst enemy. The stability and protection they provide can help you heal quickly and properly, but overuse can lead to weakening and dependency on the brace. Always talk to your doctor or physical therapist before making any decision and follow their advice. Check out this ankle brace with straps that provide the same support as ankle taping. It’s adjustable and is often prescribed by doctors because of the support it provides.