Ankle Brace for Fracture

What Do You Wear for a Fractured Ankle?

Here are different types of ankle supports and their specific benefits when dealing with a fractured ankle:

1. Elastic Compression Ankle Braces 

• Swelling Reduction: Elastic compression ankle braces apply gentle pressure around the ankle area. This compression helps improve blood circulation by promoting the flow of blood back towards the heart. In the case of a fractured ankle, where swelling and inflammation are common due to tissue damage and disrupted blood flow, ankle compression brace can be highly effective in reducing the swelling. By reducing fluid accumulation around the fracture site, they alleviate pain and create a more favorable environment for the bones to heal. For example, during the early days after an ankle fracture, wearing an elastic compression brace can help manage the initial swelling and make it more comfortable for the patient to move around even a little bit.
• Proprioceptive Awareness: The compression provided by these braces also gives a proprioceptive effect, making the wearer more aware of their ankle's position and movements. This increased awareness helps prevent accidental movements that could potentially harm the healing fracture. It allows patients to be more cautious and controlled in their actions, which is especially important when they start to gradually increase their activity levels during the recovery period.

2. Lace-Up Ankle Braces

• Precise Fit and Adjustable Support: Lace-up ankle braces offer a precise fit as the laces can be tightened or loosened to achieve the desired level of support. This is beneficial for a fractured ankle because it allows for individualized adjustment based on the severity of the fracture and the patient's comfort. For example, if a patient has a more complex fracture and requires extra stability, they can lace up the brace tightly. On the other hand, if they need a bit more flexibility during a certain stage of rehabilitation, they can adjust the laces accordingly.
• Additional Stabilizing Elements: Many lace up ankle braces incorporate additional stabilizing elements such as plastic stays or heel cups. These components enhance the overall stability of the ankle, further protecting the fracture. The plastic stays can limit excessive side-to-side or up-and-down movements, while the heel cups provide support to the heel area, which is important for maintaining proper alignment of the ankle and reducing stress on the fractured bones during weight-bearing activities.

3. Semi-Rigid Ankle Braces 

• Gradual Mobility Support: As the fracture begins to heal and some degree of movement is required for rehabilitation, semi-rigid ankle braces come into play. Ankle brace with metal side stabilizers offer a balance between stability and flexibility. With a firm outer shell and softer padding, they allow for gentle movements while still providing significant support to the healing bones. This controlled mobility helps in improving blood circulation around the ankle, which is essential for delivering nutrients to the healing tissues and removing waste products.
• Comfort for Prolonged Use: Compared to fully rigid braces, semi-rigid ones are more comfortable for longer periods of wear. The combination of the firm support and the softer elements makes them less likely to cause skin irritation or discomfort, which is important as patients may need to wear the brace throughout the day during the recovery process. This comfort factor also encourages consistent use, which is beneficial for the overall healing and rehabilitation of the fractured ankle.