Ankle braces

What is an ankle brace, and how does it work?

An ankle brace (also called an ankle support, stabiliser or ankle orthosis) is a support worn around the ankle. It's used mainly to prevent first-time sprains and, more often, repeat sprains¹. It can also protect the ankle in the first days after a sprain².

Its main job is mechanical: it limits how far the ankle can roll, especially inwards³. Braces come as sleeves, lace-ups and stirrups. Sleeves give mild compression and warmth but limited stability, while lace-ups and stirrups appear more effective at preventing and treating sprains⁴. Elastic ankle guards help with swelling but don't steady the ankle⁵.

What is an ankle brace used for, and how well does it work?

Preventing repeat sprains is the best-supported use. A guideline says braces should be considered an effective option for repeat sprains⁶. They seem to help most in athletes with a past ankle injury, with no difference seen in athletes who had never been injured¹. Not every review finds a clear benefit for people in general, so the picture isn't settled⁷. Much of the research is in athletes, especially basketball players, so it may not apply the same way to everyone.

After a recent sprain, the most benefit comes from tape or a brace combined with an exercise programme⁶. For mild sprains, a stirrup brace with an elastic wrap returned people to normal stair climbing sooner than a wrap alone¹.

For a long-term unstable ankle, a brace on its own isn't enough⁸. It may be worth considering for athletes with an unstable ankle, to reduce further sprains, particularly when landing, but the certainty is low⁹.

Most people feel better a few days after a sprain, and full healing can take about six weeks¹⁰. That's general sprain timing, not specific to bracing.

Is an ankle brace right for me?

A brace suits people who have already injured their ankle, particularly athletes with a history of sprains¹. If you've never sprained your ankle, ask a health professional before buying one for prevention. An air stirrup brace isn't recommended as first-choice support if you haven't had a recent sprain⁵.

For children with sprains there's little guidance, so ask your GP or podiatrist before using one.

Don't use a brace in place of assessment if your ankle might be broken (see the last section)¹¹.

What happens when I use an ankle brace?

A podiatrist or physiotherapist can help you choose a type to suit your ankle and your activity. If stability is what you need, a sleeve won't do the job of a lace-up.

How long to wear a brace, and how many exercise sessions to pair with it, isn't clear yet. Follow the instructions that come with your brace, or from the clinician who supplied it. Check the straps are secure but not too tight, and wear the brace with suitable shoes.

In the first 2–3 days after a sprain, protecting the injury with rest, ice, compression and elevation is common, and a support such as a brace can be part of that². If you use a compression bandage, don't wrap it too tightly and don't wear it in bed at night¹². Ask a physiotherapist about an exercise programme to use alongside the brace⁶.

What are the risks and side effects?

In recreational soccer players, a brace didn't affect kicking accuracy, speed or agility¹³. In basketball players, bracing doesn't seem to raise the risk of knee injury³.

How bracing affects skin, circulation and ankle muscles over long-term wear isn't clear yet, so check your skin each time you take the brace off. Red marks from a snug fit should fade within 20 minutes¹⁴. If they don't, or you have blisters or pain, check the fit. If it still bothers you when it's fitted correctly, stop wearing it and contact the clinician who supplied it¹⁴.

For children, a brace that's too small commonly marks over the ankle. Check the fit, and ask the supplier if it has been outgrown¹⁴.

How does a brace compare with other options?

Tape: for preventing sprains, braces and tape look broadly similar, and no type of support has come out clearly better¹⁵. A brace may give better self-reported function¹⁶, and it can cost less than repeated taping³. Your clinician can help you choose based on cost, ease of use, comfort and what you'll actually wear.

Exercise: a brace and balance (proprioceptive) training had similar preventive effects⁷. Supervised exercise programmes are preferred over passive treatments⁶, so a brace is best seen as an add-on, not a replacement.

Casts: after a sprain, a stirrup brace and a below-knee walking cast gave the same time to normal walking and stair climbing¹. For stable ankle fractures in adults, a removable orthosis had fewer complications than a cast¹⁷. Fractures need assessment first, and their treatment isn't interchangeable with sprain care.