Which Ankle Support is Right for You?

Brian Acton

There are many kinds of ankle supports on the market, but most serve roughly the same purpose. They provide compression, stability, and support to your ankle to help you recover from an injury and/or avoid reinjuring yourself as you continue to move through your everyday activities.

They’re a good tool to help athletes recover, maintain performance, and avoid reinjury as they play. But they’re also suitable to help you walk, climb stairs, play with your kids, or get through your workday. Supports and braces can even help your body perceive where your ankle is in space (known as proprioception) when its ability to do so is compromised, helping you avoid hurting your ankle again.

Ankle supports come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials, and it’s not always clear which one is right for your specific injury. To make this easier, Core Products ankle supports come in different support tiers (from Level 1 to Level 4) to make it easier for you to identify the ankle support you need.

Level 1: Ankle Support for Minor Injuries

You may attribute a minor ankle sprain to a sports injury, or maybe you hurt it walking down the street. No matter the cause, Level 1 ankle supports are for mild injuries and ankle pain. They provide light support and can also be suitable for an injury that has mostly recovered but still needs a little extra security.

• Swede-O® Elastic Ankle Sleeve: this lightweight sleeve contours to the natural shape of the ankle and provides gentle compression to mild injuries and achy ankles.

Level 2: Additional Support for Minor Injuries

Level 2 ankle supports still provide a lower level of support but use adjustable straps for more control of the fit and the level of compression. They are a little more supportive than Level 1. You can use them for minor sports injuries, painful ankles, and swelling due to recent injuries.

• Swede-O® Elastic Ankle Wrap features an adjustable strap for a customized fit, allowing for variations in swelling. Ideal for mild injuries and minor ankle pain.
• Nel-Med 3 Beige Ankle Support provides light support and gentle compression to minor injuries. Comfortable enough to wear for work, play, and sports.

Level 3: Moderate to Serious Injuries and Sports Support

When more support is needed, it’s time to move on to Level 3. These supports can be used for minor injuries, but they provide greater stability and can be used for moderate to severe injuries as well. They can also help relieve aches, pains, and stiffness caused by arthritis. If your injury is inhibiting your ability to play sports - including football, basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, and more - Level 3 might be right for you.

• Swede-O® PowerWrap® Ankle Brace comes recommended by trainers and healthcare professionals. This brace is ideal for weak or injured ankles and athletes to tape their ankles for sports. It’s made to withstand vigorous exercise and fits in most athletic shoes.
• Swede-O® Trim Lok® Brace is 25% lighter than other standard braces and uses airflow to keep the foot and ankle cool and dry. Like the Multi-Sport, it is versatile and commonly used in many sports.
• Swede-O® Strap Lok® Ankle Brace simulates professional taping with external figure eight straps. Brace stays tight and secure using exclusive offset lacing system and full strap.
• Swede-O® Inner Lok 8® focuses on proper strap placement, and can be used across a variety of sports. It simulates professional taping.

Level 4 Support: For Moderate to Severe Injuries

Level 4 provides the greatest level of support. These supports are intended for fresh injuries or a previous injury that needs strong support when participating in high intensity activities like football, soccer, or lacrosse.

While they can be used across a range of issues, Level 4 supports provide the stability you need for serious injuries. If you just had ankle surgery or your foot is coming out of a cast, Level 4 can rise to the occasion.

• Swede-O® Easy Lok™: offers support for weak and injured ankles, moderate sprains, post-surgery and post-cast recovery, and ankle instability. The two-strap closure mechanism is perfect for people with arthritic hands or anyone who would struggle to tie up laces.
• Swede-O® Tarsal Lok®: provides speed lacing for quick lace up prior to activity. It uses body heat to contour the stabilizer to the shape of your ankle and foot, providing a custom fit. Suitable for a variety of sports.
• Swede-O® Ankle Lok®: the original, heavy-duty brace fits comfortably in most athletic shoes and is intended to support injuries from moderate to the most severe sprains. It can also be used to help recover from a cast or surgery.

In Closing

The best ankle support for you depends on many factors. It depends on if your injury is fresh or old, and the severity of your injury. It depends on the activities you plan to do while using the support. It even depends on how much compression and breathability you need!

While this article is a good guide to help you get started and identify the level of support you need for your ankle, the variety of options can still be tough to navigate. If you still want some help finding the right ankle support for you, contact us today.