# Ankle braces > An ankle brace is a support worn around the ankle, used mainly to help prevent repeat sprains and to protect the ankle after a recent one. It seems to help most if you've sprained the ankle before, and it works best alongside exercise rather than on its own. Guide in [Treatments](https://footanklelowerlimb.com.au/learn/topics/treatments), from Foot Ankle Lower Limb: https://footanklelowerlimb.com.au/learn/ankle-brace Reviewed by Andrew Schox, BSc(Hons) PGradDipPod MPod (Podiatrist) on 27 October 2026. Next review by 27 October 2027. - **A brace is a support worn around the ankle,** used mainly to help prevent repeat sprains. - **It helps most if you've sprained before,** and works best alongside exercise rather than on its own. - **The type matters:** lace-up and stirrup braces steady the ankle more than a sleeve or elastic guard. - **It doesn't replace assessment** if you think your ankle might be broken. ## 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 sprains [1]. It can also protect the ankle in the first days after a sprain [2]. Its main job is mechanical: it limits how far the ankle can roll, especially inwards [3]. 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 sprains [4]. Elastic ankle guards help with swelling but don't steady the ankle [5]. ## 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 sprains [6]. They seem to help most in athletes with a past ankle injury, with no difference seen in athletes who had never been injured [1]. Not every review finds a clear benefit for people in general, so the picture isn't settled [7]. 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 programme [6]. For mild sprains, a stirrup brace with an elastic wrap returned people to normal stair climbing sooner than a wrap alone [1]. **For a long-term unstable ankle,** a brace on its own isn't enough [8]. It may be worth considering for athletes with an unstable ankle, to reduce further sprains, particularly when landing, but the certainty is low [9]. Most people feel better a few days after a sprain, and full healing can take about six weeks [10]. 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 sprains [1]. 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 sprain [5]. 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]. > [!see] If you have diabetes or reduced feeling > If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or tingling, numbness or loss of feeling in your foot, get advice from your GP or a health professional before relying on a brace [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 that [2]. If you use a compression bandage, don't wrap it too tightly and don't wear it in bed at night [12]. Ask a physiotherapist about an exercise programme to use alongside the brace [6]. ## What are the risks and side effects? In recreational soccer players, a brace didn't affect kicking accuracy, speed or agility [13]. In basketball players, bracing doesn't seem to raise the risk of knee injury [3]. 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 minutes [14]. 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 it [14]. For children, a brace that's too small commonly marks over the ankle. Check the fit, and ask the supplier if it has been outgrown [14]. ## 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 better [15]. A brace may give better self-reported function [16], and it can cost less than repeated taping [3]. 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 effects [7]. Supervised exercise programmes are preferred over passive treatments [6], 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 climbing [1]. For stable ankle fractures in adults, a removable orthosis had fewer complications than a cast [17]. Fractures need assessment first, and their treatment isn't interchangeable with sprain care. ## When to see a podiatrist Ask a podiatrist or physiotherapist about a brace if you've had repeat sprains, your ankle feels unstable, or you're returning to sport. See your GP if: - pain or swelling isn't improving or is getting worse [11]; - ankle pain hasn't improved after 2 weeks of home care [11]; - you have tingling or loss of feeling in your foot [11]; - you have diabetes and foot pain [11]. If you're not improving as expected, ask about a physiotherapy referral, which may help if symptoms haven't improved within 6–12 weeks [16]. See your GP or a podiatrist the same day if: - you have diabetes and a wound, sore, blister or colour change on your foot; - you can't put weight on the foot after an injury, or you heard a snap or pop, or have severe pain, major swelling or bruising straight away, as these can mean a broken ankle [11]; - you have sudden severe pain or numbness in a leg or foot; - foot discolouration or altered feeling lasts after an injury [12]. For urgent advice when it isn't an emergency, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (24 hours a day), or go to a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Go to the nearest emergency department if your ankle looks badly out of shape after an injury [11]. Call 000 and ask for an ambulance if a bone has come through the skin, or your foot or toes suddenly turn cold and pale or blue, with pain or numbness [11]. ## Common questions ### Can I wear an ankle brace to play sport? Many people do. In recreational soccer players, a brace didn't affect speed, agility or kicking accuracy. Most of the research on bracing is in athletes who have sprained before. A podiatrist or physiotherapist can help you choose a type suited to your sport and whether to add exercises. ### How long should I wear an ankle brace? A best length of time isn't clear yet, so follow the instructions that come with your brace or from the clinician who supplied it. It can help to ask them when it's most useful to wear and when you can ease off, and to build ankle exercises in alongside it. ### Will wearing an ankle brace weaken my ankle? It isn't clear yet whether wearing a brace for a long time weakens the ankle muscles or makes you dependent on it. A physiotherapist can show you exercises to use alongside a brace, which keeps you working on strength and balance rather than relying on the support alone. ## Further reading - [Ankle braces on Clindice](https://clindice.com/ankle-brace) - [Ankle pain - Early management](https://www.mskdorset.nhs.uk/ankle-pain/ankle-pain-early-management/), NHS - [Emergency and Urgent Care - Managing ankle injuries :: Northern Care Alliance](https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/patient-information/patient-leaflets/emergency-and-urgent-care-managing-ankle-injuries), NHS - [Ankle Sprain](https://msk-bexley.nhs.uk/conditions/foot-and-ankle-pain/ankle-sprain), NHS - [Guide for Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)](https://dchft.nhs.uk/leaflets/guide-for-ankle-foot-orthosis-afo/), NHS - [Ankle foot orthosis guide :: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust](https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-and-sites/physical-health/orthotics-insoles-braces-and-supports/ankle-foot-orthosis-guide), NHS ## Sources 1. National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes · Kaminski TW, Hertel J, Amendola N et al. · Journal of Athletic Training · 2013. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-48.4.02 2. Sprains and strains · NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/ 3. Ankle Bracing as a Public Health Game Changer: A Narrative Review on the Prevention of Ankle Injuries in Basketball Players · Slivšek G, Marinović M, Mijač S et al. · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62020287 4. Ankle sprain bracing solutions and future design consideration for civilian and military use · Dubuc YZ, Mazzone B, Yoder AJ et al. · Expert Review of Medical Devices · 2022. https://doi.org/10.1080/17434440.2022.2039622 5. Prophylactic ankle bracing · Miller EA, Hergenroeder AC · Pediatric Clinics of North America · 1990. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0031-3955(16)36982-6 6. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline · Vuurberg G, Hoorntje A, Wink LM et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2018. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-098106 7. Preventive interventions for lateral ankle sprains: A systematic review and meta-analysis · Wang F, Guan Y, Bamber Z et al. · Clinical Rehabilitation · 2023. https://doi.org/10.1177/02692155221137640 8. Do External Supports Improve Dynamic Balance in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability? A Network Meta-analysis · Tsikopoulos K, Sidiropoulos K, Kitridis D et al. · Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research · 2020. https://doi.org/10.1097/corr.0000000000000946 9. External Ankle Support and Ankle Biomechanics in Chronic Ankle Instability: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis · Rowe PL, Bryant AL, Egerton T et al. · Journal of Athletic Training · 2023. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0208.22 10. Ankle Sprain A&E Leaflet - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust · NHS · 2018. https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/ankle-sprain-ed-leaflet/ 11. Ankle pain · NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/foot-pain/ankle-pain/ 12. Ankle Sprain - NHS Lanarkshire · NHS Lanarkshire · 2021. https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/physiotherapy-msk/ankle-sprain/ 13. Impact of ankle bracing on skill performance in recreational soccer players · Putnam AR, Bandolin SN, Krabak BJ · PM & R · 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.04.001 14. Guide for Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) · Dorset County Hospital. https://dchft.nhs.uk/leaflets/guide-for-ankle-foot-orthosis-afo/ 15. A systematic review on the effectiveness of external ankle supports in the prevention of inversion ankle sprains among elite and recreational players · Dizon JMR, Reyes JJB · Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport · 2010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2009.05.002 16. Sub acute lateral ankle | Right Decisions · NHS. https://www.rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/ggc-msk-foot-and-ankle/ankle/sub-acute-lateral-ankle/ 17. Cast versus removable orthosis for the management of stable type B ankle fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis · Spierings JF, Nijdam TMP, van der Heijden L et al. · European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery · 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-022-02169-6 --- This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for you. For advice about your own feet or legs, see a podiatrist or your doctor. In an emergency, call 000.