Ankle Support for Football: Prevention and Performance

Ankle support for football, whether it be from a brace or taping, can help keep you from a nasty sprain or fracture that can sideline you for weeks or even months. If you have a history of injuries or maybe just play too hard on the field, ankle support can be exactly what you need. It can help prevent sprains by 30-50% according to some sports medicine studies.  

When you have that feeling of security that ankle support can provide, you can worry less about your feet and focus more on the game. Maybe you’re coming back from an injury or just need a little extra support because of weak ankles. Ankle support for football helps to keep your ankle stable so you can heal quickly and avoid causing more damage. They come in different styles, such as lace-up braces for adjustable support, to compression sleeves for mild support that provide pain and swelling relief. 

When Ankle Support Might Be More Hassle Than It’s Worth 

Wearing an ankle support for football can feel bulky and interfere with your agility. If the fit is not right, it can be awkward, and it can mess with your ability to move freely. The overuse of ankle support can lead to a dependency, causing the muscles to weaken and reduce your stability. It’s best to pair the use of ankle support with strengthening the ankles to avoid weakness and instability. 

Using any type of ankle support for football is going to involve heat and sweat, so there are a few things to consider. Using tape for support can become a mess, but it can be thrown away after use. The material in a compression sleeve or a brace can build up with sweat and bacteria, so they need to be cleaned regularly. Each option has its benefits and setbacks, so the choice is yours to make based on your needs. 

To Brace or Not to Brace 

You might be wondering if wearing ankle support for football is right for you, so let’s look at some reasons when it might make sense and when to avoid it. If your position on the team is high-risk, like a lineman taking lots of hits, you might benefit from the support. A prior injury is more prone to reinjury and is a good reason for using ankle support. 

Ankle support for football might not be for you if your position involves running and fast direction changes. Test out the waters without the brace and see how you perform. You want to have the right balance of agility and support. It’s a better option to work on building up your ankle strength and slowly working off the brace.   

How to Size and Avoid a Bad Fit 

To get the best support, you will need to have a brace that fits right. Too tight and you risk cutting circulation and numbness. Too loose and you lose support and risk possible reinjury and further damage. I guess you're asking how you find the right fit, so let’s look at how to measure your ankle. 

Grab a soft tape measure and place it around the widest point of your ankle. Be sure to take note of your size as well and check with the manufacturer's size chart. Consider the types of socks and shoe styles like hiking boots, work boots, and tennis shoes. Check the website for return policies to see what the time frame is. 

Lace Up (or Don't) and Hit the Field Smarter 

You’ve seen that ankle support for football isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s best to weigh the pros and cons of your situation and talk with your doctor or physical therapist. Taping is cheap and provides great support, but the cost can add up over time. Lace-up Ankle braces are adjustable and reusable, but can be a little pricey up front and need to be cleaned often to avoid sweat buildup and bacteria. Check out this sports ankle support that is designed for athletes with internal figure 8 straps that simulate ankle taping.