MYTH OR TRUTH: WEARING ANKLE BRACE

What is Ankle Brace? An ankle brace is a device aid that is worn around the ankle to protect it or for immobilization while allowing it to heal from sprains and other minor injuries. Ankle braces are used to immobilize the joint while providing heat and compression to the bones. In the meanwhile, most of us must be questioned ourselves, what is the truth and the myth of the Ankle Brace? Read the article below to know more!:

MYTH: Ankle braces prevent all ankle injuries.

TRUTH: No brace can ‘prevent’ an injury (or really anything for that matter!). All we can do is reduce the risk or incidence of ankle sprains. The fact is ankle braces do not protect against initial ankle sprains very well. There is minimal reduction in first-time ankle sprains with a brace, but the real benefit of ankle braces in preventing recurrent ankle sprains

Myth: Ankle braces increase knee injuries.

Truth: While researchers in a lab setting have demonstrated changes in landing forces and knee kinematics during jump landing while wearing an ankle brace, there is no evidence of increased knee injury while wearing ankle braces during the season. Furthermore, research on sport-specific tasks such as volleyball has shown no impact on knee forces or functional performance.

Myth: Ankle braces cause muscle weakness.

Truth: c. There is no evidence that ankle muscles are weaker after wearing an ankle brace during the season. While there is some evidence of delayed activation of muscles associated with wearing an ankle brace, researchers found no effect on muscle activation with prolonged use.

Myth: Ankle braces impair performance.

Truth: Although braces restrict motion, they don’t significantly impede performance. Several studies have shown that ankle braces do not affect performance, speed, or agility even after long-term wear