{"id":3348,"date":"2026-09-08T08:15:48","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T07:15:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enovis-medtech.eu\/blog_eu\/?p=3348"},"modified":"2026-09-08T08:15:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T07:15:49","slug":"the-benefits-of-an-elastic-ankle-brace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enovis-medtech.eu\/blog_eu\/?p=3348","title":{"rendered":"The Benefits of an Elastic Ankle Brace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ankle sprains are very common injuries, with a high incidence among physically active people1<\/sup> \u2014 in the United States alone, more than 23,000 ankle sprains every day.2<\/sup> It is the lateral side of the ankle that is generally affected, and less commonly the medial side. It typically results from the foot being forced into inversion\u2014a movement that can occur in runners, jumpers, or even casual walkers. Fortunately, management options exist, such as wearing an elastic ankle brace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Closer Look at Ankle Sprains<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most common type of ankle sprain involves the lateral ligament complex, accounting for 70-91% of cases.3<\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ligaments are bands of relatively inelastic connective tissue that stabilize the joint; they allow movement while preventing dislocation. The lateral ligament complex consists of three bundles (anterior, middle, and posterior): when the foot twists inward, the ankle undergoes plantar flexion combined with internal rotation \u2014 a movement known as forced inversion. It is primarily the anterior bundle that is affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ankle<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the nature of the ligament stretch, the severity of the sprain will vary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mild sprain<\/td>stretching of the anterior bundle<\/td><\/tr>
Moderate sprain<\/td>partial rupture of the anterior bundle<\/td><\/tr>
Severe sprain<\/td>complete rupture of the anterior bundle, or even of the middle and posterior bundles<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to do in the Event of a Sprain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When a sprain occurs, the best course of action is to follow the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are essentially the four steps to follow to treat a sprain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rest<\/strong>: If it\u2019s painful to walk or put weight on your foot, stay off your feet as much as possible. Rest your ankle and use crutches to support your weight if you need to get around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ice<\/strong>: Ice your ankle for 48 to 72 hours after injury to help reduce pain and swelling; apply ice or cold therapy for 20 minutes at a time every two to three hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compression:<\/strong> A wrap can be applied around the ankle at the site of the sprain to help decrease swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elevation<\/strong>: Raise the injured ankle above the level of the heart for at least two to three hours a day, and while you sleep, for the first 24 to 36 hours to help reduce swelling and bruising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The RICE protocol should be applied systematically during the post-traumatic or post-operative phase in order to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n