Ankle brace socks will be your next cool sports item.
Your athletic improvement doesn't just involve punishing your body. It also involves helping your body recover. That's why athletes spend on sports items aimed at injury prevention and recovery. If it keeps them from injuries so that they can continue to run a little faster or feel a little better, they throw the big bucks down without flinching.
If you’re an athlete, you will understand. We're always looking to improve ourselves in the sport that we love. It is even more true as we leap into the new year. Setting goals and pushing our bodies to make us who we are—men and women are driven to live an active lifestyle.
This time, however, you must strike a balance. Does your sport push you to the point of injury? Then, you need one small item that pulls you back, nurtures you, and catapults you to better athletic performance. That item is ankle support socks.
Many people who participate in competitive sports have never used an ankle sleeve. That's understandable if they haven't yet experienced any excruciating foot injury. But if you're ready to start using sleeves, here are the benefits that pro athletes enjoy when using them.
Ankle sleeves and braces can prevent injuries like overextension. Athletes engaging in sports that involve quick and agile movements, such as basketball, will at some point make a wrong move and stretch their ankles. It can cause immediate pain, leading the player to withdraw from the game. Sleeves can prevent this from happening, keeping athletes performing optimally.
Ankle sleeves can help protect the injured ankle by surrounding it and restricting movement. The athlete can still move, but the range is limited to prevent reinjury.
The use of ankle sleeves can ease foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis and even conditions such as flat-footedness. Runners, in particular, experience this condition as they endure the most foot and ankle impact. Sleeves treat common foot conditions to push athletes further for the next mile.
In any land sport, ankle pain is a certainty, especially for those who play hard. Runners who want to increase their pace will speed up, increasing their foot strike. And with the increased impact, the pain moves closer and closer.
Ankle sleeves help compress the foot and even the heel to alleviate the pain to aid your performance.
When buying your first ankle sleeve, you'll be tempted to get the one sticking out of the shelf or what's advertised online for convenience. Doing this may result in an unpleasant first experience that will make you return the item.
Ankle sleeves are awesome sports products to have, so make sure you get the best the first time. Here are the factors to consider before your first purchase.
You want to be sure you'll get the right sizing for you. Too tight or too loose will reduce the intended effect of the ankle sleeve, which is to compress your ankle and heel.
Get a tape measure, wrap it around your ankles, and jot down the number. Remember it when checking out an ankle sleeve sizing chart. Your size should fall within the size range.
How much an ankle sleeve costs is a good indication of its quality. But that doesn't mean you don't have to check its features.
The prices vary from under $25 to $50 for the soft and semirigid ankle sleeves. Match your budget with your needs.
You need to assess your level of activity and your propensity to take more risks. These will dictate what type of ankle sleeve or brace you'll get. In most cases, your options will be between soft sleeves or semirigid lace-up or strapped braces. You can choose one or both based on what you think you need.
Ankle sleeve materials vary from nylon to neoprene, most of them comfortable and breathable. It's a matter of choosing what brings your ankles the most comfort. You'll be wearing these sleeves for long periods, especially if you're recovering from an injury. Thus, it's best to choose sleeves you feel at ease wearing.
Your ankle sleeves have so much potential. As an athlete, this simple sports equipment can push you to even better performance if you know how to use it. Follow these five tips to make sure you get every benefit out of your investment and maximize its use.
You don’t have to always wear your ankle sleeves on your bare ankles. While this is the recommended application that provides maximum ankle compression, it may feel uncomfortable sometimes. Thus, we suggest wearing your ankle sleeve over your usual socks so that you can have a little comfort while still enjoying the benefits of ankle compression.
When wearing ankle sleeves or braces, you might think that the tighter the fit, the more beneficial it is. The compression means less movement and, therefore, more chance of recovery, right?
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. There should still be enough room for your ankle to move a little. Find the sweet spot that isn’t too tight but still feels like your ankles are properly compressed.
Ankle sleeves don’t have to be useful for just post-injury recovery. You can also use it as an injury prevention and reduction tool while playing a sport. For example, try wearing it with your shoes on before going for a run or playing ball. It will restrict your ankle’s range of motion, but you’ll find you’re less likely to get injured or feel pain.
You can sprain your ankle as you go about playing or running. You can prevent this, as well as other potential injuries if you put on an ankle tape or bandage before an ankle sleeve. It provides an extra layer of protection and compression for your ankle while keeping the range of movement at the desired restraint level.
If the injury is only several days old, it’s still relatively fresh. Going out for training may cause a reinjury. If you can, wear a semirigid ankle brace on top of your ankle sleeve for added compression. Doing this will prevent reinjury while also restraining your ankle movements without compromising healing.
You are now equipped with the information necessary to select the coolest and most beneficial ankle sleeve for you. Go out there and get one. Start the journey toward healthy ankles and feet. This investment will surely bring your performance to greater heights, and you'll enjoy more rewarding sessions.
If you're looking for more information on how to care for your ankles, please check out our website for more blog posts. To get the best ankle supports, read our reviews.
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