Our ankles are built to help us balance so we can do extraneous activities without getting major injuries. So when you feel ankle pain, you'll find it hard to exercise, play sports, and walk normally. Ankle sprain does heal over time with the help of cold therapy, rest, and compression. However, with that said, there are cases where it doesn't heal. So if you are physically active, consider preventing permanent joint damage in your ankles by getting an ankle brace.
If you have considered buying one or a pair for yourself, knowing how to read an ankle brace size chart is essential for your comfort.
What Is An Ankle Brace?
An ankle brace is a support that you can wear to prevent injuries or heal existing issues with your ankles. Athletes and people with issues wear an ankle sleeve. There are different types of ankle braces in the market, and some have other intended purposes. Some are breathable for everyday use which you can wear under an athletic sock, and some are made with a hard material for more serious injuries. Whichever type you are looking for, it's advisable to know how to measure your ankles and read size charts.
How to Measure for an Ankle Brace
The tools that you need:
- Soft and flexible measuring tape
- Pen and paper
- An app or software that can convert units of measurement (e.g., metric to imperial, and vise versa)
The first thing you need to check is the description in a size chart and if they require the circumference from your instep or the circumference above your ankle bone.
To measure the ankle bone, feel the upper part of your foot going up the leg for a protruding bone, or look for the medial malleolus. Then, sit the tape just above that bone and wrap it around the leg to find your measurement.
To measure the instep, place one part of the flexible measuring tape on the ankle bone, then run it down diagonally just around your heel then back to your ankle bone. Take note of your measurement on a piece of paper and write down the metric or imperial version if needed.
How To Read An Ankle Size Chart
Knowing how to measure ankle brace size is easier than you think. Similar to knowing your shoe size, every size chart has a different system. Also, sometimes sizes are different for men and women, depending on which country or region you're in. Check the column or row where you belong and see if your size is available. Some charts will have a wide range of sizes available, which might have your correct size. On the other hand, some use a range system to assign measurements to small, medium, or large—which might offer little size allowance.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the basic information you need to read an ankle support size chart is knowing which part of your ankle you need to measure and, of course, knowing your ankle circumference, possibly in both metric and imperial measuring systems. Although it might be an extra step for some, knowing your right size ensures the proper fit for your ankle brace.
July 29, 2022
