Ankle injuries can be debilitating, impacting your ability to walk, run, and perform daily activities. Whether it’s a sudden acute injury, a chronic condition like osteoarthritis, or the often challenging high (syndesmotic) ankle injury, finding effective treatment and support is crucial for a swift recovery. This is where Ultra AnkleⓇ steps in with the Ultra CTSⓇ Ankle Brace, a groundbreaking solution designed to provide comprehensive ankle injury management.

Ultra Ankle, a leader in innovative bracing technology, has engineered the Ultra CTS (Custom Treatment System) to address the specific needs of individuals suffering from various ankle conditions. Unlike traditional ankle braces, the Ultra CTS offers customizable support and stabilization, helping users reduce weight-bearing pain and regain their mobility quickly and safely. Moreover, the Ultra CTS is FDA registered as a Class 1 medical device, ensuring it meets stringent safety and efficacy standards. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the unique features and benefits of the Ultra CTS Ankle Brace, explaining why it’s an essential tool for anyone dealing with ankle injuries.

Understanding the Ultra CTS Ankle Brace

The Ultra CTS Ankle Brace is a one-of-a-kind medical device designed specifically to treat a variety of ankle conditions. Its innovative design and functionality make it an ideal choice for those suffering from:

1. Acute Ankle Injuries
2. High (Syndesmotic) Ankle Injuries
3. Osteoarthritis

What sets the Ultra CTS apart is its ability to adjust the level of ankle support and unloading, which helps reduce weight-bearing pain and enables a faster return to activity. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool for managing traumatic ankle conditions in one comprehensive brace.

The Ultra CTS offers two key features crucial for treating acute ankle injuries, high ankle injuries, and ankle osteoarthritis:

1. Reducing Weight-Bearing Pain
2. Maximum Lower Leg and Ankle Stabilization and Support

In the following sections, we will explore how the Ultra CTS achieves these benefits, thanks to its advanced design elements and materials.

Key Features of the Ultra CTS Ankle Brace

Reducing Weight-Bearing Pain

One of the standout features of the Ultra CTS Ankle Brace is its ability to unload the ankle, reducing weight-bearing pain. Unlike most other ankle braces, which are not designed to structurally unload the ankle, the Ultra CTS incorporates a unique semi-rigid foot section and an upper cuff section which forms a custom fit to the lower leg. This structurally sound design absorbs impact and energy from activities like standing, walking, or running, which would normally be transferred to the ankle, causing joint irritation and pain. This process minimizes trauma and pain in the ankle, leading to a quicker return to activity or competition. By reducing the impact on the ankle, the Ultra CTS not only alleviates pain but also promotes faster and more efficient recovery.

Stabilizing the Ankle and Lower Leg

The Ultra CTS Ankle Brace also excels in providing maximum stabilization for the ankle and lower leg. It features a dual hinged-cuff design that is taller than most other braces, effectively compressing and stabilizing the tibia and fibula. This design is particularly beneficial for managing high ankle injuries.

The upper cuff section of the brace is made from Performathane®, a flexible soft-shell material that securely encircles the lower leg and ankle. Performathane® uses body heat to form a custom fit to the wearer’s anatomy, resulting in enhanced comfort and support. This material’s adaptability ensures that the brace conforms perfectly to each individual’s lower leg and ankle, providing tailored stabilization.

While most ankle braces primarily restrict ankle turning or inversion (which causes low ankle injuries), the Ultra CTS goes a step further by also limiting excessive ankle turning (inversion) and twisting (rotation). Ankle rotation causes high ankle injuries, which are more severe than low ankle injuries and take longer to heal. This comprehensive restriction helps prevent both low and high ankle injuries, offering superior protection and support.

Performathane® Material for a Custom Fit

The Ultra CTS utilizes Performathane®, a proprietary flexible soft-shell material that uses body heat to mold to the wearer’s foot and ankle. This ensures a custom fit, enhancing both comfort and support. Performathane® forms a secure, personalized fit around the lower leg and ankle, offering tailored stabilization that adapts to the unique shape of each user’s anatomy.

Adaptability and Transition

One of the most impressive aspects of the Ultra CTS Ankle Brace is its adaptability, which allows users to transition from maximum support to enhanced mobility as their condition improves. This feature ensures that the Ultra CTS can be used throughout different stages of recovery, offering both robust support and mobility when needed.

Detachable PerformaFit® Upper Cuff Section

The detachable PerformaFit® upper cuff section is a standout feature of the Ultra CTS, enhancing its versatility. This cuff, made from the proprietary Performathane® material, provides maximum stabilization and a custom fit during the early stages of recovery. Once the wearer no longer requires such extensive support, the upper cuff can be easily removed, transforming the brace to allow greater ankle movement while still offering necessary support.

This adaptability is particularly beneficial for athletes and active individuals who need to maintain a balance between support and mobility. By providing the option to adjust the level of support, the Ultra CTS ensures that users can continue their recovery without the need to switch to a different brace.

Effectiveness and Expert Support

The Ultra CTS Ankle Brace stands out not only for its innovative design but also for its proven effectiveness in treating ankle trauma and facilitating a swift return to an active lifestyle. Its comprehensive features make it an invaluable tool for managing various ankle conditions, from acute injuries to chronic issues like osteoarthritis.

Why the Ultra CTS is Unique and Effective

The Ultra CTS Ankle Brace is uniquely effective due to its combination of customizable support, advanced materials, and thoughtful design elements.

Additionally, the Ultra CTS is FDA registered as a Class 1 medical device, providing users with confidence in its safety and efficacy. This registration underscores Ultra Ankle’s commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable medical devices that meet rigorous standards.

Contact Information for Expert Support

At Ultra Ankle, we understand that every ankle injury is unique, and having access to expert advice can significantly enhance the recovery process. Our team of Certified Athletic Trainers is available to answer any questions you may have about the Ultra CTS Ankle Brace. These professionals are experts in ankle injuries and bracing, and they are dedicated to helping you find the best solutions for your specific needs.

If you have any questions or need personalized guidance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Certified Athletic Trainers. They can provide detailed information on how to use the Ultra CTS, advice on transitioning between support levels, and tips for maximizing your recovery.

Ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating condition that can significantly impact one’s quality of life by limiting mobility and causing chronic pain. This blog post aims to educate you about ankle OA, its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, with a focus on how the Ultra Ankle® Ultra CTS® ankle brace can provide relief.

What is Ankle Osteoarthritis and What Causes It?

Ankle osteoarthritis is a form of degenerative joint disease where the articular cartilage in the ankle wears away, leading to bone-on-bone irritation. This condition can arise from various causes (Arthritis Foundation):

• Previous Injuries: Trauma such as ankle sprains or fractures often leads to OA as the joint deteriorates over time.
• Wear and Tear: Natural aging and repetitive use can erode the cartilage, making the condition more prevalent in older adults.
• Excess Weight: There is an additional four pounds of pressure on the ankle joint for each extra pound of body weight.
• Underlying Conditions: Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to the development of OA.

Symptoms of Ankle Osteoarthritis

Individuals with ankle OA may experience variations of the condition. (Penn Medicine).

• Inflammation and swelling around the ankle joint.
• Pain and stiffness in the ankle during activity or motion.
• Swelling in the joint accompanied by warmth and redness.
• Discomfort when standing, walking, or bearing weight.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Ankle Osteoarthritis

Effective management of ankle OA involves several treatment modalities:

• Activity Modification: Altering daily activities to lessen ankle joint pain and swelling.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce joint swelling and alleviate pain (NYU Langone Health).
• Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can assist in reducing inflammation and restoring range of motion (Total Performance Physical Therapy).
• Ankle Braces: Specialized ankle braces are recommended to reduce weight-bearing pain and prevent excessive movement that can exacerbate joint deterioration (National Library of Medicine).

The Ultra CTS® Ankle Brace: A Solution for OA Pain

The Ultra Ankle Ultra CTS ankle brace is uniquely designed to aid individuals suffering from ankle osteoarthritis. It offers a multi-faceted approach to managing OA pain:

• Impact Absorption: The Ultra CTS ankle brace reduces bone-on-bone irritation by absorbing a portion of the impact generated from standing or walking. This absorbed impact is then redirected to the lower leg, effectively unloading the ankle joint and minimizing joint irritation and pain.
• Ankle Stabilization: By providing firm support to the lower leg and ankle, the Ultra CTS helps prevent excessive movement that can lead to further joint damage. This stability is crucial in managing OA pain and preventing additional injuries.

Encouraging Mobility: Unlike rigid braces, the Ultra CTS features a hinge that allows for full up-and-down ankle motion, promoting muscle strength and joint flexibility. Maintaining mobility is essential in preventing the ankle from becoming stiff and weak (Athlete Restoration Co.).

The Ultra CTS as an Effective Alternative to Ankle Fusion

Ankle fusion is a surgical procedure often recommended for severe cases of ankle osteoarthritis. While it can provide significant pain relief, it permanently reduces ankle movement, which can lead to a loss of mobility and affect the patient’s overall quality of life. The Ultra CTS ankle brace offers a non-surgical alternative with several advantages:

• Preserves Mobility: Unlike ankle fusion, the Ultra CTS maintains full ankle range of motion, allowing for natural movement and reducing the risk of muscle atrophy and joint stiffness (Symmetry Physical Therapy).
• Reduces Pain and Irritation: By unloading the ankle joint, the brace decreases bone-on-bone pain and minimizes joint irritation, offering significant pain relief without the need for invasive surgery.
• Non-Invasive Solution: The Ultra CTS provides a non-surgical option that avoids the risks and recovery time associated with ankle fusion surgery. This makes it a suitable choice for those seeking to manage their OA symptoms conservatively.

Conclusion

Ankle osteoarthritis can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right treatment approach, including the use of the Ultra Ankle® Ultra CTS ankle brace, individuals can may find relief from pain and improve their quality of life. The Ultra CTS brace not only reduces bone-on-bone irritation but also stabilizes the ankle and maintains natural movement, making it a comprehensive solution for those suffering from ankle OA. Additionally, it may serves as an effective alternative to ankle fusion, preserving mobility and providing pain relief without invasive surgery.

If you have any questions about ankle braces for your ankle osteoarthritis, please send a message to one of our certified athletic trainers.