Since the introduction of Breg in South Africa in 2010, the Breg Ankle Wraptor has been a distinct favorite for many orthotists.
Ankle sprains, specifically lateral ankle sprains, are the most common injury to occur in sport. The re-injury of the ankle is a major concern as the chances of recurrence has been recorded as high as up to one in three athletes (Hootman
et al., 2007; Collado
et al., 2010).
Studies have shown that the combination of wearing an ankle brace (for a year) and following a neuromuscular 8-week program led to significant less reoccurrence of lateral ankle injuries compared to only completing the rehabilitation program (Janssen
et al., 2013).
The benefits of wearing an ankle brace have been well researched and here are just some benefits:
- Ankle braces lead to increased proprioception which results in improved neuromuscular control and an increased response from the peroneus longus muscle (Richie, 2001; Papadopoulos
et al. 2005).
- Ankle braces led to a decreased inversion and eversion range of the ankle which has been shown to have a positive effect in the prevention of lateral ankle sprains due to the decrease in the extreme range of motion (Bot
et al., 1999; Papadopoulos
et al,. 2005; Shima
et al., 2005).
- Performance levels do not appear to be influenced and may even be enhanced by the short term or the long term wear of ankle braces of both uninjured and injured ankles (Papadopoulos
et al., 2005).
- Chronic ankle instability has also been linked to the development of early ankle osteoarthritis (Collado
et al., 2010). The ankle brace provides stability to the ankle joint.
In addition to all the above benefits, the Breg Ankle Wraptor has a unique stabilizing low profile design, resulting in increased comfort and compliance.
