Ankle Braces

[BJesus]

I guess i should start using an ankle brace soon, my ankle very dodgy and think i need more than just strapping tape. Anyone got advice on which ones are crap and which good? be good to hear some comments before i buy one. thanks

[gowrie]

I have been using AirSport ankle brace now for three years or so. I get them from local hospital through recomendation of surgeon to protect ankle. Very effective. Found just now through Google see website and below

http://www.thebackcarewarehouse.co.uk/a ... races.html


Airsport Ankle Brace
Air Sport Ankle Brace by Aircast is designed for the athlete or chronic sufferer of ankle sprains.

The AirSport contains foam-filled aircell cushions and semi-rigid encased shells that offer proven Air-Stirrup ® support.

Foam - filled Achilles strap to ensure proper alignment ATF (Anterior Talo Fibular) ligament cross strap for ankle stabilisation and automatic heel width adjustment.

Combines proven Air-Stirrup features with the unique "step-in" design and automatic heel adjustment for easy application.
More info...

Status: In Stock

Price: £49.95 (inclusive of VAT

[Niamh]

Mueller braces are good and recommended by a lot of physios. The main thing I'd say if getting one of these (or any ankle brace) is to make sure the back isn't too rigid; I had one that was great for my ankle but cut into the back of my leg because it was too stiff. Since then they have redesigned them to have a softer back.

Mueller http://www.muellersportsmed.com

I've heard of people using another one called 'Active Ankle' (http://www.activeankle.com/) and find it good.

Apart from ankle braces, I got this fantastic wobble-style thing called a Dyn-Air; it's like a rubber cushion filled with air; use it to stand on to strengthen the ankles. Really really good.

Hope that's of some help

[bexter]

http://www.firstaid4sport.co.uk/Product ... 1&CatID2=0

These were the ones I always used after doing my ankle a few times - seemed to work for me, I haven't done it since

[harry]

worth checking which one pippa and mhairi have as there were both very pleased with it. I think it was called Magic something. They ordered it from the States though, dunno about delivery times.

[DIDSCO]

Ask Fredrik Löwgren, he races in his all the time

[Drew]

I use Active ankle T2, its the one you want for orienteering, absolutely awesome. Had no more problems with my ankles since i started wearing them. i think it was $100 or so for the pair including postage.
got them on physio advice,
i think mhairi uses them too.

[mat-d]

I also used Active Ankle. Was great while it lasted.
It was fine but used it for 1 day of the o-ringen, 2 weeks of o in sweden that summer and a couple of other races before the winter and found that the straps got completley ripped apart and can't really strap it up anymore! No problems with the support though.

I would recommend it though as it was very useful when strengthening my ankle and helped running in terrain no end while coming back from my JWOC injury.

[Pingu]

I have a couple of the tight tubey type with a whole for the ball of the foot - were nice and unnoticable when running, but extensive use did something funny to my achillies sice it was so tight at the back,
beware of:
http://www.muellersportsmed.com/anklesu ... oprene.htm

[gg]

most of the finnish team never take theirs off... couldnt believe it in japan, about 6 of them, braces on both ankles

[fish]

And just a reminder ...
for those juniors hoping to go to Aus for JWOC next year, get used to running in ankle tape or braces - they are needed out there, even if you've never had a single problem with your ankles.

[Safety]

http://www.muellersportsmed.com/anklesupportadjustable.htm

I got that one soon after I did mine for 2nd (3rd,4th or 5th) not quite sure how many times I have gone over on it. All I can say is I have never gone over on my ankle whilst wearing it and reqularly do when I am not. (ask Shuoc ppl).

Think the one you go for is dependent on how badly you have hurt yourself, and how exactly. I went back and sideways on my ankle (the first time) most orienteers tend to go just sideways i think.

I have in the past done the other ankle playing football and that was just back as I kicked the ball at the same time as someone else. I couldn't find anything for that but was able to run the week after with the hospitals tubby grip that they put round it. (crutches to british schools in 5 days).

So you'll have to look around and find one that supports the direction you went over on your ankle.

Finally (I will shut up now) you may find that they dig into the sole of your foot and achilies a bit more than tape does because of their rigidity, I tend to wear a sock (or two) underneath as well and this seems to stop any digging in/rubbing.

Hope that was helpful

[graeme]

Are these brace thingies significantly better than Leukotape? I've had a dodgy ankle since March and I'm getting desperate!

Graame

[Drew]

graeme:
you can borrow one of my braces when i get back to burgh in a week or two and try it out.

-Drew

[m]

yep I use Active Ankle T2 and oder it from some US website. If you google the name then there are loads of websites you can buy it from. It costs like $40 so not too much.

I haven't raced without mine since my injury but I also have not had a single problem with my ankle since then. Have had it for a year now and not had to replace it yet. I have never had a single blister from it and it doesn't cause any discomfort when I run. Basically it gives me 100% confidence running in terrain despite the fact I have a dodgy ankle. I love it and would recommend it to anyone.

It was actually an australian orienteer who recommended this brace too me and I think they know what they are talking about....