Anti Roll Ankle Brace

How Do You Fix Rolling Ankles?

Rolling an ankle, also known as an ankle sprain, is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are overstretched or torn. Here are several ways to address and fix it:

• Rest

As soon as you roll your ankle, stop the activity immediately to prevent further damage. Resting the ankle gives the injured tissues, such as ligaments, a chance to begin the healing process. Avoid putting weight on the affected ankle for at least the initial few hours or as long as pain persists when you try to do so.

• Stretching Exercises

Stretch the muscles around the ankle, such as the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus), the Achilles tendon, and the muscles on the front and sides of the ankle. For example, a simple calf stretch can be done by standing with the injured leg behind the other, keeping the back heel flat on the ground, and gently leaning forward until you feel a stretch in the calf. Stretching helps improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness that could affect the ankle's stability. 

• Use of Ankle Supports

Stability: Ankle braces or supports provide additional stability to the ankle joint. They can limit excessive inversion or eversion (the side-to-side movements that often cause ankle rolls), reducing the risk of reinjury. For example, semi-rigid braces have a firm structure that helps hold the ankle in a more neutral position during movement.

Compression: Similar to when dealing with an immediate injury, the compression provided by a rolled ankle brace can help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation in the ankle area during the recovery process. This promotes healing by ensuring the proper delivery of nutrients to the injured tissues.

Confidence: Wearing an ankle brace for a rolled ankle can give you more confidence when walking or engaging in light physical activities. Knowing that your ankle has extra protection can make you feel more secure and less hesitant in your movements, which is beneficial for both physical and psychological recovery. 

If the pain, swelling, or instability persists or worsens despite these measures, it's important to consult a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or a physical therapist, for further evaluation and treatment. They may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to check for any underlying fractures or ligament tears and provide more targeted treatment options.