Foot Problems – Sprained Ankles

Sprained ankles may occur frequently and become a serious medical problem, destabilizing your every step and putting you in jeopardy of taking a disastrous fall.

Causes: Most ankle sprains affect the outer side of the ankle, which has just three small ligaments supporting it. The method of injury is a turning of the foot inward at the ankle (an inversion sprain).

There are two types of feet that are very susceptible to frequent ankle sprains, and if left untreated they can cause a lifetime of pain and disability.

1. In the first foot type, these ligaments are weak or thin, they cannot provide proper support, and any twist or turn of the ankle will tear or injure these ligaments, causing a painful sprain. Each subsequent sprain will weaken these ligaments further.

2. The second-foot type susceptible to ankle sprains is the pronated foot (the foot rolls outward and you walk on the inner side of the foot). This foot type causes a shortening and weakening of the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle. Thus, any twist of the ankle will injure and stretch these shortened ligaments until they tear, causing pain and serious sprains. If ankle sprains continue to occur, the ankle ligaments may be completely destroyed.

For immediate pain relief:

• If the pain or swelling is intense, or if you are not sure, you may have a fracture. In this case, go to your podiatrist or the emergency room immediately.
• Rest and elevation. Reduce weight-bearing activities (use crutches).

Elevate the leg to help reduce swelling.

• Apply ice to the ankle for 30 minutes every two hours, for the first three days. Then apply mild moist heat twice daily for 30 minutes. Heat must be mild!
• Apply mild compression to the ankle with a 3-inch elastic bandage. This will support the ankle ligaments and reduce swelling. Compression must be mild (do not apply so tight that it will reduce circulation).
• After two days, your ankle should be less painful, and the swelling and discolorations should be going away. If not, see a podiatrist immediately.

Long Term Treatment: Treatment must be directed at supporting the ankle ligaments, and preventing further sprains.

The following products are recommended by podiatrists, orthopedists, trainers, and physical therapists.

• Custom-made orthotics maintain the foot in its normal position to the ankle, thus helping to eliminate ankle sprains. This orthotic gently holds the heel in a normal or neutral position, thus stabilizing the ankle. This helps to prevent the foot from twisting and protects the ankle ligaments from the trauma of the twist. Whether the cause of your frequent ankle sprains is loose and weak ligaments or pronation, custom-made orthotics will help to stabilize your foot and ankle; and thus, help to prevent injury, pain, and swelling from occurring.
• Custom-made orthotics can be made to fit in most shoe styles with heel heights of two inches or less. 
• Ankle Braces provide stability and help to prevent sprains and ligamentous injuries. Medical Ankle Braces as we have found them to be effective, comfortable, durable, and economical. Royce offers a variety of ankle braces, and we have chosen the three most popular/effective styles to sell. These braces are the same ones that are sold in doctor¹s offices and hospitalsŠthey cannot be found in pharmacies. We invite you to compare these braces to each other and choose the one that will best serve your needs.

Gel Ankle Brace The Gel Ankle Brace is one of the most comfortable and effective ankle stirrup braces on the market. The anatomically-contoured and adjustable shell conforms closely to the ankle with minimal bulk in the shoe, while the Gel Pads ensure a comfortable fit. Utilizing an 80% gel, and 20% foam combination, Royce has developed a supportive, yet comfortable and therapeutic sports stirrup.

This brace stabilizes the ankle by preventing abnormal side-to-side motion of the foot at the ankle but allows the normal up-and-down motion of the foot at the ankle. The Gel Pads produce a graduated, pulsating compression that helps to milk away swelling. This brace also offers the benefit of allowing the Gel Pads to be removed and either cooled in a freezer or heated in a microwave, to help defeat the pain cycle, by providing cold therapy to reduce swelling and/or hot therapy to increase blood flow and stimulate recovery.

Whether you have a sprained and painful ankle, or you have weak ankles and want to prevent a sprain, this brace will fit your needs. This is a unique ankle brace in that it not only supports the ankle, but it also stimulates healing. Fits in most athletic and casual shoes. One size fits all because the brace molds to your ankle.

Ankle Brace with Honeycomb Pads The Ankle Brace with Honeycomb Pads are constructed using “Honeycomb Pads” which quickly contour to the anatomy of your ankle, ensuring a comfortable fit. Most ankle braces use foam pads that quickly become so compressed that they no longer provide the comfort or support that they initially did. This is not so with these uniquely designed and constructed Honeycomb Pads, which will provide support and comfort for years. The following features make this brace one of the most comfortable and effective ankle stirrups on the market:

The anatomically-contoured and adjustable shell conforms closely to the ankle with minimal bulk in the shoe, while the Honeycomb Pads ensure a comfortable fit. Aeration holes within the Honeycomb Pads ensure a cool and breathable pad surface. Royce¹s “Flex Edge” patented over-mold technology incorporates a soft flexible edge onto the outer shell. This effectively eliminates pressure points on the ankle and irritations due to the edges of the brace rubbing on the skin. This brace stabilizes the ankle by preventing abnormal side-to-side motion of the foot at the ankle but allows the normal up-and-down motion of the foot at the ankle.

Whether you have a sprained and painful ankle, or you have weak ankles and want to prevent a sprain, this brace will fit your needs. Fits in all athletic and walking shoes, and most casual shoes. One size fits all because the brace molds to your ankle.

Exoform Ankle Brace Comfort and effectiveness are ensured by Exoform™ Technology. This “space-age” technology forms an injection-molded exoskeleton directly onto the soft breathable fabric, combining the compression and comfort of a soft ankle brace with the stability of a stirrup ankle brace.

This brace reduces ankle inversion (sprains) by as much as 35% over other more expensive ankle stirrups, without restricting plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. Ankle stability is comfortably enhanced by the unique heel-lock strapping system. The slim fit design is low profile and fits easily into a shoe. Breathable lightweight fabric enhances comfort by allowing heat and moisture to escape throughout the brace. The padded heel and tongue fabric is durable and provides added comfort.

Material is 100% latex-free. Speed laces allow the user to lace up the Exoform in seconds, a big time-saver that will encourage use. Machine washable, and air dries quickly. Universal design allows the brace to fit either the left or right ankle.