Ankle orthoses: choosing the right one

09/07/2020 Ankle injuries are a very common phenomenon, manifesting themselves in both dislocations and subluxations, as well as fractures and cracks. In all of these cases, timely and correct treatment of the disease is necessary. The most optimal and reliable option is a mobilizing bandage, represented by bandages, orthoses and fixators. The most popular among them is the bandage. You can purchase it on our website at optimally low prices. And we will tell you how to choose the right one for yourself in this article.

Classification of bandages

To begin with, it’s worth saying a few words about the bandage itself. An ankle brace is a device worn on this part of the leg, the task of which is to securely fix the ligamentous articular apparatus and the bones that form it. It is a more convenient and functional solution compared to plaster casts and elastic bandages.

According to the manufactured models, bandages are divided into:

• Rigid models - the design includes metal or plastic ribs, due to which increased fixation occurs. Their use is varied, including fractures, since they are in no way inferior to plaster casts;
• Splint design models - such bandages allow doctors to observe the fusion of bones due to the absence of hinges in them. Their main advantage is the ability to adjust the fixation (from small to higher);
• Semi-rigid models - these bandages slightly preserve the mobility of the joint, while limiting its movement to the desired extent;
• Soft models - such designs are intended for preventive use against sprains or during the rehabilitation period after an ankle injury;

Based on the purpose of the bandages, they are divided into the following types:

• Corrective models – aimed at eliminating joint deformities;
• Fixing models;
• Compression models - their tasks include fixing joint structures and accelerating tissue healing;
• Unloading models;
• Dynamic models.

Before purchasing a bandage, we recommend that you consult with a doctor or an experienced consultant who will select the most effective model for you.

How to apply a bandage to a leg in case of injury

There are general rules for bandaging the lower extremities.

Before the manipulation, the victim should be given the most comfortable and functional position to minimize pain in the future.

Ensure limb immobility by extending it at the hip and knee joints 180 degrees or bending the ankle 90 degrees (if possible).

Using existing furniture (table or chair), place the injured part of the leg as high as possible, preferably at the chest level of the person providing assistance.

While applying the bandage, constantly monitor the condition of the victim: if there is a clear deterioration, the tension of the bandage should be loosened and the direction of the turns should be changed.

SYNERGEL

— the healing power of 4 natural poisons will quickly relieve joint pain!
Get Synergel on promotion only
Old price: 4790₽

New price: 147₽

Contactless delivery and safe receipt of your order!

The width of the bandage used depends on the location of the lesion and can range from 10 to 14 cm.

The free end of the bandage should be held in the left hand, the bandage itself in the right.

First, make a couple or three fixing turns.

The bandage should be applied from left to right so that the next layer covers the previous one approximately halfway. For ease of movement, the bandage is folded at the folds.

At the end of bandaging, the ends are secured.

What materials are bandage structures made from?

The material for the bandage is selected based on its model and purpose. For example, structures whose purpose is to retain heat and eliminate pain and swelling are created from neoprene.

For allergy sufferers, the best choice is the model with the highest cotton content.

Silicone inserts are used as part of the bandage for higher fixation and compression, which are necessary when there is a heavy load on the leg.

Elastic models that have additional straps or Velcro are popular, creating the greatest fixation of the bandage.

When purchasing a bandage structure, it is very important to choose a model made from quality materials. Our experienced consultants will be happy to help you with your purchase and tell you in detail about each model you are interested in.

How to apply a bandage to the ankle joint?

Depending on the method of application, there are several types of joint bandages. Each of them has its own characteristics.

SYNERGEL

— the healing power of 4 natural poisons will quickly relieve joint pain!
Get Synergel on promotion only
Old price: 4790₽

New price: 147₽

Contactless delivery and safe receipt of your order!

Applying a pressure bandage

When working with it, you need to be guided by the following algorithm of actions:

1. Wrap the foot in a bandage, moving clockwise, pressing the material tightly against the skin. They start with the pads, then the entire surface of the foot is exposed.
2. The ankle is bandaged in a figure-of-eight motion, then the manipulation is repeated.
3. Fix the end of the wound fabric on the joint and tie it.

If after completing the procedure you feel discomfort, the skin in the damaged area is very tight, then the joint should be unbandaged, the leg should be allowed to rest, and then the action should be repeated again.

Dressing with sports tape

Tape is an elastic adhesive sheet that is attached to the skin. Dressing with sports tape is applied according to the following scheme:

• the surface of the leg is smeared with Vaseline;
• a pair of shock-absorbing pads or a liner is placed on top;
• The shin is wrapped with tape (all turns are overlapped);
• subsequent strips of plaster are attached in the shape of a stirrup;
• each subsequent layer covers the previous one;
• complete the action by securing several strips of adhesive tape to the top of the foot.

During the procedure, it is necessary to ensure that the tape is laid evenly, without tubercles or folds.

Instead of the main material, you can use a thick dressing bandage that is not inferior in elasticity to adhesive tape.

Cross-shaped

Bandage as follows:

• bandage the lower leg;
• pass the material diagonally through the back of the foot;
• Having wrapped the sole, return to the starting position, cross the bandage (the layers should be overlapped).

The dressing is completed by attaching a bandage at the base of the foot.

Turtle

The bandage is wound over the heel or knee (depending on the location of the injury), the dressing material is placed in a circle on both sides of the affected area. The fabric is crossed on the back of the fold, the bandage stretches to the ankle.

Choosing the right bandage

• As we said earlier, an experienced specialist from the Orthopedic Center will help you choose the right bandage based on its functionality;
• The first thing you need to do when purchasing is to correctly determine the size of the ankle brace;
• The sizing chart for each company is individual, so when purchasing, be guided by the grid that is indicated on the product itself;
• Determine your shoe size (this can be done by the insole of the shoes you most often wear);
• It is necessary to measure the girth of the ankle (i.e. its circumference). Measurements should be taken at the narrowest part;
• Measure the circumference of your shin - the measurement takes place between the knee joint and ankle;
• The process of measuring the circumference of the ankle through the heel - place and press the heel firmly to the floor, use a centimeter tape to measure the circumference of the ankle at an angle, starting from the heel and ending below the bones located above the ankle;
• If your measurements are somewhere between two bandage sizes, then feel free to purchase the smaller of the two. If the retainer is too large, it will not be able to perform its functions efficiently. But too small a size is also fraught with consequences in the form of impaired blood supply;
• If you follow these rules when choosing an ankle brace, your purchase will be successful and useful. The model you purchase can become a faithful assistant both for fractures and bruises, and for the prevention of various injuries.

The main thing is to remember:

• The bandage should be chosen based on the functions it must perform;
• To ensure that the brace is selected correctly, pay attention to 4 things: shoe size, ankle circumference size, calf circumference size and ankle circumference size.
• If you have an average foot size (for example, 38.5), then always choose the smallest side.

Content:

• Ankle brace: what is it, types of orthoses
• What materials are used to make ankle braces?
• How to choose the right ankle brace?
• Short description

Ankle injuries occur very often and not only among athletes. These may be dislocations, subluxations, sprains, cracks or fractures. In all these cases, to ensure adequate treatment, a mobilizing bandage called by different terms is used: orthosis, bandage, fixator. A bandage for the ankle joint after a fracture or other injury can be purchased in an online store, pharmacy or specialized departments of orthopedic products. The range of these devices is extremely wide. You will learn how to choose an ankle brace and not make a mistake by reading this publication.

How can you tell if the bandage is applied incorrectly?

There are several signs that the bandaging was incorrect and should be redone. These are the following signs:

1. Blueness of the toes that does not go away even after moving the toes. Indicates that the bandage is very tight and venous blood flow is impaired.
2. The toes and the foot itself are cold and pale. A symptom of deterioration in arterial blood circulation.
3. The leg goes numb and throbs under the bandage. If such sensations do not go away within half an hour, then the bandage is too tight.
4. The leg walks and the bandage falls off. This indicates insufficient immobilization of the ankle. The bandage was not tightened properly or the bandaging technique itself was incorrect.

The presence of at least one of the symptoms requires urgent removal of the bandage.

After this, it is recommended to take a lying position, put your leg on a pillow and massage it a little, this will help normalize blood circulation. After this, the ankle can be re-bandaged according to the instructions and do not forget about the force of compression of the joint with the bandage.

Orthopedic (therapeutic) compression socks

Compression socks for ankle joints
An orthopedic bandage for an injured ankle stimulates muscle regeneration and growth. Orthopedic salons recommend purchasing all products only after consultation with a specialist. However, even after this, before purchasing, it is worth learning as much as possible about the range of treatment models so that you can be confident in the correct choice.

Medical orthoses are intended for:

• recovery from injuries (ruptures and sprains of ligaments, muscles, dislocations, fractures, immobilization);
• preventing possible injuries (if tendons or ligaments are weak, it is convenient to wear a compression sock);
• easing the symptoms of certain ailments (swelling, lumps in the ankle area, etc.)

Regardless of purpose, most models have the following characteristics:

• Hard base. The product can be of medium or strong hardness. Stiff inserts provide maximum fixation of the problem area. The bottom layer is usually elastic.
• Lace or Velcro. A medical orthosis necessarily has additional fixation and the ability to be adjusted to individual characteristics (thin lower leg, wide foot). Velcro and lacing are often present.
• Special form. Models of compression socks can have a pressure area in the shape of a butterfly, a curved ellipse, or in other variations. The differences in the shape of the active area are related to the direction of action: some clamps press on the muscles, others restrain the joint, and others restrain the tendon. For example, model 1408 from OPPO prevents Achilles tendon dysfunction. It adapts to any foot size and has several variations.
• Variety of models. A children's orthosis, a product for adults, the elderly, women or men - orthopedic companies produce all of the listed specialized types of bandages.

Medical products are produced by medical companies, most often large orthopedic organizations.
Orlett can be considered a good manufacturer. The most popular model LAB-221 costs about 4 thousand rubles, it is equipped with comfortable straps for fixation, and is also equipped with lacing. The price category of similar products ranges from 1 to 10 thousand, which is not much different from the cost of a professional sports bandage.

Most buyers, leaving a review of an expensive product, emphasize good fit and reliability.

You cannot select a bandage without an orthopedist, because each product has its own contraindications. Without knowing them, the patient can harm his own health. With the right selection of products, even a newborn girl can receive a support that will not damage soft baby tissues.

Types of elastic and rigid orthoses

Sports leg brace
A soft compression sock for the ankle can be purchased at the pharmacy. But serious orthopedic models are sold only in specialized salons. Some bandages are intended for professional athletes, which is why they are sold in stores like Decathlon or Sportmaster.

What is the difference between all the listed types and which retail outlet should I go to for a new purchase?

Classification of orthopedic socks:

• Sports braces. Available in a variety of models for specific sports. They can be elastic or with lacing, with a fixation of medium rigidity. Sports orthosis is created in strict accordance with the needs of athletes.
• Professional orthopedic products. Sold with a doctor's prescription and worn only in accordance with his recommendations. Acquired after injuries, detection of abnormalities in the bone structure of the ankle.
• Preventive orthopedic products. A soft sock without a heel or toe is the most typical example. Such models gently stimulate blood circulation, relieve swelling, and help relieve muscle fatigue at the end of the day.

You need to purchase the product according to your own needs. There's no point in spending money on a professional basketball brace when all you want is relief from swelling and tension after a day of working on your feet. And if the doctor has prescribed a certain rigid fixation orthosis, in no case should you refuse the specified model and buy a cheaper preventive one.

Before purchasing, you need to clearly determine what function a particular person needs.

To understand why products from different fields do not replace each other, you need to take a closer look at their characteristic features.

Conclusion

For sprains, ligament ruptures and other similar injuries, patients are recommended to wear elastic bandages. It is very important that the correct type of dressing is selected depending on the nature of the damage. This is done according to several criteria: elasticity, stiffness and anatomical features of the patient’s leg.

An ankle injury is usually bandaged using the figure-of-eight method. Bandaging must be done correctly; the bandage cannot be worn continuously or slept in it. This is fraught with impaired blood flow, necrotic processes in tissues and general complications of the clinical picture.