Unveiling the top notch ankle braces for volleyball
image from Flickr
When you are playing sports such as the volleyball, then at that any point of time you are susceptible to injuries. Now, when that happen any injuries occur will need a certain amount of time to heal. For that very reason, using leg support like the ankle braces for volleyball offer you adequate protection you need when you play your favorite game.
They help your joint in moving smoothly and at the same time maintain the much needed compression for your foot. These garments also help to regulate the mobility of the joint and conform easily to the shape of your foot.
Furthermore, those gears are appropriate when you suffers from ankle inflammation and ankle trauma. Now, every person are different and has his or her individual set of requirements. This is why we will give you an essential guideline about selecting the best ankle braces.
What you should look for when buying ankle braces?
Now, when you are buying an ankle garment, then the first most important aspect is that the garment should fit you well. It should be able to offer you the right amount of support and compression as well.
The perfect fit should be able to surround your ankle completely. Ideally, when you have to buy your first ankle braces, then you should opt for the medical garments that have laces and straps. The real reason is that such garments allow you to make the adjustments needed with ease.
If you are suffering from a mild sprain, then you should go for an ankle garment that is fairly restrictive. Usually, the thinner braces offer a more comfortable feel. Ideally, you should go for those ankle braces that have moisture wicking properties.
When the brace is made from lightweight material, it easily allows the moisture and heat to escape. If the ankle brace has two different types of straps, then it will be able to offer greater support.
Understanding the pros and cons of ankle braces for volleyball
When you are buying ankle braces, then you need to understand that there are three different varieties of such braces on the market. One is post injury, one is stirrup and one is lace-up.
When you go for the lace-up braces, then you will notice that they are made from nylon vinyl material and are mildly rigid. The advantage of the lace-up garments is that it is not an issue to tighten up these braces and achieve the desired compression. Moreover, you get more flexibility with the lace-up braces.
Now, if you go for the post-injury ankle braces, then you will notice the fact that they are pretty rigid. These type of ankles braces are filled with gel or air. This medical garment has about two plastic panels. Both these panels are found on both sides of the leg and also have a hinge that allows flexing.
If you want to buy ankle braces, then it is essential that you should explore the third category as well. These are the stirrup braces. These medical garments permit the ankle to move up and down with ease. Moreover, the ankle garment protects the ankle from rolling out as well. It has got about two plastic inserts on both the sides and they inhibit the inversion and eversion as well.
Learning the proper way to fit the ankle braces
Before you decide to opt for one of the best ankle braces, then make sure that you keep some essential instructions in your mind. When you wear the ankle garment, make sure that you wear an absorbent sock especially in the case when you opt for lace-up medical garment. Apart from this make sure that you wear sneakers as well so that the medical garment can get the maximum support.
- Fitting lace-up ankle garment: If you are wearing a lace-up ankle garment, then you should try positioning your heel in the hole at the bottom and the rear of the brace. Next, you should lace the medical garment. The strap should be wrapped across the top of the foot and the heel. The Velcro hook should be secured at the Velcro loop on the inside of your ankle. Now, in the end you should try to put the strap tight for ensuring the proper performance.
image from Amazon
You should also try wrapping the lateral strap across the top of your foot as well and continuously wrap the strap under your heel and under your foot as well. Again you should start securing the Velcro hook to the Velcro loop on the outside of your ankle.
- Adjusting the Stirrup ankle garment: Start off by applying the stirrup support and aligning the shell with the liner is also vital. You should try wrapping the lower support strap in a firm way around your ankle until you feel comfortable. Next, you should lace-up your shoes. Once you are done with this part you should start pulling up heel Velcro straps on both the sides for proper fit, support and comfort.
Next, you should start wrapping the upper strap while pulling the strap upwards so that it may lie flat. The plastic side support should be properly centered as well along your ankle to offer a better fitting. Make sure that you trim off the excess straps when the brace is secured on the person’s leg.
When you have to remove the stirrup ankle garment, then make sure that you release the two main straps. Open the ankle garment slightly and step out of the brace with ease.
How to clean your ankle braces effectively?
If you are in the habit of wearing ankle garments for a long time, then you must be aware of the fact that this can lead to moisture accumulation in the brace. As a result, this can eventually lead to bacteria build-up as well.
The cleaning process of the medical garment also depends upon the material used. For example,
- if the ankle garment is made up of plastic or fabric, then you can easily wash it.
- always remember to use cold water for cleaning the medical garment
- use a mild detergent as well.
Once you are done with the washing you should wipe the brace using a cloth. Try cleaning the smaller parts of the medical garment using cotton swabs.
The best ankle braces for volleyball
Now, that you have the basic insight regarding how you should choose and clean the ankle braces, let us explore some of the best options available. When you have to make your selection, make sure you study the features of these medical garments and choose as per your requirements.
Another advantage of the Yosoo medical garment is that it fits easily in most of the shoes and is quite lightweight as well. However, the manufacturer needs to work a bit on improving the quality of the Velcro straps.
Additionally, Ipow ankle garment has about 2 individual cross straps as well. The best thing about these cross straps is that they can be adjusted with ease. This medical garment is flexible and you do not have to worry about poor blood circulation as well. You get three different size options with Ipow and also the lifetime warranty.
Ipow is FDA approved as well so this is why you can wear this ankle brace without the need to worry about anything at all. If you have a tight budget then you can easily afford this medical garment as it costs under $17. However, there is one flaw and it is caused by the seams that are not really durable. This is one of those issue that the manufacturer needs to address immediately for better customer satisfactions.
Vive makes use of the exclusive compression therapy that helps to improve the blood circulation to the ankle. Well, the only issue with this medical garment is that it is a bit heavy for young children who are eager to play volleyball.
The only evident setback of this garment is that it becomes lose after a wash and the effectiveness is visibly reduced. However, this is just one small flaw and hopefully can be addressed.
The biggest quality about Bodyprox is that it is durable and flexible as well. However, the heel stability of this medical garment needs to be improved.
Now, that you have all the essential information in front of you, make sure that you fix in an appointment with your physician as well. He will guide you regarding the best ankle braces for volleyball and you can discuss the mentioned options with him. This way you will be able to spend your hard earned money on the best ankle braces.
