“Another study demonstrated that even though all those devices (shoes, braces, etc.) are helpful in supporting the ankle, the most important thing in preventing an inversion moment is the activation of the muscles that evert the foot,” she says. In fact, she says, research shows that the muscles that evert your ankle (therefore helping prevent sprains) may activate more slowly in high-top versus low-top shoes. Miniaci-Coxhead says that the best way to prevent an ankle sprain is less about what you put on your ankle and more about how strong your ankles are. While it may seem that high-tops help, Dr. If you think you need to use an ankle splint, please consult your health care provider or physical therapist. They’re not meant for athletic use of any kind. While ankle splints are used to stabilize the ankle, they’re meant for use with injuries or other medical conditions affecting the ankle. It may take a lot of sampling to get the right brace for you but that’s essential to make sure you get the most support you can – and not risk additional injury. To make sure you pick the best brace for you, consult your healthcare provider or physical therapist can also help you in the process. But there is also an almost overwhelming number of choices and variations. But braces are still a great way to give your ankles stronger support to better prevent ankle sprains, especially during intense physical activity.Īnkle braces have come a long way over the years and many now offer support without sacrificing too much comfort or flexibility. “Studies show that high-top shoes, ankle braces and taping are likely all equal in their effectiveness in supporting the ankle,” she says.Īdvertising Policy The case for ankle bracesĪs with shoes, there’s no perfect brace that can guarantee you won’t suffer a sprained ankle at one point or another. However, high-top shoes aren’t the only way to get extra support. She adds that they also may help those who are recovering from an ankle injury or who are more prone to injuries. “I think people participating in sports that tend to have a higher risk for ankle sprains (basketball, for example) may benefit from a high-top shoe,” Dr. So does the type of activity you’re doing matter? “However, there are also studies saying that, in a dynamic situation, high-top shoes did not prevent excessive inversion.” “There are a few studies that suggest the foot inverts less (which is the main mechanism of an ankle sprain) when wearing high-top shoes,” she says. Miniaci-Coxhead says the snug protection of high-top athletic shoes can certainly make your ankles feel more stable, but the real question is whether that extra support prevents ankle sprains.Īnd that’s a question that is still very debatable, she says. On its surface, the idea that high-top athletic shoes offer more ankle support seems like the right one. To find out what gets you the best ankle support and if high-top athletic shoes are better than low-cut options, we talked to orthopedic surgeon Sara Lyn Miniaci-Coxhead, MD. With the right kind of shoe, brace and exercise, you can give your ankles the support they need without negatively impacting your performance. While there’s no equipment that can completely prevent ankle injuries from happening, that doesn’t mean safe support is impossible. It’s not surprising that people who run or work out regularly will try to prevent these painful injuries in any way possible. The stiff, painful muscles can make just walking around hard enough, never mind the time you’ll miss running or exercising. It’s the type of annoying, nagging injury that can linger for weeks. PolicyĪny kind of ankle sprain or injury isn’t just painful when it happens.
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