What is your idea of ankle overuse? You might think it only occurs when you use your feet intensely and most of the time, and are unable to give them enough rest. You may also think that working out only on weekends or increasing the intensity once in a while doesn't trigger overuse.
However, even the inconsistency of your intense activities can trigger an overuse injury called Achilles tendonitis. More than the frequency, a sudden increase in the range of your foot's movement causes a strain on your Achilles tendon, leading to an ankle injury.
Pronation is the inward rotation of the foot, which is also called "rolling in." The Achilles tendon links the calf muscles and the heels. This muscle needs to be flexible and strong because it helps support your arch, but if you abuse it with too much pronation or sudden movements, you can experience Achilles tendonitis.
This article explores how to prevent tendon overuse injuries like these and stay active by choosing the best ankle brace for Achilles tendonitis.
Achilles Tendonitis: How Is It Treated?
Achilles tendonitis is usually caused by a sudden increase in your movements' speed, intensity, and duration. You are more vulnerable to this condition if you're an athlete or when you get older because of the natural weakening of the Achilles tendon, but it can happen to anyone.
Fortunately, Achilles tendonitis isn't always a serious case. Most patients take prescribed at-home treatments, such as wearing the best ankle brace for Achilles support. However, if the damage is severe, then surgery might be more applicable. This usually happens when the tendon completely ruptures.
The Four Best Support Braces for Achilles Tendonitis
Do I need an Achilles support or device to deal with bearable pain? Although it seems as if you'll heal completely with enough rest, your health expert will most likely recommend wearing an Achilles brace to speed up and enhance your recovery.
The best Achilles brace will stabilize your ankle joints, compress the ankles, and reinforce the tendon to prepare for future accidents. Consequently, it will help you minimize wrong movements, improve blood flow, and absorb impacts better in the long run. So, which brace should you wear? Check out our top four Achilles brace products below.
Step-by-Step Pulsating Compression: Aircast Airheel Brace
The Aircast Airheel Brace contains an excellent pulsating compression function that reduces inflammation and promotes healthy circulation on your foot. It's a brace made to help treat Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and heel pain.
You can use the Aircast brace for any activity with different intensity levels. It's low profile, easy to wear in shoes, and has a breathable and lightweight fabric. Additionally, you only work on one strap for all the adjustments you need.
Specifications
- Construction: Two interconnected air cells that reduce tendon strain and apply compression
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Sides: Ambidextrous
- Material: Latex-free neoprene
- Cons: Not enough support, wears out easily, and velcro straps may scratch the back of the heel
Zero Mobility Restrictions: Bauerfeind AchilloTrain Ankle Brace
If Achilles tendonitis restricts your movements, wearing this ankle brace will help you counteract that and still recover properly. It comes with a contoured pad for a soft, soothing massaging effect to help your ankle heal. At the same time, it's adjustable by putting or removing the insert so that you can still move the tendon minus the pain.
The Bauerfeind AchilloTrain is suitable as a post-surgery therapy device. It helps you get rid of the pain and swelling of the tendon and the back of your heel. Plus, it minimizes the shock you get from running, walking, or jumping.
Specifications
- Construction: 3-dimensional knit, an optimal shape for comfort and nonrestrictive properties
- Sizes: 1–6
- Sides: Ambidextrous
- Colors: Titan-blue, beige, and black-blue
- Material: Breathable and stretchable knit
- Cons: Doesn't fit some shoes and an unreasonable price for some, at $69
A Quick "Back on Your Feet" Effect: TechWare Pro Ankle and Foot Brace Compression Sleeves
You might think that with Achilles tendonitis, it will take a long while before you can move pain-free again. However, that depends on the severity of your condition and the solution. If prescribed meds, feet exercises, ice treatments, or special footwear don’t work, wearing the TechWare Ankle Brace might save you from your woes.
Users report that wearing these sleeves for at least three days (and applying other home remedies) helped them immediately get back on their feet. The swelling showed signs of healing, and some walked or ran at full speed without wincing in pain. For an orthopedic device, the TechWare Pro brings the healing game to another level.
Specifications
- Construction: Thin compression sleeves
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, and XXL
- Sides: Ambidextrous
- Colors: Beige, black, black and blue, black and green, black and pink, gray, white, and pink
- Material: 80% nylon and 20% spandex; breathable, moisture-wicking, and contoured
- Cons: Doesn't have enough upper ankle support, too tight for some, and not machine-washable
Shoe-Friendly and Gender-Neutral Brace: ComfiLife Adjustable Compression Ankle Brace Wrap
An effective, one-size-fits-all, and adjustable ankle brace that fits well in shoes—you can find these attributes in the ComfiLife Ankle Brace Wrap. It has a powerful compression to support the area where you need pressure the most. At the same time, it's 360 adjustable, so it doesn't feel excessively tight around your ankle.
Specifications
- Construction: 360 adjustable ankle brace with velcro closure
- Sizes: Standard
- Colors: Black
- Material: Breathable and non-slip silicone
- Cons: A bit stiff, may cause skin irritations, and difficult to put on for some
Final Thoughts
Achilles tendonitis is a common injury for athletes. Although it's more prevalent among runners, you can still get this condition if you overwork or suddenly increase the speed and intensity of your foot movements.
The best way to treat Achilles Tendonitis is to wear an ankle brace and other remedies recommended by a health professional. By doing so, you can maximize the recovery process and get back on your feet earlier than you expect.
We hope that you have found the best Achilles support brace for your needs in this article.
July 29, 2022
