Best Ankle arthritis brace
Braces are commonly made of soft, durable fabric, and can be custom made. Brace for ankle arthritis is an important device which helps to support joints and reduce pain, swelling, stiffness and excessive movements. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints and causes progressive joint degeneration with gradual loss of cartilage in joints. It results in limited range of motion, and loss of function of the joint. An ankle is less commonly affected by arthritis as compared to other joints, although it also makes joints difficult to walk and perform other activities. Arthritis affects any or all of these bones of the joint: tibia, fibula and talus.
Table of Contents
What is ankle arthritis?
The condition in which tibiotalar/ankle joint (forms between the tibia and talus), the three joints (including heel bone, inner mid-foot bone, and outer mid-foot bone) or the joint of the great toe and foot bone has damaged resulting from degeneration of cartilage leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness in joint that affect mobility, sometimes cause significant disability.
Ankle arthritis treatment
There are numerous nonsurgical therapies for arthritis, depending on the kind and symptoms of the condition:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs to treat inflammation.
- hyaluronic acid injection to treat pain
- Intra articular corticosteroids injection to reduce inflammation
- Exercises include Strengthening, mobilizing, functional, balance and proprioceptive
- Electrotherapy: physio modalities if there is severe pain
- Maintaining hydration is important for general health and joint lubrication.
- Using brace or sleeve
- Walking is another important parameter to maintain mobility
Also Check: BEST WRIST BRACE FOR SPRAIN
Top 5 Brace Ankles for Arthritis
| Brace Ankles | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Powerlix Ankle Brace | 4.5 | Check on Amazon |
 | 4,5 | Check on Amazon |
 | 4.3 | Check on Amazon |
 | 4.3 | Check on Amazon |
 | 4.0 | Check on Amazon |
Braces for ankle arthritis
People with active lifestyles frequently seek non-surgical interventions and pain relief methods to continue their daily living activities. That’s why wearing an ankle brace to support the joint or ankle compression sleeve to assist reduce pain, swelling and stiffness, adding brace or inserts to the shoes to provide cushion and foot support, or in extreme cases, a splint to immobilise the area are all non-surgical management options.
Types Braces for ankle arthritis
Prophylactic
It is designed to prevent and reduce the risk of re-injury, and also lessen the severity of injuries These braces commonly used in contact sports.
Ankle rehabilitative brace
It gives external temporary support, immobilization and restricts movement when a person is rehabilitating after sustained injury or surgery and provides compression to reduce swelling. This type of brace is a great tool to prevent future injuries
Functional ankle brace
After an injury, functional braces are used to compensate for an already injured area or for weaker or degenerated structures, protecting you from further injury during recovery. The Functional Ankle Brace is the most effective in ankle discomfort, swelling and stiffness caused by sprains, strains, rolls, or ligament instability.
Powerlix Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve
Summary: Lightweight compression sleeve promotes joint stability. Multi directional compression brace, evenly distributed pressure throughout the ankle joint, has medium to strong compression, provides complete pain relief. Soft and comfortable even after wearing regular socks over it and tight enough to help you recover and provide great support, is easy on and off and is comfortable to wear. No annoying odors. Also works under the splints. In short, powerlix brace is best for everyday use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultimate pain reduction
- Improve blood circulation
- Cheap
- Breathable
- Quickly absorbs sweat and keeps feet dry
- 6 month money back guarantee
Cons
- Overly constrained
- Size difficulty
Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
Summary: Straps of Med Sec form figure-eight to support the ankle. Also used after ankle sprain, fracture or dislocation. Comfortable, easy to adjust and it washes well. The elastic cuff adds support and keeps the laces and stabilizing straps in place. Laces, compression tapes and velcro around the ankle provide greatest support. Restrict the ankle from rolling. Ballistic nylon boots are extremely strong and durable. This made it ideal for wearing in the yard, hiking, or in front of a customer at work. For healing, the side straps immobilise the ankle, keeping it straight and at a 45-degree. Overall, it improves stability not only for runners but for anyone who suffers from instabilities.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stabilizing straps form complete protect and support
- Machine wash
- Bilateral design
Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve
Summary: ComfortFlex designed ankle brace ensures comfortable, supportive, smooth, ergonomic fit without restricting circulation. Quite stretchy but has that compression aspect. Relieves pain, swelling, fatigue and discomforts. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps feet dry all day and thin enough to wear under shoes. Double stitching and long lasting. Material folded and stitched cuffs on both the top and bottom of the sleeve, we can prevent blisters by cutting the bottom cuff. Thick high quality material to provide effective support. Not as bulky as the neoprene sleeve. Perfectly designed for arthritic pain.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- ComfortFlex design
- Instant pain relief
- 100% guaranteed
Cons
- Size problem
TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve
High quality TechWare brace is incredibly lightweight, thin sleeve with smooth stitching, gives a good amount of support, minimal fatigue and compressive enough to be very effective. They Fit nicely around tendons and do not limit foot movements . Helpful in pain management and relief of heel and arch. Highly recommended specially for achilles tendon and plantar fasciitis. Can be worn with all types of shoes. No neoprene in this sleeve; instead, it is made up of 80% nylon and 20% spandex for the superior support.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Moisture wicking soft fabric
- Compression sleeve 20-30mmHg (for those who wants strong compression)
Cons
- Too loose at top and tight at foot area
- Not machine washable
Aircast A60 Ankle Support Brace
A molded cast type brace, an Arizona aircast brace which is not restrictive, provides mild support for the ankle, supports weakest point of joint, and requires no help in Velcro straps, a single strap present which is easy to apply. Breath-O-Prene fabric to keep feet dry. Helpful in chronic injuries. This is beneficial since the brace must be washed after a few days of continuous use. It must be hand washed and air dried which takes around 12 hours to dry.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Universal design for both men and women
- Suitable for chronic ankle injuries
Cons
- Short life span
- Minimum stability
- No return policy
Aircast AirHeel Ankle Support Brace
There are 2 linked air cells which are tested with 1,000 lbs. of pressure found under the foot arch and behind the achilles tendon in the aircast airheel support brace which gives pulsating pneumatic compression to reduce swelling and increase blood circulation. Great bottom support with no bulk. Coveinient during travelling. Thin enough to wear in normal workout sneakers with no discomfort. Effective in heel, and foot pain also in medial injury.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Worn on either the left or right foot
- Easy to put on and take off
- Fits comfortably in most of the shoes
Cons
- Some may feel trouble in fitting into tighter shoes with thick socks
- Longevity does not allow for proper support.
Ankle Support, AdjustableAnkle Brace Breathable Nylon Material
Soft and comfortable adjustable tightness with criss cross strapping can be attached anywhere on the sleeve just like taping.A wide band with a loop to fit securely. Fabric used for this brace is Nylon which is thick enough to provide support while thin enough to be worn under many shoes. Non slip silicon inside the sleeve which adds friction. The brace is very strong, tough yet gentle and as protective as bulky. The flexibility prevents achilles from overextending, resulting in reduced discomfort.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The best thing is the Velcro stays in place all day
- So much easier to put on
Cons
- Lace up brace sometimes difficult to put on which couldn’t do it in a hurry
ComfiLife Ankle Brace for Men & Women – Adjustable Compression Ankle Support Wrap
The ComfiLife brace improves ankle stability while keeping the ankle in a neutral position, preventing future sprains and fractures. Suits for all ankle sizes of both men and women from mid foot through arch area. Perfect compression with Velcro straps that helps in the swelling reduction and discomfort caused by overuse or injury. Comfortable and supportive. You can put direct pressure on the area where you need the most support which is based on how you wrap the ankle. In short you have total control over how tightly it wraps around your ankle, as well as how much support and tightness you choose for your ankle/foot. It improves circulation and is easy to put in and take off. It fits with any shoe. Great for pain relief and swelling.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Adjustable compression
Cons
- Contains latex which may causes allergy
CINLITEK Ankle Support Copper Infused Brace
Summary: Cinlitek is composed of high-quality, breathable, and super-elastic material with active copper to help prevent smells, helping to wear it for long duration to relieve discomfort associated with chronic arthritis, aching joints and fatigue. They’re washable and made from a neoprene type material with additional padding for extra support. Two silicone inserts that comfortably fit within and outside the Malleolus bones to protect and support the ankle ligament.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Silicon ankle support
- Premium quality for active lifestyle
- Boost recovery and discomfort relief
Cons
- Size complain
Ankle Support Breathable Neoprene Sleeve, Adjustable Wrap
Breathable neoprene sleeve helps to prevent skin irritation. Provides support through compression and relieves pain. Design of the open heel allows a wide range of motion. Speed up the healing phase and provide comfort. Velcro in the sleeve secures well which is easy to wrap around your foot, especially when you have pain or can’t flex your foot into shoe/socks.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One size fits both feet
- Neoprene material to prevent skin irritation
- Idealized for indoor and outdoor sports
- For acute and chronic
Cons
- Open heel area is too small
- Problem with sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ankle brace help with arthritis?
Yes, it can help by providing support to the foot and ankle. It assists with stability and by providing compression to reduce swelling. Braces not only support the joint but also help with pain and inflammation. It improves mobility and makes it easier to do daily living activities.
Is it bad to wear an ankle brace constantly?
It depends on the condition of the ankle or type of activity you are doing. If you’re wearing an ankle brace for therapeutic or treatment purposes, you should keep it on while doing everyday activities to increase stability and minimize re-injury. In active people ankle bracing is a good preventive measure.
Is it possible to get rid of ankle arthritis?
Unfortunately there’s no cure for arthritis but you can manage it through changing lifestyle or through other treatments to relieve pain, inflammation and slow the progress of disease. But, if left untreated, it significantly limits mobility.
Do I wear ankle brace under the shoes/socks?
In an article of ULTRA ANKLE, they suggest “Low-top athletic shoes are preferable for wearing with ankle braces since they don’t put as much pressure on ankle bones”. While socks underneath the brace keeps skin dry and helps prevent blisters. Although, brace may not fit all of the shoes, it can be adjusted to fit most casual shoes.
Does compression braces help with arthritis?
Compression brace is a conservative method to reduce swelling and inflammation after activity in patient with arthritis.
How long should I wear ankle brace?
As there are several bones connected in the ankle joint, it appears to be more complex than any other joints of the body. So, it’s impossible to say how long you should wear an ankle brace. It is only determined on your treatment plan and the condition of injury. For example in mild case you can wear brace for ten days to six weeks.
Conclusion
Purchasing an ankle brace is similar to choosing a car because of an athlete’s finicky nature. In patients, condition and severity of illness plays an important role in deciding the type of braces. Moreover, fitting patients with braces is usually a challenging step and another issue is so called unisex brace which simply translates as “doesn’t fit anyone.” Although many companies have different sizes including small, medium, large and XL. But still, finding a brace that fits a toddler, a teenage girl, or an obese diabetic patient has always been difficult. When it comes to choosing the right brace the Powerlix Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve is a lightweight compression sleeve for pain which is best for everyday use with 6 month money back guarantee. Another both braces ComfiLife Ankle Brace or Ankle Support Breathable Neoprene Sleeve suitable for ankle stability with adjustable Velcro straps to reduce swelling and discomfort. Many people find difficulty while choosing braces. So, it is recommended to measure your feet through a size chart before buying.
References:
https://orthop.washington.edu/patient-care/articles/ankle/ankle-arthritis.html
https://www.drramawat.com.au/ankle-arthritis-foot-ankle-surgeon-westmead-blacktown-nsw.html
