Source
r/rollerderby•
Loop_Adjacent

Weak ankle support options?

I'm healing from a derby ankle/leg injury and started PT to strengthen and heal. The orthopedic doctor just gave me the okay to go back to derby in 2-3 weeks or when I'm comfortable.

I'm curious to know if anyone has found successful ankle supports to use while skating. My brand new Riedell Vendetta's have zero ankle support at all. I'm interested to know if there are any known supports/wraps that I can wear (with skates) either as I continue to strengthen and heal or all the time (in skates). The PT guy suggested having my ankle taped if there is a trainer who can do it but there's never been a trainer at the boot camp times.

I've used something like this is in the past but never w/ skates:

https://www.amazon.com/Support-Breathable-Neoprene-Sleeve-Adjustable/dp/B01LXAGV0H

​

I'd be interested to know others stories / successes so I don't have to re-invent the wheel myself. If that makes sense.

While I know the goal is to strengthen my ankles and NOT need support, I have a history of weak ankles and would prefer to be cautious as this injury has not been fun.

Thanks.

Posted Dec 6, 2022, 3:07 PM UTC

620
graphixgurl747•

I broke my ankle playing derby and had the same discussion with my ankle doctor/podiatrist. I had to have surgery, heal and then PT. They discouraged me from using anything when I started skating again (just gave me approximate time limits and to be careful and listen to my body) and I'm glad I did.

When you come back you're going to want to push yourself - don't. Your ankle is weak and it needs to get stronger. You're going to PT which is awesome. What do they say for your case for a brace?

Personally I'm glad I didn't get one and just worked my way up on and off skates - I didn't want to be dependent on a brace and my two cents is if you need one to do the skating you're not ready to (you may totally ignore me and I get that).

12
Wonderful-Swing4323•

For context - I got a spiral fracture about 18 mos ago in derby and had a lot of complications with healing.

I think about braces like mobility aids - they can help you do the things you need to do (i.e. walk, daily function without pain) but shouldn't be used to push yourself. If you feel like you still need the support of a sleeve or brace, I would take a little more time to heal.

If you feel like you could be fine without any support but a little bit of support would make you feel better, I would suggest KT tape and a compression sock (a cycling compression sock that covers your ankle would be perfect) instead. I'm still not back to skating but I have started hiking and compression really helps with pain while the tape provides just enough stability that I feel a bit more confident on uneven terrain. If you don't know how to tape your ankle, here's a nice visual guide.

Best of luck on your healing. Ankle injuries suck because they cause cascading mobility issues - you don't realize how much you rely on that dorsiflexion until you don't have it!

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Loop_AdjacentOP•

Thank you, that's very helpful.

Speedy healing for you!

2
Erica_fox•

Focus on improving ankle health (strength and flexibility) when you aren't on skates. And give yourself permission to take your skates off before you do damage.

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Loop_AdjacentOP•

I get that's the entire point of PT and just in general. But is there a product or something I could use while skating as a means of more ankle stability?

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ararejul•

What all of us fellow ankle breakers are trying to say is that you should not return to skating until you're ankle is strong enough without a brace.

It sucks to wait longer but PT will always suggest no brace because they believe it prohibits strengthening.

If you need a brace I recommend a sleeve with maybe some support in it. Sleeves keep the muscle warm which helps with mobility.

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Loop_AdjacentOP•

That's what I'm getting and I appreciate all the feed back from everyone's experiences. I don't want to mess the broken bones up any more and I appreciate all the info. :-)

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Other_Sprinkles_2798•

So I had a different experience where my PT did have me wear a brace. I broke my ankle and ruptured a ligament and was NWB for six weeks. I did a TON of PT but it was another 4 months before I was allowed back on skates and only if I wore a brace. I continue to work on ankle strengthening and only wear the brace to skate. I’m getting close to being allowed to skate without it (still in PT) but that is after 6 months back on skates and almost a year post-injury/surgery. Every injury is different so I think you should have a conversation with your PT about what’s best for you. I don’t know when I would have been allowed back on skates if I hadn’t worn a brace; using it allowed me to return sooner, for sure.

Edited for typos.

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Dinah1895•

How do I know if my ankle is strong enough though?
I also broke my ankle and just finished PT. I am back at the gym, back at boxing (incl jump skipping). I don't feel the difference anymore in everyday life.

Only if I do specific exercises (like one legged calf raises) I still notice that one side is stronger than the other.

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ararejul•

Mimic derby moves off skates, when that feels good put skates on and test in safe environment (non contact) and then just keep baby stepping till you don't even worry about it.

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boodaban•

This is what I use. I have weak ankles that just enjoy rolling over. I’ve been working on strengthening them and don’t need the brace all the time, but when I have a twist they allow me to keep playing and I’ll wear them the next few times on skates. They’re also thin enough I don’t have trouble getting my skate on which I appreciate.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077MRNDVT/?coliid=I2JF6VI6OIW5J1&colid=F3BFMTZ1CB34&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

This might not be strong enough right now depending on where you’re at, but they should help down the line.

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Emily_earmuffz•

I third this recommendation! I've used a similar product and it definitely helped. I haven't broken my ankle or anything but I do have weak ankles, flat feet and over pronation of my ankles so I've tried plenty of things on the market to help me.

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Loop_AdjacentOP•

Thank you!

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erasaurus•

I second this! I fell weird and had a swollen ankle for weeks. This compression sleeve is what I started using and it's made a huge difference. Also work on your ankle mobility so when you do fall next time, it can handle it better.

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FakespotAnalysisBot•

This is a Fakespot Reviews Analysis bot. Fakespot detects fake reviews, fake products and unreliable sellers using AI.

Here is the analysis for the Amazon product reviews:

Name: Ankle Support Brace, Breathable Neoprene Sleeve, Adjustable Wrap!

Company: Bodyprox

Amazon Product Rating: 4.3

Fakespot Reviews Grade: B

Adjusted Fakespot Rating: 4.3

Analysis Performed at: 12-02-2022

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Fakespot analyzes the reviews authenticity and not the product quality using AI. We look for real reviews that mention product issues such as counterfeits, defects, and bad return policies that fake reviews try to hide from consumers.

We give an A-F letter for trustworthiness of reviews. A = very trustworthy reviews, F = highly untrustworthy reviews. We also provide seller ratings to warn you if the seller can be trusted or not.

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magentamadness•

After my break / surgery / healing, my PT showed me how to tape my ankle myself with supportive sports tape, not KT tape. Her recommendation was to slowly wean myself off of it as you need the muscles to strengthen instead of become dependent on it. It was fairly easy to do and quickly became an annoying chore that was easy to give up as I felt stronger. After I did find that the thicker neoprene foot sleeves helped cover scar tissue / screws that were bothered by the top of my boot / floor if I fall on that side.

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Loop_AdjacentOP•

Great idea for me to ask the PT person to show me how to tape when it's time. Thank you.

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kennylofton57•

Personally, I waited till I was done (PT/6 weeks) to go back to skating. My PT knew what level of motion I expected from a healthy ankle and worked to get me there. I had to build up standing and walking/running endurance, jumping and balance. Was it a little annoying? Yes, but I was more afraid of reinjuring it in progress.

I ended up using compression socks for a few weeks of practice and honestly, I use them anytime I have a twingey ankle now.

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