Chronic ankle pain and chronic ankle instability can turn simple, everyday activities into challenges. Persistent pain, swelling, and the fear of re-injury make walking, exercising, or even standing feel unstable and uncertain.
Chronic ankle instability occurs when the ligaments on the outer (lateral) side of the ankle are repeatedly stretched and weakened, often following multiple ankle sprains. Over time, these ligaments lose their ability to stabilize the joint, resulting in a frequent “giving way” of the ankle — sometimes during activity, but also during routine movements like walking on uneven surfaces or stepping off a curb.
The most common cause of chronic ankle instability is repeated ankle sprains. Each sprain stretches the ligaments further, reducing their ability to support the joint. As ligament laxity increases, the risk of additional sprains and chronic instability grows.
Even minor movements can trigger ankle rolling for those with instability — walking on uneven ground, stepping on small objects, or participating in recreational sports can all result in recurring injuries.
While ankle sprains are extremely common, not everyone who experiences a sprain develops chronic instability. This condition is more likely in individuals with multiple past injuries, especially among adult athletes and active individuals.
If left unaddressed, chronic ankle instability can progress to ankle osteoarthritis. Repeated sprains and ligament damage allow the bones of the ankle joint to rub against one another, wearing down the cartilage. This leads to joint irritation, pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility over time.
Initial treatment often includes:
However, for many individuals, ankle bracing offers an effective non-surgical option to help stabilize the ankle, protect against further sprains, and relieve pain.
The Ultra High-5® ankle brace was specifically engineered to provide maximum support and protection for individuals dealing with chronic ankle instability, ankle arthritis, or recovering from moderate to severe ankle injuries.
Ultra High-5 Key Features:
By providing targeted stabilization, the Ultra High-5 helps reduce the risk of recurrent injuries and manage ongoing pain caused by instability.
For those whose chronic instability has progressed to ankle arthritis, the Ultra CTS® ankle brace provides advanced support and joint unloading. Its semi-rigid design helps reduce weight-bearing pain by limiting bone-on-bone contact, while still allowing functional movement.
The Ultra CTS is often recommended for:
Both the Ultra High-5 and Ultra CTS offer superior stabilization compared to traditional lace-up braces or compression sleeves, making them ideal long-term solutions for chronic ankle pain and instability.
If you’re experiencing ongoing ankle pain or instability, Ultra Ankle braces can help restore confidence, reduce the risk of further injury, and keep you active.
[Shop Now] or [Contact Us] for expert guidance on choosing the right Ultra Ankle brace for your needs.
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
Recover & Protect
Recover faster and help protect against future ankle injuries all season long.
Recommended for
Recovery/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.