Everyday Ankle Support

Should You Wear an Ankle Support All Day?

Whether you should wear an ankle brace throughout the day depends on a variety of circumstances:

• Acute Injuries: If you've recently suffered an acute ankle injury such as a sprain, it can be beneficial to wear an ankle support brace throughout the day. For example, in the first few days to a couple of weeks after a sprain, wearing support like a compression ankle brace helps reduce swelling. The pressure from the brace constricts blood vessels slightly, which can limit the amount of fluid that accumulates in the injured area. This can lead to faster recovery and reduced pain. It also provides stability and limits the range of motion, preventing further damage while the ligaments are healing.
• Chronic Ankle Conditions: For chronic conditions such as chronic ankle instability (CAI), wearing ankle support during the day can be a good preventive measure. CAI often results from repeated ankle sprains that have led to weakened ligaments. Wearing a semi-rigid or hybrid ankle support can help correct the biomechanics of the ankle and provide the extra stability needed during daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods.
• During Sports: Athletes often wear ankle supports during sports to reduce the risk of injury. For sports like basketball, soccer, and tennis that involve a lot of running, jumping, and sudden changes in direction, wearing an ankle support can be crucial. A well-fitted support brace for ankle can provide the necessary support to the ankle joint and help the athlete perform at their best while minimizing the risk of sprains or other ankle-related injuries. However, it's important to choose the right type of support depending on the sport and the level of support required.

In general, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare provider such as a physical therapist or a sports medicine doctor to determine whether wearing an ankle support all day is appropriate for your specific situation.