Should I Wear Ankle Brace for Basketball？

Basketball—a fast-paced, high-intensity sport that demands agility, speed, and strength. With the constant jumping, cutting, and landing, the risk of ankle injuries is ever-present. The necessity of ankle protection in basketball cannot be overstated, especially when considering the high incidence of such injuries among NBA players.

Several NBA stars, including Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, have suffered ankle injuries that have significantly impacted their careers, underscoring the importance of wearing basketball ankle braces for protection and performance.

That's why basketball ankle braces are essential. They provide the necessary support to prevent injuries and ensure players can continue to dominate the court.

This blog will lead you to explore the importance of wearing basketball ankle braces, their design and functionality, and how they can enhance performance while providing crucial support. Let the game clock run!

 

Anatomy of Basketball Ankle Injuries

Basketball is a game of swift movements, explosive jumps, and sharp turns. It's no surprise that the high incidence of ankle injuries among NBA players is a significant concern. Here are the common injuries for basketball players:

• Ankle Sprains: This is the most common type of ankle injury in basketball. It occurs when the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are stretched or torn, often from a sudden twist or turn, or landing on someone else's foot. The severity can range from mild (grade 1) to severe (grade 3), with the latter involving complete ligament rupture.
• Ankle Fractures: These are breaks in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. They often result from high-impact landings or direct blows to the ankle and can be quite severe, requiring immediate medical attention.
• Achilles Tendon Injuries: The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Overuse or sudden force can lead to tendinitis (inflammation) or even a rupture, which is a complete tear of the tendon.
• High Ankle Sprains: These are less common but more severe than regular ankle sprains. They involve the ligaments higher up on the ankle, near the tibia and fibula. This type of injury often requires a longer recovery time.
• Stress Fractures: Repeated stress on the ankle bones can lead to small cracks, known as stress fractures. These are more common in players who have a history of overuse or inadequate rest.
• Ankle Instability: Repeated ankle sprains can lead to chronic instability, where the ankle feels weak and is prone to further sprains.

Read More: Does Plantar Fasciitis Cause Ankle Pain?

With these injuries, a basketball player may suffer from:

• Reduced Mobility: Ankle injuries can limit a player's ability to move freely, affecting their agility, speed, and ability to change direction quickly, which are crucial in basketball.
• Pain and Swelling: Injured ankles often cause pain and swelling, which can be debilitating during games and practices, and can also hinder recovery if not managed properly.
• Long Recovery Time: Severe ankle injuries, such as fractures or high ankle sprains, can require a lengthy recovery period, often involving immobilization, physical therapy, and gradual return to activity. This can sideline a player for weeks or even months.
• Increased Risk of Re-Injury: Once an ankle has been injured, it's more susceptible to future injuries. This cycle of re-injury can be frustrating and can limit a player's performance as they may be more cautious or hesitant in their movements.
• Psychological Impact: The fear of re-injury can affect a player's confidence and their ability to perform at their best. This mental aspect can be as challenging to overcome as the physical recovery.
• Impact on Team Dynamics: When a key player is sidelined due to an ankle injury, it can affect the team's performance and dynamics. The team may need to adjust their strategies and rely more on other players, which can be a challenge.

 

Design and Functionality of Basketball Ankle Support Brace

The basketball ankle brace is designed to provide support and reduce the percentage of facing the above injuries and harm, and serves as a vital piece of protective gear for athletes engaged in the sport.

Stabilization of the Ankle Joint:

Ankle braces help to stabilize the ankle by restricting excessive movement in various directions. This is particularly beneficial in basketball, where quick changes in direction are common, reducing the risk of sprains and strains.

Support for Weak or Injured Ankles:

For players recovering from an ankle injury or those with a history of instability, ankle braces offer additional support. This support helps to distribute forces more evenly across the ankle, reducing the likelihood of re-injury.

Prevention of Ankle Rolling:

Playing basketball games involves a lot of lateral movements and jumping, which can lead to the foot rolling inward (inversion) or outward (eversion). Ankle braces help to keep the foot in a neutral position, minimizing the risk of rolling ankles that often result in sprains.

Absorption of Impact Forces:

During high-impact activities like jumping and landing, the forces can be significant on the ankle joint. Ankle braces can help to absorb some of these forces, reducing the stress on the ligaments and bones within the ankle.

Enhanced Confidence and Performance:

Knowing that their ankles are well-supported can increase a player's confidence. This can lead to more aggressive play and better performance, as the fear of injury is reduced.

Reduction of Swelling:

In the case of existing ankle injuries, basketball ankle braces can help to reduce swelling by providing compression. This can aid in faster recovery and help manage symptoms like pain and inflammation.

Facilitation of Healing:

For players in the recovery phase from an ankle injury, wearing an ankle brace can facilitate the healing process by providing the necessary support and limiting movement that could hinder recovery.

Protection Against Repeated Stress:

Basketball players are susceptible to overuse injuries due to the repetitive stress on their ankles. Ankle braces can help to mitigate this stress, providing a protective barrier against the development of stress-related injuries.

Read More about: How to Wear an Ankle Brace?

 

How to Choose Good Ankle Support for Basketball Games

To ensure a secure fit, ankle braces often feature adjustable straps that are comfortable and convenient to wear. Also, this allows for a customized fit that provides support without restricting movement. Comfort is key, especially during high-intensity games, and thus, ankle braces made from breathable materials help prevent overheating and discomfort, allowing players to focus on their performance. Moreover, the cuff of the brace is designed to encircle the ankle and provide a firm hold; it should be rigid enough to offer support but flexible enough to allow for natural movement.

Furthermore, some ankle braces incorporate shock-absorbing materials or gel pads, which can help cushion the impact of landing after a jump, reducing stress on the ankle joint. A lightweight brace is less likely to feel cumbersome or restrict movement, and this is crucial for basketball players who need to be agile as eagles and quick as wolves. Additionally, ankle braces should be designed to work well with various types of basketball shoes, ensuring they do not interfere with the fit of the shoe or cause discomfort when worn over the shoe. Finally, the brace should be easy to put on and take off, which is particularly important for players who need to change their gear quickly during games or practices.

So the keys to choosing an ankle brace for basketball are:

• Adjustable Straps
• Breathable Materials
• Ankle Cuff
• Shock Absorption
• Lightweight Design
• Compatibility with Shoes
• Ease of Use

Read more about: How to Choose the Best Ankle Support for Basketball?

 

Applications of Ankle Braces

NBA stars Stephen Curry and Trae Young are wearing basketball ankle braces to concern on developing their career. In practical use, basketball ankle braces are invaluable in training and competitive play. They offer immediate support and protection, allowing players to concentrate on their game without the fear of injury. Athletes are 3 times more likely to sprain their ankle in competition than in training, although most ankle sprains occur during training. The researchers also reported that athletes were two to three times more likely to sprain their ankles when not wearing ankle braces than in training. Several systematic evaluations have confirmed that ankle braces can prevent recurrent ankle sprains. [1-5]

 

Fivali Basketball Ankle Brace

Fivali Fitness offers top-tier ankle braces, designed for peak performance and injury prevention in basketball. With innovative compression for faster recovery, adjustable straps for a custom fit, and a discreet, stylish design, Fivali braces provide the stability and support needed to dominate the court. Trusted by professionals, these braces are the perfect companions and protectors for athletes looking to enhance their performance without compromising on comfort or style.

Experience the difference with Fivali – your partner in performance. Visit Fivali to discover more!

 

Reference:

[1] McGuine, T.A., A. Brooks, and S. Hetzel, The effect of lace-up ankle braces on injury rates in high school basketball players.Am J Sports Med, 2011. 39(9): p. 1840-8.
[2] McGuine, T.A., et al., The effect of lace-up ankle braces on injury rates in high school football players.Am J Sports Med, 2012. 40(1): p. 49-57.
[3] Verhagen, E.A. and K. Bay, Optimising ankle sprain prevention: a critical review and practical appraisal of the literature.Br J Sports Med, 2010. 44(15): p. 1082-8.
[4] Handoll, H.H., et al., Interventions for preventing ankle ligament injuries.Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2001(3): p. CD000018.
[5] Doherty, C., et al., Treatment and prevention of acute and recurrent ankle sprain: an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analysis.Br J Sports Med, 2017. 51(2): p. 113-125.