Sprained Ankle Support Brace

Should I Sleep with a Brace on My Sprained Ankle?

Some studies have shown that sprained ankles can be slept in an ankle brace. Ankle brace for pain can provide extra support and protection while you sleep, which helps reduce discomfort and swelling overnight and facilitates recovery.

Below, we've listed three reasons why you should wear ankle sprain brace while sleeping or overnight. 

Limit ankle movement: One of the best effects of using a brace for sprained ankle while you sleep is that it can limit the significant movement of your injured ankle. When you're sleeping, your body involuntarily rolls over, and wearing an ankle brace protects your ankle from kicking a hard object and causing secondary injuries.

Reduce swelling: Swelling of the affected area with a sprained ankle is common. After a sprain the ankle swells due to inflammation of the surrounding tissues and the pain caused by the swelling may reach extreme levels. In such situations, a compression brace for sprained ankle provides help in minimizing both the swelling and the soreness caused by it. These types of ankle supports would work to eradicate the swelling at the injured area and ease the pain felt while sleeping.

Prevent accidental injury: If you need to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, wearing an ankle brace will give your injured ankle stability and reduce the likelihood of further injury or ankle fracture. Ankle braces help heal your broken bones properly by reducing accidental injuries. Wear the ankle brace after sprain for a long time, such as overnight, and your injury may recover within a short time.

Is an Ankle Brace Good for a Sprained Ankle?

Sure! An ankle brace can be highly beneficial for a sprained ankle for several reasons:

• Limiting Movement: When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments that hold the ankle joint together are stretched or torn. A sprained ankle brace helps limit the range of motion of the ankle, preventing further damage to the injured ligaments. For example, in an inversion sprain (the most common type, where the ankle rolls inward), a brace can restrict excessive inward movement, reducing the risk of re-insuring the stretched ligaments on the outer side of the ankle.
• Joint Alignment: It also aids in maintaining proper joint alignment. By providing support around the ankle, the brace for ankle sprain helps keep the bones in the ankle joint in their correct positions. This is crucial for the healing process as misalignment can impede proper ligament repair and lead to long-term joint problems.
• Reducing Swelling: Ankle braces, especially those made of elastic or neoprene materials, apply compression to the ankle area. Compression helps to reduce swelling by restricting the flow of fluid into the damaged tissues. It also promotes better blood circulation, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the injured area for faster healing.
• Mechanical Support: The physical support provided by the ankle brace takes some of the stress off the injured ligaments. This reduction in stress can lead to a significant decrease in pain. For example, when walking or performing light activities, the ankle brace for sprained ankle helps distribute the body's weight more evenly around the ankle, reducing the strain on the damaged ligaments and thus alleviating pain.

Mild sprains may only require a simple elastic or soft-support brace, while more severe sprains may need a more rigid, supportive brace with additional features like straps or air-filled compartments. Also, the use of an ankle sprain support brace should be in conjunction with other aspects of ankle-sprain treatment, such as rest, ice, elevation, and physical therapy as recommended by a healthcare provider.