For those living with chronic ankle pain or chronic ankle instability, simple tasks can be frustrating because of lingering pain and fears of reinjury.
Chronic ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring “giving way” of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains. Usually the “giving way” occurs while walking or doing other activities, but it can also happen when you’re just standing. Many athletes, as well as others, suffer from chronic ankle instability (TGH).
While chronic ankle pain can be caused by multiple conditions that involve the ankle joint, upper foot, or lower leg often it’s caused by the damage that occurs after multiple ankle sprains. After each sprained, rolled, or twisted ankle, your ligaments are stretched further and further, causing joint looseness and instability. Once these ligaments have been stretched, they stay that way, making you much more susceptible to repeat ankle injuries and chronic ankle instability.
Chronic ankle instability is characterized by repeated rolling of your ankle inward causing injury to the outside of your ankle. If you have chronic ankle instability, you can easily roll your ankle just from walking, stepping on a small pebble, or playing a recreational sport. After multiple sprained ankles, you’re more likely to experience pain while recovering as well as any pain associated with your worsening ankle instability.
An estimated 25,000 ankle sprains occur per day in the United States. But, does that mean everyone that sprains their ankle has chronic ankle instability? Not quite.
Typically you’ll find ankle pain and chronic ankle instability in older people or athletes who have an injury history that includes multiple ankle injuries. Because it can take decades to develop common forms of chronic ankle instability, it’s rare that younger high school athletes suffer from the condition. If you’ve had a few ankle injuries in high school, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll automatically have chronic ankle instability and experience chronic ankle pain.
Treatment for ankle instability typically includes a rehabilitation program to maximize ankle strength, range of motion, and balance. Bracing your ankle is a must to help prevent additional ankle injuries and lessen the severity if an injury occurs. Surgery is usually a last resort and it depends on the level of ankle instability and the damaged ligaments that need to be repaired or reconstructed.
If ankle instability is not treated properly by slowing down or stopping recurrent ankle sprains, it can lead to ankle osteoarthritis. Ankle osteoarthritis is caused by your joint bones rubbing directly against each other due to the joint looseness from multiple ankle sprains. Over time this causes deterioration of your ankle cartilage which leads to joint irritation, pain, and stiffness. Treatment for ankle osteoarthritis can include non-drug methods, such as ankle braces like the Ultra CTS, medications, and as a last resort, surgery.
Chronic ankle instability rarely occurs in people under the age of 18. Even with a history of ankle injuries, most younger athletes aren’t good candidates for Ultra Ankle instability braces and would do better with flexible, prevention ankle braces.
Bracing for chronic ankle instability requires a more substantial ankle brace that is made of a semi-rigid or rigid plastic with a hinge for full range of motion. Fabric and lace-up style ankle braces cannot provide the support and stabilization level necessary to control ankle instability or relieve weight bearing ankle pain.
While the right ankle brace can help you manage your ankle pain and instability, you should work with a physical therapist or athletic trainer to design a customized rehabilitation program. Although physical therapy can’t repair previously damaged ligaments, it can help strengthen the muscles around the ankle to help improve your overall balance and joint control.
Recommended for
Prevention/Sports
0-1 Previous Ankle Injury
Support Level
⚫⚫
Restriction VS Mobility
Restricts excessive ankle turning while maintaining moderate mobility
Reduces Weight Bearing Pain
No
Design
Lace-up with Figure-8 Straps
Shell
Nylon Fabric
Form-Fitting
Yes
Price
$31.95
Recommended for
Prevention/Sports
0-4 Previous Ankle Injuries
Support Level
⚫⚫⚫⚫
Restriction VS Mobility
Restricts excessive ankle turning and twisting while maintaining maximum mobility
Reduces Weight Bearing Pain
No
Design
Hinged-Cuff
Shell
Flexible Performathane
Form-Fitting
Yes
Price
$61.95
The Best Ankle Brace for Chronic Instability
The Ultra High-5 brace is designed specifically for individuals with chronic ankle instability. The featherlight but super strong shell helps restrict excessive ankle turning or rolling and twisting that causes ankle instability. Its semi-rigid bottom helps with unloading the ankle joint and reducing weight bearing pain. The Ultra High-5 fits easy in your shoe, and it has only one strap, making application easy.
If you have extreme chronic ankle instability along with associated weight bearing pain then the Ultra CTS is the best brace for you. The Ultra CTS provides maximum stabilization to your lower leg and ankle by helping to restrict excessive ankle turning or rolling and twisting that causes ankle instability. The Ultra CTS reduces the impact to your sore ankle to help lessen weight bearing pain and joint irritation.
The Ultra Zoom is not recommended for people who have chronic ankle instability unless you prefer wearing a lower profile ankle brace. When you choose the Ultra Zoom over the Ultra CTS for your chronic ankle instability, the trade-off is less support but greater mobility, which you may prefer if you’re using your ankle brace for protection while playing sports at a high level.
“As someone who has suffered from reoccurring ankle sprains over the years I was faced with a decision – stop playing sports or find a brace that protected me. I found that brace with the Ultra Ankle High-5. Last night alone I played 2 games of softball followed by an hour of basketball. The Ultra Ankle High-5 was recommended to me by my sports medicine doctor who specialized in ankle care. I’ll be wearing these braces for all my sports – flag football, basketball, softball and long hikes as well.”
David G.
“I was getting so frustrated with my ankle problem preventing me from living my life. I now have renewed enthusiasm because of your Ultra High-5 ankle brace.”
Jeff H.
“I have zero ligament/tendon support from repeated sports injuries over my athletic career. I have a LOT of experience with ankle supports and this Ultra High-5 brace is by far the most comfortable and effective brace I’ve used. I’ve had reconstructive surgery for my injured ankle years ago, and reinjured it last year, destroying the reconstruction! I’ve been using this brace for a year now and love it so much that I ordered 2 more just to have. I’m currently training to compete in a triathlon this summer and wear my brace any time I’m on uneven ground. My orthopedic surgeon prescribed the brace for me.”
Brian W.
Probably not. Unless all those previous injuries were substantial (grade 2 or 3 level sprains) you don’t have ankle instability. However, since you’re prone to ankle injuries, you should wear a low-profile activity ankle brace to help prevent future twisted ankles that will cause chronic ankle instability.
Yes and no. For athletics, high top sneakers don’t offer enough support to stabilize your ankle during play. For work or everyday living, tall work boots may offer more support than your standard shoe, but you should still supplement with a good ankle brace.
Drop foot is a condition that is commonly associated with stroke victims, and it is a neurological condition that makes it so that your lower leg muscles can’t lift up your foot when you walk. Although Ultra Ankle braces can provide side to side ankle stability because of their a hinge they can’t help you lift your foot while walking. You’ll need to wear a special ankle brace prescribed by your doctor to help you lift your foot.
Do you still have questions about ankle braces for your chronic ankle pain or instability? Our certified athletic trainers are available to answer specific questions about your ankle injury to make a personalized recommendation on which ankle brace or treatment route might be best for you.