Looking for an ankle brace
July 7, 2006 12:17 PM Subscribe
That's it. I've had it. My delicate ballerina ankles get sprained if I step on a piece of string the wrong way. I just sprained the right one again today and enough is enough. I'm going to try to put a plan into action that I thought about a couple years ago. I want to get an ankle brace, maybe even custom-made, that I can wear regularly to prevent this from happening so much.
My quibble with most ankle braces is that they're very sporty-looking (BO-ring!) and that most of them are built around like a sock kind of thing which you have to pull off and on and which hurt like hell every time you do that. They're also stupid for wearing in real life because there's no point in trying to make an ankle brace invisible or fashionable, since it will be neither.
So I want to go the other way - gothic-y, steampunkish, fetishy. That's why I listed this under fashion instead of health. Something that tightens with just buckles or laces, so I don't have to try to pull it off over my tender ankle. Basically a corset for the poor, wispy thing. I've never seen anything like this for sale, but I know there are tons of brace fetishists out there....
Any ideas? Do I just look for a leatherworker with a sense of humor? I'm in Brooklyn, but don't let that limit you. I'm popping Advil like there's no tomorrow right now.
My quibble with most ankle braces is that they're very sporty-looking (BO-ring!) and that most of them are built around like a sock kind of thing which you have to pull off and on and which hurt like hell every time you do that. They're also stupid for wearing in real life because there's no point in trying to make an ankle brace invisible or fashionable, since it will be neither.
So I want to go the other way - gothic-y, steampunkish, fetishy. That's why I listed this under fashion instead of health. Something that tightens with just buckles or laces, so I don't have to try to pull it off over my tender ankle. Basically a corset for the poor, wispy thing. I've never seen anything like this for sale, but I know there are tons of brace fetishists out there....
Any ideas? Do I just look for a leatherworker with a sense of humor? I'm in Brooklyn, but don't let that limit you. I'm popping Advil like there's no tomorrow right now.
i don't know if bracing your ankle is even going to make that much of a difference. having dealt with the same problem for years (in fact a few weeks ago I twisted my ankle and fell, injuring my other knee, so I lost the use of both legs from one twisted ankle) i learned a couple of coping mechinisims:
1. be very careful about going down places, stairs, ramps, hills, etc.
2. when i feel my ankle begin to twist, I fall. i don't try to fight it.
as for your support question: maybe a good pair of combat boots might do the trick?
posted by lester at 12:28 PM on July 7, 2006
1. be very careful about going down places, stairs, ramps, hills, etc.
2. when i feel my ankle begin to twist, I fall. i don't try to fight it.
as for your support question: maybe a good pair of combat boots might do the trick?
posted by lester at 12:28 PM on July 7, 2006
There's always the other option... with some work you can make your ankles strong enough not to get sprained... and increase recovery time significantly when you do...
I played alot of basketball in college and ankles were my weak point... here's what I did - one legged standing meditation... great gains in ankle strength, no more braces!
posted by ewkpates at 12:32 PM on July 7, 2006
I played alot of basketball in college and ankles were my weak point... here's what I did - one legged standing meditation... great gains in ankle strength, no more braces!
posted by ewkpates at 12:32 PM on July 7, 2006
If you brace your ankles on a daily basis they will become weaker and you will sprain them more often. If you want to sprain them less often then you need to increase the strength of the tendons in them with a balance board.
posted by 517 at 12:35 PM on July 7, 2006
posted by 517 at 12:35 PM on July 7, 2006
Having lived with terrible ankles also, I can tell you from experience that the best supports are a poor second to actually strengthening your ankles through careful and rigorous exercise. The thing to remember is that you do compensate for the weakness in your ankles through your other muscles.
Some of the best exercises include trampolining, balance balls, and jumping rope. Good cardio too! Before doing anything though, definitely seek out a good sports therapist as opposed to a regular physical therapist. I believe that there is a world of difference between helping a heart patient regain some muscular strength and someone in your situation.
Also agree with previous poster regarding boots-my son has bad ankles also, and has found that a combat boot is the best all round shoe for him to wear. As an added bonus, they are relatively inexpensive!
posted by fox_terrier_guy at 12:40 PM on July 7, 2006
Some of the best exercises include trampolining, balance balls, and jumping rope. Good cardio too! Before doing anything though, definitely seek out a good sports therapist as opposed to a regular physical therapist. I believe that there is a world of difference between helping a heart patient regain some muscular strength and someone in your situation.
Also agree with previous poster regarding boots-my son has bad ankles also, and has found that a combat boot is the best all round shoe for him to wear. As an added bonus, they are relatively inexpensive!
posted by fox_terrier_guy at 12:40 PM on July 7, 2006
Not to detract from the question at hand, but wouldn't ballerinas actually have very strong ankles due to the feats of strength that variety of dance requires? I would think you'd want to aspire to that level of strength and flexibility.
posted by mikeh at 12:41 PM on July 7, 2006
posted by mikeh at 12:41 PM on July 7, 2006
Yes generally speaking ballerinas can kick your ass.
posted by deadfather at 1:00 PM on July 7, 2006
posted by deadfather at 1:00 PM on July 7, 2006
Basically a corset for the poor, wispy thing.
Actually, that's what the most common ankle braces are. I can't think of the brand name now, but it's black, about 6" tall and you tighten it with laces that go down the middle. Basically, it looks kinda like a boot, only it's an ankle brace.
Go to any sporting good's store like a Big 5 or Copeland's and they'll have them. Expect to pay $15 for the pair. I don't know if these stores exist where you live, but these braces are really commonly used in grass sports like football or baseball. So look for a store that sells cleats.
Be careful with your ankles. When you suffer a sprain, your tendons stretch out and never fully tighten again. Do it enough times and it actually changes the angle at which your foot hangs from your leg, which will cause you more sprains. This happened to me, and the only way to fix it was surgery - which was not fun.
ewkpates is right about strengthening your foot muscles. Some good exercises for rehab or strengthening are:
1) a 60 second achilles stretch (push your foot forward as far forward as you can and hold it)
2) stand on one leg as suggested. When you get good at it, add some activity like swing your free leg back and forth, throw a ball against the wall and catch it or drop some keys on the ground, drop down and pick them up (standing on one foot). This is actually kinda fun sometimes.
3) Do a bunch of small, rapid side to side jumps.
These exercises will help you strengthen and resist some injury but if you're playing sports do so w/o braces or tape at your own risk. If you land sideways you're fucked, no matter how strong your feet are.
If you're just walking around and getting hurt, maybe you should change your footwear. If you're not an active person, walking or running for exercise would help a lot. When it comes to your body, use it or lose it is a great motto.
posted by b_thinky at 1:02 PM on July 7, 2006
Actually, that's what the most common ankle braces are. I can't think of the brand name now, but it's black, about 6" tall and you tighten it with laces that go down the middle. Basically, it looks kinda like a boot, only it's an ankle brace.
Go to any sporting good's store like a Big 5 or Copeland's and they'll have them. Expect to pay $15 for the pair. I don't know if these stores exist where you live, but these braces are really commonly used in grass sports like football or baseball. So look for a store that sells cleats.
Be careful with your ankles. When you suffer a sprain, your tendons stretch out and never fully tighten again. Do it enough times and it actually changes the angle at which your foot hangs from your leg, which will cause you more sprains. This happened to me, and the only way to fix it was surgery - which was not fun.
ewkpates is right about strengthening your foot muscles. Some good exercises for rehab or strengthening are:
1) a 60 second achilles stretch (push your foot forward as far forward as you can and hold it)
2) stand on one leg as suggested. When you get good at it, add some activity like swing your free leg back and forth, throw a ball against the wall and catch it or drop some keys on the ground, drop down and pick them up (standing on one foot). This is actually kinda fun sometimes.
3) Do a bunch of small, rapid side to side jumps.
These exercises will help you strengthen and resist some injury but if you're playing sports do so w/o braces or tape at your own risk. If you land sideways you're fucked, no matter how strong your feet are.
If you're just walking around and getting hurt, maybe you should change your footwear. If you're not an active person, walking or running for exercise would help a lot. When it comes to your body, use it or lose it is a great motto.
posted by b_thinky at 1:02 PM on July 7, 2006
It wouldn't be an occhiblu post with a link to Yoga Journal.
Step Lively
... But although strong ankles are vital in sports, many athletes ignore that area, making ankle sprains the most common athletic injury. Many competitors rely on the wide variety of high-tech footgear available these days for support, and health clubs typically offer few, if any, machines designed to stretch and strengthen the feet and ankles.
Yoga can help fill these gaps. Certain asanas can prevent sprains, because they develop strength and flexibility equally around the ankles. Yoga also increases one's sense of joint position. The better one's proprioception, the easier it is for the body to make minor adjustments in balance to keep upright. And the more flexible the joint is, the better it can make the necessary adjustments.
I used to sprain my ankles almost constantly. Yoga's helped a ton, as did paying attention to the placement of my feet on weight machines at the gym -- make sure you're not turning your toes in or out, and that you're putting equal weight on all four corners of your foot when you're doing any weight-bearing activity (including standing).
posted by occhiblu at 1:04 PM on July 7, 2006
Step Lively
... But although strong ankles are vital in sports, many athletes ignore that area, making ankle sprains the most common athletic injury. Many competitors rely on the wide variety of high-tech footgear available these days for support, and health clubs typically offer few, if any, machines designed to stretch and strengthen the feet and ankles.
Yoga can help fill these gaps. Certain asanas can prevent sprains, because they develop strength and flexibility equally around the ankles. Yoga also increases one's sense of joint position. The better one's proprioception, the easier it is for the body to make minor adjustments in balance to keep upright. And the more flexible the joint is, the better it can make the necessary adjustments.
I used to sprain my ankles almost constantly. Yoga's helped a ton, as did paying attention to the placement of my feet on weight machines at the gym -- make sure you're not turning your toes in or out, and that you're putting equal weight on all four corners of your foot when you're doing any weight-bearing activity (including standing).
posted by occhiblu at 1:04 PM on July 7, 2006
One more thing about ankle braces: they suck. If you wear the ones I suggested, you'll feel cramps in your arches and it will hurt to move around. You'd get used to it after a while, but it's not much fun. Plus, they're not comfortable and they're so clunky it's hard to get shoes on over them (unless it's a looser fitting cleat type shoe).
A softer brace, like the ones you seem to dislike, would be a lot more comfy just wearing around town, but wouldn't protect much from athletic injury.
posted by b_thinky at 1:11 PM on July 7, 2006
A softer brace, like the ones you seem to dislike, would be a lot more comfy just wearing around town, but wouldn't protect much from athletic injury.
posted by b_thinky at 1:11 PM on July 7, 2006
I agree with all posters upthread about strengthening the ankles. A simple exercise to do so is one often recommended for building up the calf muscles: stand with your toes on the edge of a stair (like someone preparing to do a backflip off a diving board) then slowly raise and lower yourself.
If you're determined to go about the ankle brace business, I say emulate Maggie Chascarrillo and go with a simple ace bandage wrap. Low effort, inexpensive, effective, and if worn with right attitude, very punk rock.
posted by Sara Anne at 1:31 PM on July 7, 2006
If you're determined to go about the ankle brace business, I say emulate Maggie Chascarrillo and go with a simple ace bandage wrap. Low effort, inexpensive, effective, and if worn with right attitude, very punk rock.
posted by Sara Anne at 1:31 PM on July 7, 2006
What kind of shoes do you generally wear?
Boots might provide the support your ankles need.
Try to avoid fashion boots. There are some Ariat boots
that are stylish enough for everyday wear.
posted by the Real Dan at 1:35 PM on July 7, 2006
Boots might provide the support your ankles need.
Try to avoid fashion boots. There are some Ariat boots
that are stylish enough for everyday wear.
posted by the Real Dan at 1:35 PM on July 7, 2006
lester writes "as for your support question: maybe a good pair of combat boots might do the trick?"
I have the exact same problem and I wear a plain looking, black, work style[1] boot. Paired with wool work socks (even in the summer) and you'll have feet that are so soft they are the envy of every woman. Sprains have gone from a monthly occurance to practically never.
I've also been considering a buckle up motorcyclish boot for nights out. Something like Neo wears in "The Matrix" though I ain't paying no US$350 for them.
[1] Style because they don't have steel toes or soles.
posted by Mitheral at 1:49 PM on July 7, 2006
I have the exact same problem and I wear a plain looking, black, work style[1] boot. Paired with wool work socks (even in the summer) and you'll have feet that are so soft they are the envy of every woman. Sprains have gone from a monthly occurance to practically never.
I've also been considering a buckle up motorcyclish boot for nights out. Something like Neo wears in "The Matrix" though I ain't paying no US$350 for them.
[1] Style because they don't have steel toes or soles.
posted by Mitheral at 1:49 PM on July 7, 2006
This isn't what you asked, but have you looked into orthotics?
It might not be your ankles. Tell your doc what's up and get him to refer you to a podiatrist. I had what sounds like the same thing and ended up with orthotics.
(Don't use the off-the-shelf, do-it-yourself orthotics from the drug store unless your podiatrist tells you they'll work for you.)
I had the same problem as you and so has the rest of my family. For generations everyone wore high, tightly laced boots, (which really did give them weak ankles- self-fulfilling diagnosis). Long story short, it turned out my constant ankle twisting had nothing to do with my ankles and everything to do with the way my foot was shaped.
Sorry if this sounds like a commercial, but I am so sold on my orthotics- no more twisted ankles, no more being off balance (which I didn't even realize I was, but now I don't have mysterious leg bruises. I was running into things so often the pain didn't even register). My knees and back are happier, and again, I didn't even know they were unhappy. I can walk for miles, which I used to do anyway, but then I'd be sore for a day or two. And on and on and on. So check them out.
posted by small_ruminant at 1:54 PM on July 7, 2006
It might not be your ankles. Tell your doc what's up and get him to refer you to a podiatrist. I had what sounds like the same thing and ended up with orthotics.
(Don't use the off-the-shelf, do-it-yourself orthotics from the drug store unless your podiatrist tells you they'll work for you.)
I had the same problem as you and so has the rest of my family. For generations everyone wore high, tightly laced boots, (which really did give them weak ankles- self-fulfilling diagnosis). Long story short, it turned out my constant ankle twisting had nothing to do with my ankles and everything to do with the way my foot was shaped.
Sorry if this sounds like a commercial, but I am so sold on my orthotics- no more twisted ankles, no more being off balance (which I didn't even realize I was, but now I don't have mysterious leg bruises. I was running into things so often the pain didn't even register). My knees and back are happier, and again, I didn't even know they were unhappy. I can walk for miles, which I used to do anyway, but then I'd be sore for a day or two. And on and on and on. So check them out.
posted by small_ruminant at 1:54 PM on July 7, 2006
I had a similar problem and the diagnosis was shoes that were too soft. Now I wear either hard clogs or shoes with an orthopedic insole in them and they stabilize my feet; no more problems!
posted by zia at 2:00 PM on July 7, 2006
posted by zia at 2:00 PM on July 7, 2006
To answer your question, I think Tanker boots look cool.
posted by small_ruminant at 4:11 PM on July 7, 2006
posted by small_ruminant at 4:11 PM on July 7, 2006
This isn't what you asked, but have you looked into orthotics?
I'm with small_ruminant on this one, you could need orthotics. I too used to hurt my ankles all the time and eventually went to a podiatrist. Turns out my ankles are fine, but everything else from my hips downwards isn't. I have two major gait problems working against each other and orthotics were literally life changing. I'm a pretty extreme case yet for years I just figured I was clumsy and had weak ankles, it's really easy to miss.
So go to a podiatrist. Even if you don't need orthotics they'll be able to give you advice on how to deal with your problem, be it ankle braces or exercises or whatever. A podiatrist will really be able to help you.
Before I got my othotics I wore black ten hole Doc Martens. They look great, are totally comfortable (air ware soles!) and give excellent ankle support. I know people with Docs in different lengths (six holes right up to eighteen) and many different colours and materials (purple leather, brown suede, green greasy leather, shiny silver fabric, etc). Way cooler than an ankle brace. I still wear my Docs but it's nice to have the option of prettier shoes too these days.
Even a good pair of boots or a brace is no subsititute for walking properly though. See a podiatrist.
posted by shelleycat at 4:59 PM on July 7, 2006
I'm with small_ruminant on this one, you could need orthotics. I too used to hurt my ankles all the time and eventually went to a podiatrist. Turns out my ankles are fine, but everything else from my hips downwards isn't. I have two major gait problems working against each other and orthotics were literally life changing. I'm a pretty extreme case yet for years I just figured I was clumsy and had weak ankles, it's really easy to miss.
So go to a podiatrist. Even if you don't need orthotics they'll be able to give you advice on how to deal with your problem, be it ankle braces or exercises or whatever. A podiatrist will really be able to help you.
Before I got my othotics I wore black ten hole Doc Martens. They look great, are totally comfortable (air ware soles!) and give excellent ankle support. I know people with Docs in different lengths (six holes right up to eighteen) and many different colours and materials (purple leather, brown suede, green greasy leather, shiny silver fabric, etc). Way cooler than an ankle brace. I still wear my Docs but it's nice to have the option of prettier shoes too these days.
Even a good pair of boots or a brace is no subsititute for walking properly though. See a podiatrist.
posted by shelleycat at 4:59 PM on July 7, 2006
You need an Active Ankle brace. Highly recommended. I used it when I kept getting sprains in cleats and it's like having a new ankle. You get unrestricted movement fore and aft and no movement side to side (hard plastic splints with a hinge for front-back movement). I can't recommend this enough--it's not a compression thing at all like those horrible lace-ups.
posted by RikiTikiTavi at 10:31 PM on July 10, 2006
posted by RikiTikiTavi at 10:31 PM on July 10, 2006
Response by poster: You people are awesome! I promise I will try to go the virtuous route and attempt to make my ankle stronger through the methods described in people's postings, but I must say that even at my jockiest (i.e. high school tennis/soccer/field hockey), they were my (very) weak point. I did sprain the right one so badly in junior high that I ended up in the emergency room in my pajamas because everyone heard a 'snap' that made us think it was broken, and it has not been the same since. So there's something to that tendon stretch thing. Therefore, I also plan to look into orthotics. Plus it's nice to have an excuse for superhot high boots. Thanks again, everybody.
posted by killerinsideme at 8:44 PM on July 11, 2006
posted by killerinsideme at 8:44 PM on July 11, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by nomisxid at 12:21 PM on July 7, 2006