Sports like gymnastics and cheerleading require dangerous stunts like tumbling and complex flips. If you are a cheerleader, practicing your routine for five hours a day makes you susceptible to injuries. This is where high-quality ankle support comes in to help you.
An ankle support is an effective piece of foot care. This blog post will talk about the importance of wearing ankle support for cheerleaders and which brands of ankle brace can best provide compression with comfort.
Common Injuries of Cheerleaders
Cheerleading involves intense jumping, stunting, and dancing. A simple misstep can be a total disaster for a cheerleader's foot, ankle, hips, or lower back. Here are some of the most common injuries in cheerleading:
Muscle Strains
This injury happens when cheerleaders forcefully move their muscles when dancing, causing stretches and tears to the muscles.
The sudden twists and other acrobatic moves without proper warmup or conditioning put stress on muscles in the body. As a result, cheerleaders usually experience strained lower backs and hips.
Fractures
Just like other athletes, cheerleaders also suffer from fractures. Common fractures include ankle or foot fractures, which result from a bad landing of a stunt. Repeated dancing and landing on a flat and hard surface can also cause stress fractures on the legs.
When this happens, seek help from a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and medical advice. Usually, a doctor requires a patient to use splints or wear a brace to aid the healing process.
Concussions
Concussions occur after an impact on the head. This head injury can affect balance, memory, and concentration. For example, a bad fall during a stunt and hitting the head on the ground can cause concussions.
Ankle Sprain
Since competitive cheerleading involves so many stunts, landings, and jumping, sprains in the ankles and knees are common.
The Rest, Ice, Compression, and Application (RICE) method can help lessen the pain and swelling of the injured ankle. If the pain and swelling persist, visit a medical professional to ensure there is no ankle bone damage.
Prevention and Care
Injuries in cheerleading often happen during routine practice than in actual competitions. But it can be prevented. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of injuries and other conditions in cheerleading:
- Always warm up before your practice or competition.
- Consider wearing an elbow, ankle, or wrist brace during your practice.
- Always wear proper shoes that can support your feet and ankles.
- Cool down and avoid overtraining.
- Strengthen your ankle through regular exercises.
4 of the Best Ankle Braces for Cheerleaders
Because of the intense physical exertion, cheerleaders are most susceptible to ankle sprains. This can be difficult for cheerleaders as they have to endure immense amounts of pain and discomfort on their feet.
However, proper care and wearing the best ankle brace for sprain can help a cheerleader's foot and ankle make room for healing. Stability in the ankle and foot also helps prevent further injury.
Let's dig deeper into how an ankle brace can help provide the needed compression and support. Take a look at our top four picks:
MalleoTrain Ankle Support Brace
The MalleoTrain Ankle Support offers ankle joint stability and provides compression on a sore ankle without putting strain on the pressure points. It also fits the natural shape of the ankle with its special fabric.
The MalleoTrain helps treat the swelling in the area while protecting the ankle from further spraining. This ankle support is also highly elastic, which makes it easy to wear and take off. It is perfect for cheerleaders who want to achieve both comfort and support.
Pros
- Its special engineered fabric provides breathable comfort
- It helps reduce pain and swelling through cushioned pads that support the ankle bones
- Anatomically shaped for a secure fit
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Its size chart may be inaccurate
- Some reports about rubber insides coming out after a few use
BioSkin Trilok Ankle Brace
There are many ankle braces that claim to reduce discomfort and swelling. Only a select few, however, can deliver their promises. The BioSkin Trilok Ankle Brace is one of them. This ankle brace is designed to be an external ligament that pushes the foot into its right position, thus helping reduce pain.
This is the perfect ankle support brace for cheerleaders who develop Achilles tendonitis. It can surprisingly provide pain relief when paired with some strengthening exercises. The brace is also lightweight and breathable to ensure maximum comfort for the user.
Pros
- Helps relieve pain associated with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or Achilles tendonitis
- Can be worn with your cheerleading shoes
- Provides high-quality support for ankle instability
- Hypoallergenic, so anyone who needs ankle support can wear this
Cons
- Expensive
- May run small in size
- Time-consuming to learn how to put the strap on
Shock Doctor Ultra Wrap Lace Ankle Support
For cheerleaders still experiencing ankle instability, you might need ankle support that helps with immobilizing the ankle. Shock Doctor Ultra Wrap Lace Ankle Support provides excellent lateral and medial support without taping.
This ankle support is anatomically shaped for a secure and comfortable fit. It is a good option for cheerleaders who lack time to tape their ankles before practice or competitive events. It also offers protection to avoid potential ankle injuries.
Pros
- More affordable than the BioSkin Trilok Ankle Brace
- Comfortable in any footwear
- Strap ends are color-ended for easy strap placement
Cons
- Doesn't help with the stabbing pressure pains
- Some durability issues
- Have to take all the laces out to put on and take off
Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
The Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer is perhaps one of the most well-known ankle braces on the market. It is cheaper than all the other ankle support options yet provides a high level of support and comfort.
This brace suits cheerleaders recovering from light to moderate ankle sprains. Plus, it fits well with your favorite cheering shoes.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Provides excellent support and protection to the ankle
- The design is sleek and stylish
Cons
- There are complaints about the incorrect size guide
- Some reports about the brace not holding well
- It can be quite demanding to put on and remove
Our Top Pick: The BioSkin Trilok Ankle Brace
Of the four products, the BioSkin Trilok Ankle Brace takes the top spot. Although it’s expensive, it offers exceptional support for ankle stability and conditions like Achilles tendonitis, so you get what you're paying for. Choosing the best ankle brace also comes with personal care and seeking a medical professional's help. Check our buying guides and reviews for more information on your foot care needs.
July 29, 2022
