Some sports have a very high incidence of ankle injuries, so coaches and athletic trainers often will require athletes to wear an ankle brace to help prevent the ankle injury. Yes, ankle braces can prevent some ankle injuries, however, they are really designed to lessen the severity should an injury occur. Wearing an ankle brace could be the difference in enduring a grade 1 ankle sprain and missing three days of activity instead of suffering a grade 2 ankle sprain and missing three weeks of activity.

In this blog, I will compare two very popular ankle braces designed to help prevent the ankle injury, the Ultra Zoom® hinged ankle brace and the Ultra 360™ Lace-Up ankle brace. There are a few major differences between these two ankle brace designs which cause them to fit and function dramatically different.

ULTRA 360™ Lace-Up Ankle Brace

In the 1990’s lace-up (tie-up) style ankle braces were made popular as a reusable tape-job that the athlete can apply themselves. The Ultra 360 lace-up ankle brace is made of nylon fabric and is designed to lace-up around the ankle to lock the joint in place. There are two external straps that wrap around the ankle in a figure-8 design, like an athletic trainer would tape the ankle. This strapping method helps to restrict excessive ankle turning (inversion) that causes low ankle sprains. Lace-ups feel very restrictive/supportive when you first apply them however that support quickly diminishes once the athlete starts activity because the brace tries to restrict natural ankle range of motion. Although many athletes love the lace-up ankle brace for its low cost and low-profile design, it is viewed as an entry level ankle brace for someone that has minimal to no history of ankle injuries.

Ultra Zoom® Ankle Braces

Unlike the lace-up style ankle brace which tries to lock the ankle joint in place, the Ultra Zoom has a hinge design that allows the brace to move with the natural up and down movement of the ankle so the straps to stay securely in place maintaining longer lasting ankle support. And athletes love the freedom of movement and enhanced performance.

Another unique feature to the Ultra Zoom is the introduction of the first Performathane® flexible soft shell. This brace is not made of a rigid plastic like other hinged ankle braces but is made of a flexible plastic shell that uses body heat to form-fit to the ankle making it incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Ankle braces featuring a Performathane® shell will never crack, break or tear offering multi-season durability. The cuff design encircles the posterior portion of the lower leg, helping to restrict excessive ankle turning (inversion) and twisting (rotation) which causes both low and high ankle sprains. The Ultra Zoom is our Premier sports ankle brace that can be worn every practice and game to help prevent the ankle injury.

Quick Comparison: Ultra 360 Lace-Up vs. Ultra Zoom

Brace Design

  • Ultra 360: Fabric Lace-Up with Figure-8 Straps
  • Ultra Zoom: Hinged-Cuff Performathane® soft shell

Injury Protection

  • Ultra 360: Helps prevent low ankle injuries.
  • Ultra Zoom: Helps prevent low and high ankle injuries.

Support Level

  • Ultra 360: Mild
  • Ultra Zoom: Moderate to High

Mobility

  • Ultra 360: Low to moderate
  • Ultra Zoom: Very High

Ultra Zoom

Help prevent ankle injuries all season long.

Ultra High-5

Reinforce the ankle after a history of multiple ankle injuries

Ultra CTS

Maximize stabilization to treat acute ankle injuries
Do ankle braces weaken ankles

As a seasoned athletic trainer with over three decades of experience and 15+ patents in ankle brace design, I frequently get asked – “Do ankle braces weaken the ankle?” Especially in sports like volleyball, basketball, and football, where ankle injuries are prevalent, players wear ankle braces during games and practices to prevent sprains or reduce severity if an injury occurs. This common practice has led parents, coaches, and players to question the potential negative impact on ankle strength.

Understanding The Ways to Weaken A Joint

There are only two ways to weaken a joint and its supporting muscles:

  1. Non-usage of the joint: Typically observed post-surgery, when muscles atrophy due to non-use.
  2. Restricting joint range of motion: If a joint is restricted or bound up, preventing full range of motion, muscle weakening may occur.

Since athletes frequently use and strengthen their joints through drills and conditioning exercises, the primary concern is the potential weakening of the ankle by restricting its normal range of motion.

 

Do Any Ankle Braces Restrict Joint Range of Motion?

Unfortunately, yes. The lace-up (or corset style) brace restricts much of the ankle joint range of motion, including the essential up and down ankle motion needed for running and jumping. This restriction is due to the binding of laces and/or tight wraparound Velcro straps. A recent university study found that lace-ups significantly decreased ankle joint range of motion and isokinetic measures of muscle torque, total work, and power. In simpler terms, the lace-up brace adversely affects ankle range of motion and strength.

 

Are There Ankle Braces That Do Not Weaken The Ankle?

Fortunately, yes. Hinged ankle braces, which allow full unrestricted up and down ankle range of motion, do not weaken the ankle. These braces have hinges on each side of the ankle bone, allowing the brace to move with the ankle, unlike lace-ups that move against it. This synchronized movement ensures that any straps stay securely in place, maintaining long-lasting ankle support.

There are two commonly used styles of hinged ankle braces by athletes – hinged and hinged-cuff. The ‘hinged only’ braces, introduced in 1989, primarily restrict excessive ankle turning or “inversion.” Popular brands include Active Ankle, McDavid, and Shock Doctor.

On the other hand, ‘hinged-cuff’ ankle braces, like the Ultra Zoom®, restrict not only excessive ankle turning (“inversion”) but also rotational twisting, helping prevent both high and low ankle sprains. Brands of hinged-cuff ankle braces include Ultra Ankle, Don Joy, and Ossur.

 

Conclusion

While some ankle braces, like the lace-up style, can restrict joint range of motion and subsequently weaken the ankle, hinged and hinged-cuff ankle braces do not have this negative impact. However, if you want to prevent ankle injuries, I do suggest wearing and ankle brace of some kind. Please note, neoprene sleeves are not ankle braces and provide zero support.

If you have more questions about ankle braces and their effects on ankle strength, feel free to leave a comment below or send us a message. We are here to help!

Ultra Zoom

Help prevent ankle injuries all season long.

Ultra High-5

Reinforce the ankle after a history of multiple ankle injuries

Ultra CTS

Maximize stabilization to treat acute ankle injuries

A Comparison of Active Ankle® T2 and Ultra Zoom® by Ultra Ankle®: Choosing the Preferred Ankle Brace

Author’s Note: Before we delve into the comparison between the Active Ankle® T2 and Ultra Zoom® ankle braces, I want to disclose that I am the inventor of both products. I developed the first commercially available hinged ankle brace and co-founded Active Ankle Systems in 1989 and was president until 1996. In 1999, I co-founded Ultra Athlete LLC and introduced the Ultra Ankle line of ankle braces. Over the years, I have accumulated several patents for emerging ankle bracing technologies.

When people inquire about the difference between the Active Ankle® T2 and Ultra Zoom® ankle braces, I’m often asked to provide insights. In this post, I will outline the characteristics of each brace and discuss why the Ultra Zoom is preferred over the Active Ankle T2.

The Active Ankle T2, designed around 35 years ago, represented a significant breakthrough in ankle brace technology compared to traditional splint-style braces such as the Aircast®. Its hinged design allowed full ankle motion, providing support and freedom to run and jump without restrictions. The hinge ensured that the brace moved with the joint, keeping the straps securely in place and maintaining ankle support. The Active Ankle T2 was primarily designed to prevent excessive ankle turning, known as “inversion,” which often leads to low ankle sprains.

Braces for High Ankle Sprains

In the mid-90s, there was an increase in athletes experiencing high ankle injuries, also known as syndesmotic ankle injuries. While low ankle sprains involve excessive inward or outward ankle turning, high ankle injuries occur due to excessive ankle twisting or rotation. These injuries tend to be more severe and require longer healing times. At that time, all ankle braces, including the Active Ankle T2, were designed to treat low ankle injuries exclusively. Consequently, a new ankle brace technology was required to protect against both low and high ankle injuries.

In 1999, Ultra Ankle introduced the first hinged-cuff ankle brace, addressing the need for comprehensive ankle injury protection. By incorporating a cuff into the hinged design, this new brace could effectively restrict both excessive ankle turning and twisting, offering support for both low and high ankle injuries. In 2010, Ultra Ankle introduced the hinged-cuff Ultra Zoom performance ankle brace. Compared to the rigid Active Ankle T2, the Ultra Zoom features a flexible Performathane® shell that custom-fits to the ankle using body heat, providing comfortable and long-lasting ankle support. The Performathane® shell boasts advanced resin technology, which was not available when the Active Ankle T2 was invented in the 1980s. This innovation ensures the Ultra Zoom will never crack, break, or tear, ensuring durability across multiple seasons of use.

When comparing ankle braces and deciding about which is best for you, it’s important to consider various factors. Questions such as durability, injury prevention capabilities, comfort, and warranty coverage should guide your research and help you make an informed decision. If you have any specific inquiries regarding ankle braces and how they relate to your situation, please leave a comment below or send us a message. Our certified athletic trainers will be more than happy to assist you.

Quick Comparison: T2 vs. Ultra Zoom

Ankle Brace Design

  • T2: Hinged design
  • Ultra Zoom: Hinged-Cuff Design

 Injury Protection

  • T2: Helps prevent low ankle injuries
  • Ultra Zoom: Helps prevent low and high ankle injuries

Shell Material

  • T2: Rigid Polypropylene
  • Ultra Zoom: Flexible Performathane®

In the sphere of product evolution, quite frequently, progress remains stalled until new materials are created or manufacturing techniques improved. This fact holds particularly true for ankle braces. The Ultra Zoom® ankle brace, produced by Ultra Ankle®, stands as a perfect example of this phenomenon. The key technological advances underpinning this unique product didn’t exist until they were explicitly devised, scrutinized, and demonstrated to offer superior protection against ankle injuries than other alternatives in the market.

The Ultra Zoom® ankle brace from Ultra Ankle® is exceptional in its design and technological attributes, thanks to its patented Performathane® flexible soft shell, proprietary PerformaFit® 3D padding system, and robust hinged-cuff design— three elements that are not available in any other braces.

 

How Does it Function?

For a brace, including ankle braces, to deliver optimal efficacy, it must mimic the anatomy’s structure. This requirement calls for the brace to adapt or custom-fit to the joint’s shape. A custom-fit ankle brace provides more comfort, maintains a lower profile, and offers superior support. However, achieving these custom-fit design aspirations necessitates the development of new materials.

Ultra Ankle® undertook a rigorous five-year endeavor to formulate materials that would facilitate the design of an ankle brace that provides exceptional comfort, long-lasting support, and durability across multiple seasons. The culmination of this endeavor is the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace, equipped with Performathane® and PerformaFit® technologies.

 

External Flexibility, Internal Custom Fit

So, what are Performathane® and PerformaFit® exactly?

Performathane® forms the soft external shell of the Ultra Zoom® and utilizes the athlete’s body heat to adapt or custom-fit to the ankle. Generally, it requires one or two practice sessions for the brace shell to fully mold to the joint’s shape. However, this process can be expedited by using a common home hair dryer. Watch our Custom Fitting Video to start making your Ultra Zoom custom to you. Additionally, the Performathane® shell is engineered to be unbreakable, resistant to cracks and tears, thus offering durability that lasts multiple seasons.

PerformaFit® is another innovation from Ultra Ankle® that adds to the Ultra Zoom’s custom-fit capabilities. This unique padding system, constructed from a specially formulated foam, allows the padding to conform to the ankle joint’s shape and retain that shape over time. The PerformaFit® system maintains its cushioning properties throughout an entire sports season.

 

An Unparalleled Degree of Ankle Injury Prevention

Together, the Performathane® soft shell and the PerformaFit® padding system introduce unprecedented comfort, support, and durability levels that previous ankle brace designs can’t compete with. If you’re curious to learn more about our innovative technology, or want to determine if the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace is the ideal choice for you, feel free to reach out to us! Our certified athletic trainers would be more than pleased to assist with your queries.

Title: Experience Enhanced Mobility and Protection with Ultra Ankle’s Hinged Cuff Ankle Braces

 

It’s 2023 and we’re more active than ever. Whether it’s professional sports, fitness regimens, or simply daily activities, our ankles play a vital role in supporting our movement. This makes them susceptible to injuries, emphasizing the need for an optimal protective solution: Ultra Ankle’s proprietary hinged-cuff ankle braces.

As per recent health statistics, ankle injuries make up approximately 15% of all sporting injuries globally. Athletes are continually seeking effective preventive measures to reduce their downtime and get back into the game faster. That’s where Ultra Ankle’s hinged-cuff or “Limitless Performance Series” ankle braces come into play.

Unlike most traditional ankle braces that restrict mobility, because they bind the ankle in the neutral position, Ultra Ankle’s hinged-cuff design allows for unlimited natural ankle range of motion to enhance performance and keep the muscles strong. The Limitless Performance Series braces restrict excessive ankle turning and twisting to help prevent both low and high ankle injuries.

Innovations in the field have led to these braces being lighter, more comfortable, and more effective than ever before. Because the braces work to reduce the excessive movement that can lead to ankle injuries, it makes them a top choice for athletes looking for preventive solutions, as well as those on the road to recovery.

For active individuals or athletes who have previously suffered an ankle injury, the risk of re-injury is a pressing concern. However, according to recent studies, wearing a hinged-cuff ankle brace can decrease the odds of re-injury by approximately 50%. This is significant when considering the peace of mind and safety it brings to those wearing the brace.

Not only for athletes, but these braces also cater to individuals of all ages with varying activity levels. They provide support and stability for those with weakened or imbalanced ankles, thereby reducing the risk of falls and accidents. The Ultra CTS is the only brace available that helps reduce weight bearing pain in Osteoarthritis patients. The brace “unloads” the ankle and reduces bone-on-bone irritation and pain.

Ultra Ankle’s hinged-cuff ankle braces are a blend of advanced technology, innovative design, and medical-grade materials that provide unparalleled comfort and security. Whether you’re in a high-impact sport, like volleyball or football, or need additional ankle support for everyday activities. Ultra Ankle braces offer innovative solutions for ankle protection.

Invest in your health and mobility today with Ultra Ankle’s hinged-cuff ankle braces. These braces are built for ultimate performance and are designed to adapt to the natural shape of your ankle, offering a secure fit, incredible support, and optimal mobility. Take a proactive step towards ankle injury prevention and enhanced performance with Ultra Ankle.

Maximizing Pickleball Performance: Why Ankle Braces are Crucial.

The fusion of tennis, badminton, and table tennis has birthed an electrifying sport – pickleball. It’s fun, versatile, and straightforward nature is quickly making it a favorite among individuals of all skill levels, ages, and physical conditions. However, despite the fun, pickleball can adversely impact our bodies, especially the joints, if not played with necessary precautions. Here, we delve into the crucial role ankle braces play in pickleball, their functionality, and how they can enhance your safety during play.

 

Protecting Your Ankles in Pickleball: The Role of Ankle Braces

Your ankle is a sophisticated structure encompassing bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It offers stability and mobility, enabling activities such as walking, running, jumping, and pivoting. Given that pickleball involves rapid direction changes, sudden stops and starts, jumping, and pivoting, the risk of ankle injuries is high. Additionally, once an ankle injury has occurred, it is 70% more likely to be reinjured in the future.

Ankle braces have two main purposes: providing stability to reduce injury risk and supporting an injured ankle for quicker recovery. Some braces, like the Ultra 360® Lace-Up brace, do limit ankle movement with the thought that less movement means less chance of injury. They also absorb some of the forces that would typically impact the ankle joint. Hinged Cuff braces like the Ultra Zoom®, on the other hand, provide maximum support without limiting ankle mobility. The Ultra Zoom not only helps prevent the typical ankle sprains/injuries, such as rolled ankles, but it also helps prevent high ankle injuries, which typically take much longer to recover from.

 

Advantages of Ankle Braces for Pickleball Players

Injury Prevention: Pickleball’s swift movements and directional shifts strain the ankle, increasing sprain and fracture risks. Ultra Ankle® braces help prevent the ankle from rolling or twisting beyond its usual range of motion, minimizing injury chances.

Support and Stability: Lace-Up braces, like the Ultra 360, compress the joint, helping to improve stability and enhance proprioception – the perception of body and limb positioning. The Ultra Zoom brace custom-form fits to the ankle and foot increasing stability while still providing comfort. The hinged-cuff design allows for the ankle to maintain its full range of motion without compromising mobility.

Confidence Enhancement: Ankle braces increase players’ confidence by offering an additional protective layer. This assurance allows players to concentrate on winning rather than worrying about potential ankle injuries. Why just accept ankle injuries are a part of the game?

Post-Injury Rehabilitation: Ankle braces, specifically the Ultra Zoom, can assist recovery in players who have experienced previous ankle injuries, offering support and reducing re-injury risk. Additionally, the Ultra Zoom limits the amount of micro-tears in the ankle’s tendons and muscles while moving around the pickleball court, thereby reducing the post-match soreness in the joint.

 

Selecting the Ideal Ankle Brace for Pickleball

When it comes to choosing the right ankle brace for pickleball, there are a few factors to consider. First, what will be the purpose(s) of your ankle brace? Will you be using it for injury prevention, or, will you be using it to recover from an ankle injury you’ve already sustained? It could also be a combination of both. You may want to recover from an ankle injury and prevent further injuries down the road. Our Ultra 360® ankle brace is good for injury prevention. It utilizes figure-8 straps to provide 360 degrees of support. It compresses the joint to help protect it from excessive movement and provides moderate support while still maintaining good mobility. If you are looking for maximum support with maximum mobility, our Ultra Zoom® “fits” the bill. The Ultra Zoom is a custom form-fit soft-shell brace. It molds to the ankle and foot by utilizing an athlete’s body heat. It has a Hinged-Cuff design that allows for the ankle to move in all its natural ways while preventing both high and low ankle injuries. Additionally, the Ultra Zoom is a great brace to treat and recover from ankle injuries faster as it helps to absorb impact on the joint from moving around on the pickleball court. Once recovered from an ankle injury it will also help prevent further injury to the same ankle, allowing you to get back on the court and stay on the court while losing less time to ankle injuries.

 

Final Thoughts on Ankle Braces and Pickleball Safety

While Ultra Ankle® braces offer critical support and protection, they’re part of a broader pickleball safety approach. Incorporate strength and flexibility training focusing on lower body and core muscles, wear proper footwear, and establish suitable warm-up and cool-down routines.

Recognizing the physical demands pickleball exerts helps us make informed decisions to maintain our game enjoyment. An ankle brace is a minor yet significant step towards improved pickleball performance and durability. So remember: play smart, play hard, and brace-up to stay in the game!

Why Parents Trust Ultra Ankle Ultra® Zoom Braces for Their Kids: Ensuring Safety with Advanced Ankle Support

As parents, we prioritize our children’s safety and well-being, especially when they are involved in sports and physical activities that may put them at risk for injuries. In these situations, protective gear is a must, and among the many options available, ankle braces are essential. One standout brand parents trust is Ultra Ankle, specifically the Ultra Zoom®, and for good reasons.

  1. Superior Support and Protection:

Ultra Zoom® braces offer robust and high-quality design that provides exceptional ankle support while still allowing for maximum mobility. Designed to stabilize and help prevent the ankle from injuries such as sprains, twists, and rolls, they are a top choice for parents whose kids play high-intensity sports like football, volleyball, or soccer.

  1. Innovative Design:

Ultra Zoom® braces feature advanced technology and an innovative design. The hinged-cuff design limits excessive movement that could lead to high ankle injuries while maintaining enough flexibility for peak performance. This means your young athlete will stay in the game and not on the sideline with an ankle injury. This balance between safety and performance is why many parents opt for Ultra Ankle.

  1. Comfort and Fit:

Ultra Ankle braces are celebrated for their snug fit and comfort, ensuring that kids can wear them for extended periods without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. Ultra Ankle braces, specifically the Ultra Zoom, custom form-fit to the athlete’s foot and ankle through body heat. This is perfect for growing children who need consistent and reliable support over several seasons of play.

  1. Durability:

Durability is a major selling point for Ultra Ankle braces. Made from high-quality materials, these braces can withstand rigorous physical activity, giving parents value for their money and the assurance that their child’s safety gear is up to the task. The Ultra Zoom brace can last up to 3 full seasons depending on use and demands put on the brace.

  1. Ease of Use:

Designed with usability in mind, Ultra Ankle Ultra Zoom braces are easy to put on, adjust, and take off, which is an essential feature for kids who might need to use them independently. This ease of use enhances their appeal among both kids and their parents. This differs from taping or lace-up braces which are both time consuming to put on and take off.

  1. Positive Reviews and Experiences:

Ultra Ankle braces have been positively received by professionals in the sports and health industries and parents alike. A user review from a parent named Sarah states, “My daughter has been using Ultra Ankle braces for her volleyball games, and they have been a game-changer. I no longer worry about her getting injured on the court. Plus, she loves how comfortable they are.” Another parent, John, shared, “I got Ultra Ankle braces for my son who plays soccer. They’ve stood up to some tough games, and he’s been injury-free. Highly recommended for any young athlete.”

These endorsements and positive experiences have helped build trust and a strong reputation for Ultra Ankle braces, making them a preferred choice among parents.

To summarize, parents prefer Ultra Ankle braces for their children because of their advanced design, superior support, durability, and positive reviews. Not only do these braces protect young athletes’ ankles, but they also provide parents with the assurance they need when their children are out on the field or court.

Safeguarding your game: the CASE FOR ANKLE BRACE IN VOLLEYBALL

Volleyball players, known for their dynamic jumps, quick pivots, and intense gameplay, often face the risk of ankle injuries. Ankle braces, specifically designs like the Ultra Zoom, have emerged as essential gear for athletes looking to mitigate this risk. But why are these braces so crucial for volleyball players?

Injury Prevention

Studies have consistently shown that ankle braces can significantly reduce the risk of ankle injuries by providing stability and support during rapid movements and jumps. The effectiveness of ankle bracing in preventing both first-time and recurrent ankle injuries highlights its importance in an athlete’s protective gear arsenal.

Enhanced Performance

Wearing an ankle brace like the Ultra Zoom with a hinged-cuff design, doesn’t just protect against injuries; it can also bolster performance. By offering support and stability while not limiting the ankle’s normal range of motion, these braces can enhance the confidence of players, allowing them to push their limits on the court without fear of injury.

Cost-Effectiveness

Investing in a high-quality ankle brace is also a cost-effective decision. The expense of an ankle brace is minor compared to the potential medical costs, lost playtime, and long-term consequences of ankle injuries.

Ankle braces and Knee Injury Concerns

Some may worry about the impact of ankle braces on the knees. However, evidence suggests that while braces limit movement that could lead to sprains and strains, they do not increase the risk of knee injuries, making them safe for athletes to use as a preventive measure.

Ultra Zoom: A Superior Choice

The Ultra Zoom ankle brace stands out for its unique blend of comfort, flexibility, and protection against both low and high ankle sprains. Its design allows for natural ankle movement while guarding against the unnatural motions that cause injuries. This balance makes the Ultra Zoom a preferred option for volleyball players at all levels.

Conclusion

The combination of injury prevention, enhanced performance, and cost-effectiveness makes ankle braces an essential piece of equipment for volleyball players. With products like the Ultra Zoom, players can safeguard their health while elevating their game.

On September 10, 2016 Assumption (Louisville) girls’ volleyball coach Ron Kordes won the 1,000th match of his career in the semifinals of the Ultra Ankle® Louisville Invitational Volleyball Tournament.

We recently spoke with Coach Kordes, who is also the Club Director of Louisville-based volleyball club KIVA, to congratulate him on his career milestone and also to ask him his professional opinion on ankle injuries and volleyball ankle braces.

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