What is a foot brace and what are the benefits?

A foot brace, or ankle brace, is a type of brace that provides support to the foot or ankle. They offer stability to the foot and facilitate healing after a foot injury.

You can also wear a foot brace during exercise, to give your ankles stronger support and prevent ankle sprains. Among athletes, an ankle sprain is the most common lower limb injury, so foot braces are highly recommended for the rehabilitation process.

Foot braces are also used to reduce discomfort in conditions including arthritis, Achilles tendonitis (overuse of the Achilles tendon) and plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the heel), as well as bunions.

There are many benefits to using a foot brace. We will go through a few of them now.

Ideal after injury, to prevent further damage

A foot brace keeps your foot and toes pointed forward, which prevents inward rotation or twisting of the foot and ankle.

If you have sprained or fractured your ankle, or have injured the soft tissue in your foot, a foot brace will temporarily immobilize your foot or ankle. This is the first step in treating fractures.

Reduces pain and swelling

Foot braces feature a degree of compression, to limit ankle swelling. This also relieves acute and chronic pain in the foot.

A foot brace can also help improve your blood circulation.

Useful after surgery on the foot

After you have surgery on your foot, your recovery may be painful, uncomfortable, and time-consuming. Post-operation, your doctor might recommend that you wear a foot brace to hold your ankle in place during recovery.

Here, a foot brace can prevent you from aggravating your injury and support the weaker areas of your foot.

Provides stability during strenuous sports

The ankle can undergo heavy strain in sports such as basketball and football, due to the quick changes in direction.

So, a foot brace can stabilize the ankle and help you keep going during physical activities.

Where can I buy a foot brace?

At Sporteq, we sell joint support accessories, which provide relief against injuries, aid recovery, and elevate performance during sport or exercise.

Ankle Foot Brace

Our Ankle Foot Brace stabilises the ankle while injured while allowing full flexibility. It has a special contour design which follows the natural shape of the foot, to provide optimal support and protect the joints during exercise sessions.

It is designed to help maximize compression and provide firm support. Available in small, medium and large, the foot brace fits the feet of both men and women.

The soft polycotton material is stretchable and retains heat. Wearing this ankle foot brace will increase blood flow and oxygen to the injured or inflamed area of the foot.

Sporteq Neoprene Ankle Support Adjustable Brace

Our Sporteq Neoprene Ankle Support Adjustable Brace is the best ankle support available. It protects against chronic ankle strain, sprains, and fatigue and is ideal for compression and supports to promote faster recovery from any injury or prevent the risk of injury.

The neoprene material of the ankle brace retains heat and prevents skin irritation. Its breathable permeability feature makes it very comfortable to wear.

Our ankle brace is medically approved to stabilize injured weak or arthritic ankles during occupational and sporting activities. It is strongly recommended that you wear this as protection for your feet or ankle during outdoor activities and exercises.

Sporteq Neoprene Ankle Support Compression Foot Brace

Our Sporteq Neoprene Ankle Support Compression Foot Brace can be worn to provide relief and comfort after spraining the ankle. The foot brace is designed to provide support to the ankle and ease any swelling after an injury.

Wearing this foot brace will also help prevent re-injury, as it stabilizes the ankle. The foot brace is comfortable enough to wear with most footwear and can be worn during light sports activities.

Can you walk with a foot brace?

Yes, if you are wearing a foot brace during sports or physical exercise, you can walk and exercise as normal.

However, if you have injured your foot or undergone foot surgery, you may not be able to walk with your foot brace right away. It will take time for your foot to heal after the injury or surgery.

Your doctor or podiatrist will advise you on your recovery and show you any ankle exercises to do when the time is right.

How long should you wear a foot brace?

If you sprain your ankle, your doctor may give you a cast, boot brace or foot brace to wear which keeps the ligaments and joints in place while the injury heals. You may need to wear it for 2 to 6 weeks and then take physiotherapy if needed; your doctor or podiatrist will advise you on the length of time you need to wear a foot brace.

Some physicians recommend that you wear a foot brace during sports activities for at least 12 months after a severely sprained ankle, as it is a good preventative measure to stop you from re-injuring your ankle.

If you are wearing a foot brace to provide support during exercise, you can take your foot brace off after you have finished exercising.

Do you wear socks with a foot brace?

For some foot braces, it is recommended to wear socks with them, as it may be better for your recovery to wear socks that keep your foot compressed and warm.

Wearing socks will also keep your foot dry and help prevent sores and blisters, which is important for preventing infections.

Choose socks that extend beyond your leg if you want better protection.

But if you feel uncomfortable wearing socks with your foot brace, then tell your doctor or podiatrist, who will be able to advise you.

If you are wearing a foot brace during exercise or sports, then you may find it useful to wear socks.

Do you wear shoes with a foot brace?

If you are recovering from an injury or surgery, always follow the advice of your doctor or podiatrist, who can advise whether you can wear your foot brace with shoes.

If you use a foot brace during exercise, then you can wear shoes with them. The foot brace should feel comfortable and should not be tight, restrictive, or cause bruising.

What are the best shoes to wear with a foot brace?

• Choose shoes with solid soles that allow wide openings, such as comfortable trainers.
• Do not wear uncomfortable shoes, such as flip-flops, wedges or high heels.
• Stay away from tight shoes such as high-top sneakers and Wellington boots.

Should you wear a foot brace to bed?

No, not unless a medical professional has recommended that you do so.

Speak to a doctor or podiatrist if you have foot pain and you think wearing a foot brace to bed might help.

When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?

You should see a podiatrist or doctor if:

• You have severe pain in the foot which does not go away.
• You have a broken foot or ankle, or stress fractures.
• You have foot arthritis.
• You have Achilles tendonitis (overuse of the Achilles tendon) or plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the heel).
• You have sustained a sports injury to the foot or ankle.
• You have Athlete’s Foot or a skin infection in your foot which is causing itchiness, pain, or redness.
• You have shin splints.
• You have redness and swelling of your feet and you have a fever (this is indicative of an infection).
• You have bunions, calluses or corns that do not go away.

How do I know if I have sprained my ankle?

Go to A&E or see a doctor if you suspect you have sprained your ankle.

It is likely to be a sprained ankle if:

• You have pain, tenderness or weakness around your ankle or foot.
• The injured area is swollen or bruised.
• You cannot put weight on the injury or use your foot normally.
• You have muscle spasms or cramping- where your muscles painfully tighten on their own.
• Your ankle feels wobbly when you try to stand on it.

What should I do if I have sprained my ankle?

• Rest as much as possible.
• Seek advice from a medical professional and follow their advice.
• Ice the area for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for the first two days.
• Keep your foot in a bandage or foot brace.
• Elevate your leg on a pillow for as long as possible.
• Take painkillers, but never more than the recommended dosage.
• Do not participate in strenuous sports or intense physical exercise.
• Avoid hot showers, saunas, and heat packs.
• Try not to massage the affected area, as this could cause more damage.

When should I NOT wear a foot brace?

• Do not wear a foot brace if the foot brace is too tight and restricts your blood flow.
• Your foot brace should not cause any bruises, blisters or swelling on your foot. Tell your doctor or podiatrist if this happens.
• Your foot brace should not feel tingly or numb when you are wearing it.
• A foot brace is not a cure for all injuries or a 100% guarantee against all injuries. They are not the same as shin guards, knee pads, or headgear, which protect the body during sports.
• If you are wearing a foot brace after an injury or surgery, never remove your foot brace until your doctor tells you to do so.
• If you notice any redness or irritation on your skin after wearing a foot brace, tell your doctor.
• Do not use lotions or oils underneath your brace.
• If the straps of your foot brace are loose and do not fasten tightly, consult your doctor or podiatrist.
• When wearing a foot brace, do not do any exercises that your doctor or podiatrist has not recommended, as this could cause further damage to your foot.

Now you should hopefully have the answer to your question ‘what is a foot brace?’

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