Ankle Supports & Ankle Braces Buyer's Guide

Ankle Supports and Braces perform two important functions:

• Supporting and stabilising the ankle following injury or surgery;
• Preventing injury by supporting the ankle during sporting or other physical activities where the ankle may be at risk of overload or injury.

The type and severity of your injury, or the potential damage that may be caused by your chosen activity, are critical to your choice of the correct ankle support.

Our Buyer's Guide aims to help you to choose the best ankle support for your needs.

Ankle Supports

A sprained ankle is the most common injury in sport. An ankle sprain refers to soft tissue damage to the ligaments and soft tissues around the ankle joint. Typically this ankle ligament damage is characterised by ankle pain and swelling, which can be severe. Following a sprain the ankle is at a high risk of re-injury as important sensory receptors around the joint are damaged, impairing balance and proprioception of the joint. To protect and support the ankle joint following a serious or recurrent ankle injury, or ankle surgery, Ankle Supports and Ankle Braces use a semi-rigid shell, air cells or stabilisers on both sides of the ankle, all designed to prevent the joint from 'rolling over'.

In the most serious cases, it may be best to immobilise the ankle joint completely with a Plastic Cast Walker. With less serious ankle injuries, or in the later stages of rehabilitation, by wearing an Ankle Support you may be able to play sport, without causing further damage to the ankle. Our Ankle Supports are made from materials that provide excellent support and warmth to the ankle joint, making them ideal for users who have suffered an ankle sprain, require protection for the ankle as a result of previous injury or who wish to prevent ankle damage in the first place.

A number of the ankle supports are designed with special features that allow them to fit comfortably in football boots and sports' shoes, thus allowing you sufficient ankle mobility to participate in games, while preventing ankle injury or giving you more protection and confidence following recovery from a previous ankle injury.

Ankle Supports Product Range

Achilles Straps

The 'push off' phase of running and jumping activities imposes a heavy strain on the Achilles tendon, which can lead to problems in the tendon, or aggravate existing conditions. Repetitive use can lead to inflammation and injury around the tendon, which can cause immense pain and discomfort. Used with other forms of therapy, such as icing and stretching, Achilles Straps are designed to provide effective relief from the pain and discomfort of Achilles tendon problems. By exerting pressure on the girth of the Achilles tendon and promoting an early heel rise, an Achilles Strap reduces the pulling forces on the tendon during the 'push off' phase until full strength of the calf muscles is regained and pain reduces

Achilles Straps Product Range

Plantar Fasciitis Supports

Plantar Fasciitis is a term describing inflammation of the Plantar Fascia, a fibrous sheath that runs the length of the sole of your foot, connecting the heel with the toes. The Plantar Fascia is important for foot function and helps support the arches of the foot as well as work with other muscles to “spring” off the toes effectively. If overloaded or injured, the Plantar Fasciitis causes pain in the heel, which can spread into the sole of the foot, especially as you 'toe off' when running or walking. Sufferers also typically experience pain in the morning, when taking the first steps of the day.

A Plantar Fasciitis Support is a comfortable, lightweight strap that incorporates two interconnected Air Cells, under the foot arch and at the back of the heel, which apply pulsating compression to both these areas with every step, reducing swelling and discomfort, as well as improving circulation. Night Splints are designed to treat Plantar Fasciitis while you sleep. Research has indicated that relief from these acute symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis can be achieved in over 80% of cases by stretching the Plantar Fascia to encourage the fibrous sheath to return to its normal alignment. Night Splints work by holding the foot in a 'dorsi-flexed' position, stretching the Plantar Fascia throughout the night to prevent the tight, stiff and painful morning symptoms that usually accompany this condition.

Plantar Fasciitis Supports Product Range

Flat Foot Supports

The AirCast Flat Foot PTTD Brace is designed to treat acquired flat foot condition, fallen arches and Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD). The Posterior Tibial Tendon is important in maintaining support on the inside of the foot arch and providing push off during walking or running. PTTD injury causes the foot arch to collapse, making your normal walking and running action painful and inefficient. As you get older, you become more likely to develop flat feet and fallen arches, which in turn can lead to further injuries up the kinetic chain as the knee, hip and back can all compensate. Therefore it is important that you wear shoes that have an appropriate arch support. If the Posterior Tibial Tendon becomes inflamed and painful, or if a flat foot condition deteriorates to the point where it is affecting your ability to walk without foot pain, an AirCast Flat Foot PTTD Brace is the ideal solution. The AirCast Flat Foot PTTD Brace features an integrated AirCell under the foot arch. You can use the integrated hand bulb to inflate the AirCell, which comfortably lifts the foot arch into a more natural position and reduces the strain on the muscles and the Posterior Tibial Tendon that support the arch.

Flat Foot Supports Product Range