ULTRA CTS®

FOR SIGNIFICANT ANKLE PAIN RESTRICTING YOUR MOBILITY

Significant ankle pain has resulted in restricted movement and decreased ability to perform daily activities. The discomfort is substantial enough to restrict overall mobility, making it challenging or impossible to walk or engage in routine tasks.

Ultra High-5®

FOR MODERATE ANKLE PAIN LIMITING YOUR MOBILITY

Moderate ankle pain is contributing to noticeable limitations in mobility. Walking and daily activities become more difficult due to the persistent pain. You still can accomplish your routine takes but you struggle to complete.

Ankle Arthritis: Pain Management & Brace Support

What Is Ankle Arthritis?

Ankle arthritis causes inflammation in the ankle joint and can damage the cartilage that helps its bones move smoothly. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking or standing. The changes in the joint depend on the type and severity of arthritis.

Arthritis can develop after an ankle injury, through gradual cartilage degeneration, or from an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) explains that post-traumatic arthritis can appear years after the original injury.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), post-traumatic ankle arthritis accounts for a large percentage of cases, making injury history a major risk factor.

If your arthritis developed after prior injuries, you may also want to review our
➡️ Ankle Sprains page
➡️ Ankle Instability page

Types of Ankle Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Arthritis)

Gradual cartilage wear and tear over many years.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

The most common form of ankle arthritis; caused by previous injuries such as sprains or fractures.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Autoimmune inflammation that can affect the ankle joint.

Common Causes of Ankle Arthritis

Previous ankle sprains or fractures
Chronic ankle instability
Wear and tear from aging
Inflammatory joint conditions
Abnormal ankle alignment

If your ankle frequently rolls or gives way, learn more about recurring instability and support options on our Ankle Instability page.

Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis

Pain during walking or standing
Stiffness after rest or in the morning
Swelling around the joint
Reduced mobility
Pain on uneven ground
Grinding, clicking, or locking sensations

Symptoms may worsen slowly or after an injury flare-up.

How Ankle Arthritis Is Diagnosed

A medical provider may assess:

Injury history
Swelling and joint tenderness
Mobility limitations
X-rays to evaluate joint space narrowing
MRI to assess cartilage and surrounding tissue
CT for complex cases

An accurate diagnosis helps identify the cause of your symptoms and guide a treatment plan suited to your condition.

Treatment Options for Ankle Arthritis

Lifestyle Adjustments

Reduce high-impact activities, use supportive footwear, and manage body weight to reduce joint stress.

Physical Therapy

Improve joint mobility
Strengthen supporting muscles
Enhance balance and proprioception

Medication

NSAIDs and occasional injections may help manage pain and inflammation.

Bracing Support

Bracing is a cornerstone of non-surgical treatment, providing stability, alignment control, and pain relief during movement.

Choosing an Ankle Brace for Arthritis Pain

When ankle arthritis makes standing or walking painful, choosing support involves more than preventing ankle rolling. Consider what you need help with: pain when putting weight on the ankle, joint stability, comfortable movement, and a fit that works with your footwear.

Ultra CTS® — Protected Movement for Ankle Arthritis

Ankle arthritis can turn everyday activities into difficult decisions: how far you can walk, how long you can stand, or whether an outing will leave you hurting. The Ultra CTS ankle brace is designed to help reduce weight-bearing pain while supporting the movement needed for daily life.

Ultra CTS is not a typical ankle brace. Its upper cuff and shell work together to help unload the ankle—reducing some of the stress placed on the joint when you stand or walk. Its hinged design allows natural up-and-down ankle movement, while the lower shell helps limit excessive side-to-side rolling.

This is Protected Movement: support designed to help you move more comfortably while protecting the ankle during activity. The goal is to make everyday movement more manageable as part of your arthritis care.

Correct fit matters. Ultra CTS is designed to work with a supportive lace-up walking or athletic shoe, and its shell gradually forms to your ankle during break-in.

Have questions about whether Ultra CTS fits your needs? Ask one of our Certified Athletic Trainers for help understanding the brace, footwear, and fitting options.

Managing Ankle Arthritis & Staying Active

Managing ankle arthritis means finding ways to maintain comfortable movement and daily function. Your care plan should reflect your symptoms, the activities you value, and how your ankle responds.

Maintain Movement and Strength

A physical therapist can recommend exercises to maintain ankle movement and strengthen the muscles that support the joint. Exercises should be tailored to your condition, especially when stiffness or pain limits movement.

Adjust Activities to Your Comfort

Changing how you approach an activity may make it more manageable. Shorter walks, planned breaks, or lower-impact exercise can help you stay active while managing discomfort. Your healthcare provider can help you choose suitable activities and recognize when symptoms need reassessment.

Make Footwear and Support Work Together

Ultra CTS is designed to work with a supportive lace-up walking or athletic shoe. The shoe helps hold the brace securely in place so the brace and footwear can provide support together.

Plan to wear Ultra CTS with this type of shoe rather than sandals, Crocs, or other loose-fitting footwear. Correct brace sizing, secure shoe lacing, and following the fitting instructions are important for comfort and support.

If you are unsure whether your shoes are suitable, our Certified Athletic Trainers can help you understand your fitting options.

Reassess When Your Needs Change

If pain, swelling, or difficulty walking increases, revisit your treatment plan with your healthcare provider. Ankle support is one part of care, and changes in symptoms may call for additional treatment.

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek evaluation if:

Pain lasts longer than a few weeks
Walking becomes progressively more difficult
Swelling increases or does not resolve
The ankle gives out regularly
You experience grinding or locking sensations

FAQ: Ankle Arthritis

What causes ankle arthritis?

Most commonly, prior injuries such as sprains or fractures lead to long-term cartilage damage.

Does bracing help?

An appropriate ankle brace may help improve stability and make activity more comfortable. Ultra CTS is designed to help unload the ankle joint and reduce weight-bearing pain while allowing natural up-and-down movement.

Bracing can be part of a broader arthritis management plan. Your healthcare provider can help determine the support appropriate for your condition.

Is ankle arthritis reversible?

Treatment does not reverse established cartilage damage, but it can help manage symptoms and maintain daily function. The right approach depends on the type of arthritis, its severity, and how it affects your activities.

An ankle brace can provide support and may help make movement more comfortable, but it does not rebuild cartilage or cure arthritis. Your healthcare provider can explain the treatment options appropriate for your condition.

How can Ultra CTS help with ankle arthritis pain?

Ultra CTS is designed to help unload the ankle joint and reduce pain when standing or walking. Its hinged design allows natural up-and-down ankle movement while providing additional stability.

Whether it is appropriate for you depends on your condition, symptoms, footwear, and treatment needs. Your healthcare provider can advise on your arthritis care, and our Certified Athletic Trainers can help answer questions about the brace and its fit.

Can untreated arthritis cause further joint issues?

Yes — ongoing wear can cause deformity, instability, and increased pain.

External Resources

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) – Arthritis Overview
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/arthritis-of-the-foot-and-ankle/
Cleveland Clinic – Ankle Arthritis Information
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21760-ankle-arthritis
Mayo Clinic – Osteoarthritis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis
NIAMS – Arthritis and Joint Health
https://niams.hih.gov

Relief From Your ARTHRITIS Pain

Shop Ultra CTS Ankle Brace

Featured Product Testimonial

“My son twisted his ankle during a basketball game and we were holding on ice packs and it was a bit of a mess. I came across this and honestly it is a game changer! Gets cool very fast and holds the temperature for quite a while! It is very comfortable and not too heavy! Highly recommended!”

Even though I am no longer involved in competitive sports, I still stay very active. Due to the nature of the sports I was involved with over the years I sustained several injuries which I am now suffering the consequences of. I have developed Osteoarthritis and due to have an ankle replacement. I needed a brace that would reduce the load on my ankle. After researching the large variety of ankle braces on the web, I found that almost all of them only provide lateral support which did not meet my requirements. Your brace was the only one that would reduce the load on my ankle. I have been using it for almost a month now and it has provided substantial relief.

Jeff C.

I ordered an Ultra CTS brace for my painful ankle arthritis. Years ago, I had an ankle fracture that was not set correctly. This led to two joint bones out of alignment that wore through the cartilage and now rub bone on bone. The pain is excruciating. I found your CTS brace and ordered one as it seemed to be exactly the correct approach. From the first day I put it on the results were dramatic. Instead of limping in pain, I was able to walk comfortably all day. I now wear it from getting dressed in the morning to going to bed. Instead of limiting and avoiding activity due to pain, I am now on my feet and back to all the things I enjoy. This brace has truly changed the whole mood of my life for the better.

Rudy M.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Ankle Braces for Osteoarthritis

Will the Ultra CTS Fit in My Work Boot?

Yes and no. If you’ve adjusted your footwear because of your osteoarthritis and are already wearing a very substantial tall boot, the Ultra CTS may not fit, or fit very well.

When you wear the Ultra CTS brace, you don’t need a tall work boot for additional ankle support. So if you adjust to wearing a shorter boot, the ankle brace should fit just fine. Work boots with similar heights to hiking boots tend to work well with the Ultra CTS.

Can My Doctor Get Me the Ultra CTS?

Yes. Our medical distributor BREG sells Ultra CTS ankle braces to the medical market. Most medical facilities, especially orthopedic-focused care centers, are probably already doing business with BREG. Have your medical professional call BREG at 800-321-0607 for more information.

My Leg Is Pretty Thick. I’m Not Sure the Ultra CTS Will Fit?

Some of the biggest players in the National Football League have worn the Ultra CTS for acute ankle injuries. These players require the brace be fitted with X-Long straps. These come standard on Ultra CTS braces in size L/XL, but they can also be ordered separately for other sizes.

Ask a certified athletic trainer

Do you still have questions about how an ankle brace may be able to help relieve your ankle osteoarthritis pain? Our certified athletic trainers are available to answer specific questions to make a personalized recommendation on which ankle brace or treatment route might be best for you.

Ask an athletic trainer