Injured ankles can cause problems for sportsmen and women in virtually every kind of sport, from peak international athletes down to rank amateurs. Some sports, such as soccer, football and hockey, to name but three, are particularly associated with ankle injuries, while slalom skiing is one of the worst for stressing this part of the body. Thankfully, modern technology is not only helping athletes to prevent ankle injuries but to come back quicker when problems occur.

Splinting Injured Ankles – A Tried and Tested Method

Fitting a modern ankle splint does more than temporarily immobilizing an ankle, thereby reducing ongoing stress on sprains and tendon pulls. With the sort of cutting-edge splints on offer today, you can also expect highly targeted compression. This will also help to deal with excessive swelling, assisting a speedier recovery than would otherwise be the case. By restricting the use of an ankle as it recovers, modern splints prevent further injury while the recovery phase is underway. Perhaps more importantly, however, they are often used in ongoing training and competitive events. Ankle splints are now lightweight and comfortable so they don’t interfere with performance while simultaneously supporting ankles so that they are not over-extended and liable to further setbacks post-recovery.

Ankle Braces – A Confidence Booster

If you look at Stephen Curry’s use of technology to avoid ankle injuries, then you will soon see just how far ankle braces have come in recent years. Nowadays, braces don’t just stop ankle rolls but help to prevent pressure on the joint when moving forward, an important factor for all basketball players. Modern braces are designed to be adjustable to individual requirements, too, suiting all sorts of sportspeople.

Taping – A Short-Term Solution for Physios

Athletic tape, often referred to as kinesiology tape by physical therapists, is often applied by a trainer to provide immediate stability and compression during competition. When you need a minor injury to be dealt with through proprioceptive feedback, taping works well. Tape is lighter than a brace, which might be too much during an ongoing football game or a tennis match, for example. Applying it can be sufficient to prevent exacerbating an injury until a more detailed check on its severity can be made afterwards. Although less durable than splints and braces, modern tape isn’t as uncomfortable as it used to be, offering high grip without adhering to the skin and breathability. This means that it is sometimes used in conjunction with braces during the initial phases of competition following a return from injury.

Conclusion

While supporting ankles remains the main way that physios help to prevent further injuries and recovery, this is not the only approach. Of course, with the latest developments in splints, tape and braces, the level of support an ankle is now offered through the recovery period is better than ever. However, for a complete solution, athletes should consider the way their instep relates to ankle stress. Orthotic insoles are the best way to support insteps, which, in turn, help to ensure ankles come under less pressure with each and every step.