BRACE YOURSELF FOR

ANKLE PROTECTION

 

In my first article for the McDonald's Geelong Supercats, I will discuss the most common injury seen on the basketball court... the ‘ankle sprain’.   I won’t be going into the specific rehabilitation following an inversion injury, however, instead a proactive look into how basketball players can lower the risk of it potentially happening.

I very frequently get asked in the clinic; “what is better... ankle braces or taping?” and “can ankle braces weaken your ankles and then you become reliant on them?”

Let me start by stating that I have worn ankle braces since I was 15 years old. I have worn them them to every practice and every game since then. When deciding whether to wear ankle braces or get tape applied, the answer is pretty simple... whatever feels more comfortable for the player. Studies have shown the effectiveness of both in enhancing ankle protection. They both increase proprioception (our body’s ability to sense movement in joints) which means the little ankle ‘tweaks’ rarely happen. With shoes recently becoming lower and lower (eg Kobes and Durants shoes), we have to rely on this proprioception even more. In summary:

BRACES – Cheaper in general (one initial cost), longer duration of use, ease of putting on/off, able to be readjusted during practice/game, general restriction of ankle.

TAPE – Form fitting to prevent specific movements, less ‘bulky’ than braces, normally requires pre-wrap or adhesive spray, costs more overall and needs experience to apply.

Therefore, both taping and bracing only HELP with ankle stability and reduction of injuries. They may not save you everytime (eg jumping and landing on another players foot), but will significantly reduce the minor sprains and the level/grade of sprain if it is a major inversion injury. You will NOT get reliant on them and they will only help strengthen your ankle in conjunction with balance and lower limb exercises. Lastly, it would be good practice to use either ankle support following a sprain when returning to sport as it will reduce injury time and return to the court.

At the Corio Bay Clinic, we stock both ankle braces and supply/apply/teach taping.

I hope you found this article helpful, please get in touch with me at cannanphysio@gmail.com or come see me in the clinic if you have any other questions regarding this article or have any sports injury concerns.

 

Ash Cannan – Geelong Supercat and Corio Bay Physiotherapist

 

CORIO BAY NORTHERN PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC – (03) 5275 3676