Ankle Brace to Straighten Foot

What Device Keeps Your Ankle Straight?

Soft Ankle Braces: These are usually made of neoprene or other elastic materials. They provide mild support and compression. They wrap around the ankle and can help keep the ankle in a more stable position. For example, during light physical activities such as walking or low-impact sports like yoga, an ankle soft brace can offer some resistance against excessive side-to-side movement and keep the ankle joint more or less in a straight position.

Semi-rigid Ankle Braces: These braces have a combination of soft and rigid components. They often have plastic or metal stays on the sides to provide more support. The rigid parts limit the range of motion of the ankle, preventing it from bending too far in any direction and thus helping to keep it straight. Athletes who have had minor ankle sprains or are at risk of ankle injuries during sports like volleyball or soccer might use metal ankle brace.

Rigid Ankle Braces: These are highly supportive and are designed to severely limit the movement of the ankle. They are usually used in cases of severe ankle injuries during the recovery phase. For example, after a surgical repair of an ankle ligament, a rigid ankle brace can be used to immobilize the ankle completely and ensure that it remains straight to allow for proper healing.

Foot Orthotics (AFOs): AFOs are custom-made or prefabricated devices that are designed to correct foot and ankle deformities or to assist with gait. They are often made of plastic and cover the foot and ankle area. Some AFOs have a rigid posterior part that extends up the back of the calf. They work by providing a mechanical structure that keeps the ankle in a specific position, usually in a more neutral or straightened position. These are commonly used in patients with conditions such as drop foot (a condition where the person has difficulty lifting the front part of the foot), cerebral palsy, or certain nerve injuries that affect ankle control.