Need Ankle Support for Lacrosse. 15 Key Ways An Ankle Brace Keeps You in the Game

Need Ankle Support for Lacrosse. 15 Key Ways An Ankle Brace Keeps You in the Game

Playing lacrosse is tough on the ankles. The constant cutting, pivoting, and dodging puts a lot of stress on this joint. That’s why having the right ankle brace is so important for lacrosse players. A good brace can help prevent injuries, provide support during play, and speed up recovery when you do get hurt. Here’s a look at 15 key ways an ankle brace keeps you in the game.

Choose the Right Ankle Brace for Your Sport

Not all ankle braces are created equal. The best lacrosse ankle brace will be designed specifically for the types of movements required in lacrosse. Look for a brace that resists inversion and eversion sprains but doesn’t restrict your ability to pivot and cut sharply on the field. Low profile braces that fit under your sock and cleat are popular choices.

Hinged braces allow for more natural ankle motion while still providing stability. Stabilizing straps across the foot and around the arch give the brace better leverage to resist rolling. Opt for bilateral braces if you want support on both ankles.

Prevent Re-injury After a Sprain

Players who have suffered an ankle sprain are at high risk for re-injury. Wearing an ankle brace provides added support and stability, protecting the vulnerable joint. It helps reinforce proper ankle mechanics and proprioception. Studies show braces can reduce the risk of repeat sprains by up to 70%.

Reduce Pain and Swelling

The compression provided by an ankle brace can help reduce swelling and pain after an ankle injury. This allows you to return to play more quickly. The added stability also reduces strain on the injured tissues. Less swelling and inflammation means less discomfort.

Improve Proprioception and Balance

Ankle braces enhance proprioception – your body’s sense of the joint’s position in space. The snug fit stimulates your proprioceptive nerves, making you more aware of your ankle’s alignment. This improves stability and balance, resulting in better control on the field.

Provide Compression and Support

Lacrosse requires a lot of high-impact jumping, landing, and pivoting. All this places heavy loads on the ankle joint. The compressive force and stability from an ankle brace share the burden and reduce strain on ligaments and tendons. Supporting vulnerable ankle tissues may help prevent injuries.

Allow You to Play Through Minor Sprains

Ankle braces enable players to continue competing even after a mild or moderate sprain. The added support compensates for injured ligaments, providing enough stability for many athletes to keep playing. However, severe sprains still require proper rest and recovery.

Stabilize Your Ankle Joint

The plastic or metal supports in an ankle brace limit excessive inversion, eversion, plantarflexion, and dorsiflexion. This stabilizes the joint in its natural neutral position. Stabilizing straps also reinforce the brace’s protective effects. This reduces strain on ligaments and tendons.

Stay Comfortable During Play

Advanced lacrosse braces are designed for comfort and wearability. Breathable fabrics, padded linings, flexible hinges, low-profile designs, and adjustable closures prevent irritation and allow for a custom fit. This increases compliance since players are more likely to wear the brace consistently.

Speed Up Injury Recovery

By controlling range of motion and reducing swelling, ankle braces can help you bounce back faster after a sprain. The added support and stability accelerate the healing process while enabling earlier mobilization. This promotes strength and flexibility so you can return to competition sooner.

Avoid Restricting Natural Movement

Look for a lacrosse ankle brace that doesn’t significantly restrict your ankle’s normal motion. Rigid braces can negatively impact performance. The best braces stabilize without over-constraining so you can cut and pivot naturally on the field.

Wear Under Socks or Pads for Extra Comfort

Lacrosse ankle braces typically feature smooth, breathable fabric linings. But some players prefer extra cushioning. Wearing the brace over a padded ankle sleeve or thick socks can prevent irritation. Just be sure the brace still fits snugly.

Pick a Breathable and Moisture-Wicking Material

To avoid discomfort from heat and sweat buildup, select a brace made of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. Ventilated designs and mesh panels also boost airflow. This keeps you cooler and drier for enhanced comfort.

Ensure a Snug and Customizable Fit

The brace should fit snugly without pinching or restricting circulation. Slippage can reduce its effectiveness. Features like multiple strap points and adjustable closures enable you to customize the compression. Get properly measured and fitted for optimal performance.

Opt for Bilateral Support if Needed

If you’ve suffered ankle sprains in both legs or want to proactively protect your ankles, consider a bilateral brace. This simultaneously stabilizes both joints for balanced support. Just ensure the brace doesn’t overly restrict natural motion.

Consult a Doctor to Find the Best Option

Every player and situation is unique, so work with a sports medicine doctor to determine the right lacrosse ankle brace. Factors like injury history, position, playing style, and personal fit preferences all impact the ideal choice. Together you can find the perfect brace to keep you thriving on the field.

Playing lacrosse subjects your ankles to constant cutting, pivoting, and impact. All this movement can easily lead to ankle sprains. But once you’ve suffered one sprain, your risk for re-injury skyrockets. That’s why wearing an ankle brace is so crucial for lacrosse players recovering from an ankle sprain. Here’s a look at how ankle braces help prevent recurring sprains.

Prevent Re-injury After a Sprain

After an initial ankle sprain, the ligaments and joint capsule remain stretched out and unstable. This leaves the ankle much more vulnerable to rolling or twisting again. In fact, studies show that over 70% of players who sprain an ankle will go on to sprain it again within two years if they don’t wear a brace.

But a proper ankle brace provides external stability to compensate for the weakened ligaments. The rigid supports prevent excessive inversion or eversion, while straps across the foot reinforce the brace’s protective effects. This added stability significantly reduces the risk of re-injury.

Enhance Proprioception

An ankle sprain can damage the proprioceptive nerves in the joint, impairing position sense. This affects balance and coordination. An ankle brace stimulates these nerves through compression, re-training them to fire properly. This boosts proprioception, allowing better awareness and control of the ankle.

Reduce Swelling and Pain

The snug compression of an ankle brace helps minimize swelling and discomfort after a sprain. Less inflammation means less pain, allowing you to return to play more quickly. The support also reduces strain on the injured ligaments as they heal.

Provide Stability Early in Recovery

Right after an ankle sprain, the joint is extremely unstable and vulnerable. Immediately wearing a brace provides much-needed support and protection during the early phases of rehab. This allows for earlier mobilization to promote healing without risking re-injury.

Gradually Re-train Ankle Strength

Rigid ankle braces can weaken muscles over time if worn constantly. That’s why it’s smart to gradually transition to softer, more flexible braces as you regain ankle strength through rehab. This slowly loads the joint again while still providing some support against re-injury.

Prevent Chronic Ankle Instability

Repeated ankle sprains, if left unprotected, can cause chronic issues like instability, weakness, arthritis, and loss of motion. But wearing an ankle brace helps break that cycle of recurring injury. Maintaining stability facilitates full recovery and may prevent long-term consequences.

Allow You to Play Through Minor Sprains

The extra support provided by an ankle brace enables many players to keep competing even after a mild or moderate sprain. While severe sprains still warrant proper rest, a brace can provide enough stability to play through minor sprains, allowing you to avoid missing games unnecessarily. However, always consult a doctor first.

Promote Proper Mechanics

After an ankle sprain, you can develop bad habits like overcompensating or avoiding certain motions. A brace reinforces proper foot positioning and biomechanics. This re-trains normal ankle function for better stability long-term.

In summary, wearing an ankle brace after a sprain is crucial for preventing recurring injuries. The added support protects vulnerable ligaments, facilitating recovery and keeping you thriving on the lacrosse field.

Ankle sprains are an unfortunate but common injury in lacrosse. The pain and swelling caused by a sprain can sideline players for weeks if left unchecked. Fortunately, wearing an ankle brace can help control these symptoms, allowing you to get back on the field sooner. Here’s a closer look at how ankle braces reduce pain and swelling after an ankle sprain.

Reduce Pain and Swelling

A sprained ankle tears ligaments and overstretches tendons and joint tissues. This causes bleeding and inflammation inside the joint, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. The compression provided by an ankle brace constricts blood vessels, limiting this inflammatory response. Less swelling means less pressure and discomfort in the joint.

Decrease Stress on Injured Tissues

An untreated sprained ankle is unstable, so any movement stresses the damaged ligaments and tendons even more. But a brace stabilizes the ankle, reducing abnormal motion. This decreases strain on inflamed tissues, easing pain signals. The joint can start healing faster.

Accelerate Recovery

With less swelling and trauma, the ankle heals quicker after a sprain. Ankle braces allow earlier mobilization as well, preventing stiffness and muscle atrophy. Regaining mobility maintains strength and range of motion. This speeds up recovery versus immobilization.

Provide Targeted Compression

Lacrosse ankle braces use straps and supports to apply compression directly over injured structures like the anterior talofibular ligament. This reduces localized swelling and hemorrhaging better than a simple wrap. Targeted compression also improves proprioception.

Allow You to Play Through Minor Sprains

The pain-relieving effects of ankle braces enable many players to keep competing even after a mild or moderate ankle sprain. While severe sprains warrant proper rest, some added support can reduce discomfort enough to avoid missing games unnecessarily.

Prevent Re-injury

A swollen, painful ankle has compromised stability. But an ankle brace stabilizes the joint by limiting harmful motions. This protects against re-rolling the ankle and causing further injury. Preventing re-injury also reduces inflammation.

Manage Chronic Ankle Pain

Recurring sprains can cause chronic ankle pain and arthritis. But wearing an ankle brace may help break that cycle by controlling inflammation and preventing those repeat injuries. Less swelling now means less joint damage later.

In summary, ankle braces can quickly reduce the two main consequences of a sprain – pain and swelling. This allows faster recovery and return to lacrosse with less risk of re-injury. Controlling symptoms is key to staying on the field.

The constant cutting and pivoting in lacrosse demands sharp coordination between your eyes, nerves, and ankle muscles. But an ankle sprain can throw off this delicate balance, resulting in instability and impaired balance. Fortunately, wearing an ankle brace can help restore position sense and enhance control. Here’s how an ankle brace improves proprioception and balance.

Improve Proprioception and Balance

Proprioception refers to the body’s awareness of joint position and movement in space. This position sense relies on input from sensory receptors in the ankle joint, which can be damaged during a sprain. But an ankle brace helps re-train these proprioceptive nerves through gentle compression and stimulation. This boosts position awareness for better stability and balance.

Re-Activate Sensory Nerves

The snug fit of a brace provides constant tactile input to the sensory nerves surrounding the ankle. This feedback re-activates the proprioceptive pathways damaged by a sprain. As the nerves regenerate, position sense and balance continuously improve.

Enhance Subconscious Control

Proprioception is an automatic process that keeps the ankle stable without conscious thought. Ankle braces restore this “auto-pilot” function by stimulating the proprioceptive loop. The more input from the brace, the stronger this subconscious motor control becomes.

Prevent Re-Injury

A proprioceptive deficit after an ankle sprain is linked to higher re-injury rates. When position sense is impaired, it’s easy for the ankle to roll again. A brace helps address this by re-training proprioception for better stability and injury prevention.

Regain Confidence in Your Ankle

As proprioception improves with brace use, your confidence in your ankle returns. You can cut, pivot, and jump without fear of “giving out.” This mental boost is key to restoring aggressive lacrosse play after injury.

Allow Faster Return to Play

By enhancing balance and control, a brace enables earlier return to competition after an ankle sprain. You don’t have to wait until full proprioceptive function comes back naturally, which can take months. The brace fills the stability gap in the meantime.

Reinforce Proper Biomechanics

The compression cues provided by the brace guide your ankle into proper positioning as proprioception improves. This trains proper biomechanics and muscle memory to prevent chronic issues.

In summary, ankle braces boost sensory input and feedback to rehabilitate position sense and balance after an ankle sprain. This restores stability and confidence in the ankle joint.

The physical demands of lacrosse place a lot of strain on ankle joints. All that cutting, jumping, and abrupt stopping overworks ligaments and tendons. An ankle brace provides extra support and reinforcement to compensate, keeping ankles stable throughout play. Here’s a closer look at how ankle braces deliver compression and support.

Provide Compression and Support

A snug-fitting ankle brace applies moderate compression to the joint. This compressive force shares the burden of impacts and loads on the ankle. It helps guard overstretched tendons and ligaments from further damage. Targeted compression also reduces swelling and stimulates proprioceptive nerves.

Share High Impact Loads

The constant jumping and abrupt stops in lacrosse transfer tremendous forces up through the ankle. The compressive sleeves of a brace absorb some of this shock impact before it reaches the joint. This cushions bones, tendons, and ligaments.

Reduce Ligament Strain

As players cut and pivot, ankle ligaments are pulled in multiple directions. A brace provides reinforcement against these multidirectional forces, decreasing the strain on vulnerable ligaments.

Deliver Support Through Bracing

Rigid plastic or metal supports on the sides of an ankle brace limit excessive inversion and eversion. This motion restriction offloads strained ligaments, reducing the risk of rolls and sprains.

Boost Stability with Straps

Adjustable straps across the top and front of the foot reinforce the brace’s stabilizing effects. This enhances support by improving the brace’s leverage against ankle movements in all planes.

Enhance Proprioception

Ankle braces stimulate sensory nerves through gentle compression. This trains the nerves to fire properly, enhancing position sense and stability. Better proprioception means better protection of ankle tissues.

In summary, ankle braces provide supplemental compression and support to offset the intense demands of competitive lacrosse. This allows ankles to withstand repeated impacts and multidirectional loads.

Ankle sprains are common injuries in lacrosse that often sideline players for weeks. But wearing an ankle brace enables many athletes to keep competing even after a mild or moderate sprain. Here’s how a brace allows you to play through minor ankle sprains:

Allow You to Play Through Minor Sprains

While severe high ankle sprains still warrant proper rest and recovery, minor sprains don’t necessarily require time off. The right ankle brace can provide enough support and stability to allow continued lacrosse participation after a mild or moderate sprain. However, always consult a doctor first.

Reduce Pain and Swelling

By controlling swelling and inflammation, an ankle brace reduces the pain of a minor sprain. This makes it easier to keep playing through discomfort. The compression also stabilizes the injury.

Support Damaged Ligaments

Even though ligaments are only partially torn, an ankle brace helps reinforce and protect these injured structures. The added stability compensates for the compromised ligaments enough to allow ongoing function.

Prevent Re-Injury

Playing through a sprain risks re-injury without proper support. But an ankle brace significantly reduces this chance by limiting harmful motions and giving the ankle added security during activity.

Maintain Strength and Mobility

Resting an ankle sprain can lead to loss of strength and flexibility. But continuing play while wearing a brace stresses the ankle at safe levels to prevent those consequences.

Allow Participation in Key Games

Rather than miss important rivalry matchups or playoff games, players can often tape up and brace the ankle to power through minor sprains when it matters most.

Avoid Falling Behind

Sitting out from lacrosse for a few weeks allows teammates to move ahead in skills, conditioning, and team chemistry. Playing through a minor sprain with a brace prevents falling behind.

Reduce Financial Impact

College lacrosse players missing games due to injury risk reduced scholarship money or professional interest. Ankle braces allow continued participation to avoid those financial impacts.

In summary, wearing an ankle brace enables many players to keep competing after minor sprains, avoiding time off the field unnecessarily. Just take proper precautions and seek medical guidance.

The intense cutting and pivoting inherent to lacrosse places a lot of destabilizing forces on the ankle joint. Players are constantly at risk of dangerous inversion or eversion sprains. That’s why stabilizing the ankle with a proper brace is so important for injury prevention and recovery. Here’s how ankle braces enhance ankle joint stability:

Stabilize Your Ankle Joint

Ankle braces work by essentially creating an external scaffold around the joint to prevent excessive range of motion in vulnerable directions. This stabilizes the ankle in its natural neutral alignment and protects it from rolls and twists.

Limit Inversion and Eversion

The plastic or metal uprights on either side of the braces are designed to stop the ankle from rolling too far inward or outward. This helps prevent lateral ligament sprains.

Restrict Plantarflexion and Dorsiflexion

Some braces also have a rear support that resists excessive plantarflexion backward. A front strap can help limit dorsiflexion upward. This provides stability in all planes.

Reinforce the Joint Capsule

The compressive sleeves of an ankle brace essentially act as extra joint capsule tissue, tightening up the area. This reduces looseness that could allow the ankle to move in unstable ways.

Share Load With Ligaments

During cutting motions, the brace helps absorb some of the forces placed on ligaments, decreasing how much they have to stretch and strain. This may reduce injury risk.

Proprioceptive Feedback

The compression provided by the brace stimulates sensory nerves around the ankle joint. This enhances your proprioceptive awareness of ankle position for better stability.

Assist Damaged Ligaments

After an ankle sprain, the external support from a brace protects injured ligaments while allowing them to fully heal. The brace provides enough stability to compensate for damaged structures.

In summary, ankle braces are invaluable tools for reinforcing and stabilizing the ankle joint against the risk of debilitating sprains during competitive lacrosse activity.

To get the most out of an ankle brace, lacrosse players need to actually wear it consistently during games and practices. That means selecting a brace that provides support without sacrificing comfort and mobility. Here are some key ways ankle braces promote comfort during play:

Stay Comfortable During Play

Modern lacrosse ankle braces balance injury prevention and performance with player comfort. Advanced materials and thoughtful design features prevent irritation, overheating, and restricted movement. Prioritizing comfort leads to better compliance in wearing the brace.

Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics

Excess weight and heat retention can quickly make any brace uncomfortable. Choosing a design made of lightweight, ventilated, moisture-wicking fabrics enhances breathability and keeps the ankle cooler.

Low-Profile Fit

Many lacrosse players prefer a slim brace that fits easily under their sock without adding bulk. Low-profile braces are less noticeable and allow cleats, pads, and other gear to still fit properly.

Padding and Liners

Strategically placed padding and soft liners prevent the rigid braces portions from irritating the ankle and lower leg. This extra cushioning enhances comfort during play.

Adjustability

Customizable straps, removable supports, and molded inserts allow players to tweak the brace for an ideal personalized fit. Proper adjustment prevents sliding and rubbing that could lead to blisters.

Flexible Hinges

Hinged braces with flexible joints allow for more natural ankle motion compared to completely rigid designs. The increased freedom of movement reduces discomfort and maintains agility.

Ankle Sleeves/Socks Underneath

Some players wear a padded ankle sleeve or athletic tape under the brace for extra cushioning and friction reduction. This improves overall comfort.

Choosing the right lacrosse ankle brace is crucial, but insisting on comfort makes it more likely players will use the brace consistently. Prioritizing fit and wearability leads to better protection overall.

Ankle sprains usually sideline lacrosse players for weeks, impeding performance. But wearing the right ankle brace can actually help accelerate recovery compared to just rest alone. Here’s a closer look at how ankle braces speed up healing after an ankle injury:

Speed Up Injury Recovery

With the proper rehab, most ankle sprains heal within 6-8 weeks. But an ankle brace allows players to bounce back faster by controlling swelling, enabling early mobilization, preventing stiffness and atrophy, and reducing re-injury risk. Faster recovery means less downtime.

Reduce Swelling and Pain

The compression of a brace constricts blood vessels to minimize hemorrhaging and swelling after an injury. Less swelling equals less pain and faster healing. The stability from the brace also prevents re-straining the injury.

Allow Earlier Motion and Mobilization

Early movement is key to recovery, but requires stability. A brace provides external support so players can start lightly using the ankle sooner. Gentle activity promotes circulation and prevents adhesions.

Maintain Range of Motion

Immobilization normally results in stiffness that further delays recovery. Braces enable gentle motion to maintain flexibility, which aids the healing process.

Prevent Loss of Muscle Strength

Keeping the ankle completely still leads to atrophy and weakness. Ankle braces allow for activity that stresses the ankle muscles at safe levels to prevent deconditioning.

Lower Re-Injury Risk

Re-spraining the ankle significantly slows recovery. But braces provide enough stability to return to lacrosse while protecting the injury from re-damage as it heals.

While severe sprains still warrant the proper rest, ankle braces allow players to recover from minor sprains quicker by enabling early rehab and preventing complications. Faster return to play is the goal.

While ankle braces stabilize vulnerable joints, they shouldn’t overly restrict natural motion. The best lacrosse braces strike a balance between protection and mobility. Here’s how they avoid restricting ankle movement:

Avoid Restricting Natural Movement

Rigid braces that completely immobilize the ankle can impair performance. They prevent the explosive cutting and pivoting needed in lacrosse. The ideal brace controls harmful motion while preserving athletic freedom.

Strategic Brace Design

Quality lacrosse braces have plastic or metal uprights engineered just high enough to stop excessive inversion/eversion. This targets protection without over-constraining.

Padding Over Uprights

Padding cushions the rigid brace portions and prevents them from digging into the ankle when flexing. This allows for more natural dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.

Hinged/Jointed Construction

Hinged braces permit ankle flexion and extension while still bracing sideways motion. The jointed construction better mimics the ankle’s real movement patterns.

Individualized Fit

One-size-fits-all braces often restrict motion due to poor fit. Custom strapping and moldable inserts instead allow a tailored brace fit to avoid limiting mobility.

Breathable Fabrics

Excessive material bulk also hinders movement. Lightweight, breathable fabrics create a flexible, dynamic brace that moves with the ankle.

Low-Profile Design

Many players prefer slimmer braces that don’t protrude far above their shoe line. This sleeker construction better accommodates cutting and crossover steps.

In summary, the right lacrosse ankle brace stabilizes strategically while permitting athletic mobility. Protecting the joint doesn’t have to mean sacrificing speed and agility.

While quality lacrosse ankle braces have smooth inner linings, some players still prefer extra cushioning for maximum comfort. Here are tips for adding padding:

Wear Under Socks or Pads for Extra Comfort

The flexible frames and straps of most ankle braces can dig into the leg during play. For extra comfort, many lacrosse players wear their brace over padded accessories.

Athletic Tape

Applying tape over bony areas and around the heel provides a friction barrier between the skin and brace. Tape holds up better than bandages with brace use.

Ankle Sleeves

Cushioned neoprene or spandex ankle sleeves worn under the brace offer padding without compromising fit. They also provide light compression and warmth.

Moleskin/Blister Pads

Applying moleskin, gel pads, or blister cushions to known trouble spots maximizes protection. This prevents painful blisters and hot spots.

Thick Socks

High-quality athletic socks made of moisture-wicking wool or synthetic blends naturally pad the ankle/lower leg without adding bulk.

Adjust Straps and Fit

If certain brace sections consistently irritate skin, adjusting straps or removable inserts may help take pressure off those areas. Proper tightness and alignment is key.

Petroleum Jelly

Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly over bony prominences like the malleoli helps the brace glide smoothly across the skin.

While lacrosse braces are designed for comfort, extra cushioning enhances the player experience and compliance. Protecting your skin maximizes performance.

Keeping cool and dry is key to lacrosse ankle brace comfort. Advanced moisture-wicking, breathable materials prevent overheating and sweat buildup during intense play. Here’s what to look for:

Pick a Breathable and Moisture-Wicking Material

A hot, sweaty, chafing ankle brace is unbearable to wear for long. Choosing a design made with lightweight, ventilated, moisture-wicking fabric enhances comfort and compliance.

Mesh Panels

Strategically placed mesh panels add airflow directly over sweat zones like the front ankle. This provides cooling ventilation to prevent moisture saturation.

Moisture-Wicking Linings

Fabric linings constructed of advanced moisture-wicking materials quickly pull sweat away from the skin and disperse it. This keeps the brace interior drier.

Ventilated Design

Ample padding separation and open areas promote passive airflow convection within the brace. Vent ports and channels also direct cooling air circulation.

Minimal Excess Material

Excess fabric layers trap heat and sweat. Low-profile braces with strategic seam placement minimize material while providing support.

Lightweight Construction

Lighter, thinner materials inherently breathe better. Reducing density boosts ventilation and cuts down on irritation and bulk.

Antimicrobial Treatments

Some materials incorporate silver ion or other antimicrobial technology to inhibit odor-causing bacteria growth when wet.

Choosing an ankle brace optimized for breathability and moisture management keeps players drier, cooler, and more comfortable on the field.

An ankle brace can’t protect if it doesn’t fit right. A snug, customizable brace maximizes performance. Here are fitting tips for lacrosse ankle braces:

Ensure a Snug and Customizable Fit

A brace that shifts and slides impedes stability. Getting an ideal personalized fit is crucial. This involvesproper sizing, adjustable closures, and custom molded inserts. A truly customized brace won’t restrict circulation.

Measuring for Size

Use a soft measuring tape to carefully measure the ankle circumference directly over the malleoli. Compare to the manufacturer’s sizing chart and order accordingly for a roomy but secure fit.

Adjustable Straps

Multiple independent strap points allow custom tightening over different parts of the foot and ankle. This caters the brace to your individual shape.

Lace-Up Closures

Lace-up braces provide a more exact fit versus Velcro straps alone. The crisscross lacing pattern also improves stability and support distribution.

Removable Inserts/Supports

Being able to insert or remove padding components allows players to tailor stiffness, cushioning, and fit inside the brace frame.

Moldable Materials

Some braces feature supports or liners made of custom moldable materials like thermoplastic. Heat-molding to match your anatomy improves comfort and security.

A properly fitted lacrosse ankle brace maximizes protection and minimizes interference. Take the time to find your ideal brace.

If you’ve sprained ankles on both sides or want to proactively protect your ankles, wearing a brace on each leg might be smart. Here’s when bilateral ankle support is beneficial:

Opt for Bilateral Support if Needed

Wearing the same brace on both ankles simultaneously can provide balanced stability. Consider bilateral lacrosse ankle braces if:

You’ve Sprained Both Ankles

Previous injuries to both ankles make them more vulnerable. Wearing bilateral braces provides equal support and may prevent recurring sprains.

Your Position Favors One Side

Defenders favoring a certain slide pattern or offensive players who heavily cut one way can overload that ankle. Bilateral braces balance the forces.

You Have Chronic Ankle Instability

If chronic looseness or proprioceptive deficits affect both ankles, stabilizing each joint can enhance function and reduce injury risk.

For Symmetry and Peace of Mind

Some players simply prefer how bilateral braces feel versus an uneven support system. The added ankle security provides confidence.

You’re Returning From Injury

After recovering from a bad ankle sprain, braces on both sides help ensure you don’t immediately re-injure the joint upon return to play.

As Preventative Protection

Proactively bracing vulnerable ankles before injury occurs is smart. This safeguards your physical health and career longevity.

Just ensure bilateral braces aren’t so rigid that they impair performance. Balance support with maintained mobility.

Finding the ideal lacrosse ankle brace involves weighing many factors. A sports medicine physician can help analyze your needs and recommend the best option. Here’s how they guide the selection process:

Consult a Doctor to Find the Best Option

While you can buy braces over-the-counter, a custom recommendation provides advantages. Doctors consider your injury history, position demands, preferences, and objectives to determine optimal brace features.

Assess Your Ankle Health

They’ll examine your ankles to evaluate current issues and sensitivities needing support or protection during play. This informs brace type and fit.

Evaluate Your Injury History

Knowing your previous sprains and instability patterns helps select braces to address those vulnerabilities. Your needs coming off an ankle sprain vary from proactive protection.

Factor Your Position and Style

Certain lacrosse positions and playing styles require different motions. Your brace shouldn’t hinder your on-field movements. The doctor considers this activity specificity.

Get Properly Measured

Doctors use precise measuring and fitting techniques for optimal brace sizing. An ill-fitting brace won’t stabilize or perform properly.

Try On Different Options

Testing out different braces allows you to assess comfort, mobility, and overall feel. Feedback from test drives helps determine preferences.

While you know your needs best, a doctor’s guidance ensures you get the ankle support that maximizes both safety and performance.