Football Players: Which Ankle Brace Is Right for Your Position?
Football involves high-energy impacts between large, strong players. Consequently, this leads to higher risk of injury.
With top-of-the-line helmets, protective padding and advanced braces, football players wear more protective gear than many other athletes. They must protect themselves due to the high impact that football delivers. And since the responsibility for each player varies based on the position, some players are at a greater risk of ankle injuries than others and should know which ankle brace is right for their position.
Which Ankle Brace Is Right for Your Position?
Whether an offensive or defensive lineman, running back, quarterback, kicker or on special teams, the constant running, quick motion and physical contact can lead to an ankle injury.
Offensive or Defensive Linemen
Because of their quick pivots and turns, linemen, are typically more susceptible to ankle injuries such as a severe ankle sprain. And, according to the National Institutes of Health, once an ankle sprain occurs, there is an increased chance of re-spraining that ankle1.
Many linemen wear ankle braces to help prevent ankle sprains. It’s not only crucial to keep their ankles healthy, but to also help take pressure off their ankles when they are in their athletic stance position on the line, waiting for the hike.
For linemen who are looking for preventative bracing, the DonJoy Performance Anaform Lace-Up Ankle Brace delivers ankle protection and helps manage ankle discomfort.
Lightweight and low-profile, the Anaform Lace-Up Ankle Brace combines nylon lace-up and figure-8 straps that help take the load off the ankle to provide durability, compression, and stability, without limiting the range of motion. Linemen can wear this ankle support for preventative measures and to help relieve ankle soreness from wear and tear.
For a lineman who has suffered an ankle sprain or ligament tear and is returning to football, they may want to consider wearing a more rigid support: the Bionic Stirrup Ankle Brace.
Sleek in design, the Bionic Stirrup Ankle Brace has a single strap, stretch webbing closure system that helps deliver proper fit for a comfort and controllable compression. The pre-shaped stabilizer of the Stirrup Ankle Brace helps restrict ankle rolls and helps prevent ankle sprains, which is why it’s ideal to wear when returning from an injury.
Running Backs, Receivers and Quarterbacks
While offensive and defensive linemen are more prone to ankle injuries, other football players should still consider wearing an ankle support—especially if they have any ankle soreness or previous ankle injuries.
If a running back, receiver or QB wants to take precautionary measures to help prevent an ankle injury, they should consider wearing a brace like the Anaform Lace-Up Ankle Brace. It’s lightweight, can be worn in most cleats and won’t restrict the range of motion. So, this ankle brace won’t impact the quick movements, running or turns that these positions require.
For any chronic ankle instabilities or soreness, a running back, receiver or QB should consider wearing the DonJoy Performance POD Ankle Brace.
The POD Ankle Brace is an alternative to taping, allowing flexibility for these positions that require lots of cutting and changing direction. Easy to put on, this ankle brace doesn't have metal or stays like traditional braces. Instead, it uses the 'Protection On Demand™ technology to help prevent ankle rolls, sprains and instabilities when in motion.
Have More Ankle Brace Questions?
Regardless the position, ankle injuries are one of the more common injuries in football. So, wearing an ankle support can help protect the ankle from injury. If you have more questions about ankle bracing, speak with one of our experts.
If you have questions about common football injuries and bracing, then try our brace advisor to help find the best solutions for your needs.
Read more about injury recovery and prevention.