Twisting your ankle is never a pleasant experience, but it's important to make sure it's not serious. If you can't put weight on it, it's swollen and bruised, and you have a limited range of motion, you likely have an ankle sprain. First, you should try rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These steps are often sufficient to repair minor ankle damage. However, wearing a brace or boot may be necessary when the joint is unstable. Here's how to determine which one is right for your injury.  

When to Use a Brace

If your ankle sprain is minor or you're in the latter stage of recovery from a major sprain, a brace will keep your ankle stable and prevent additional injury. During treatment for an injury, wearing a brace while performing any activity will give the joint enough stability to limit the risk of reinjury. It's best to keep it on at all times during exercise or activities that require lateral movements, like tennis, basketball, and volleyball. 

A compression brace made from lightweight, stretchable material can treat mild ankle sprains. This style provides the joint with compressive support, enhancing balance while allowing the ankle to move well enough for normal daily functions and sports activities. To choose the right size of compression brace, measure your ankle joint size or shoe size. 

When a Boot Is the Better Choice

A more stabilizing apparatus is necessary when an ankle sprain is more severe or a bone is broken. A walking boot can provide enough stability to prevent additional injury and perhaps minimize the need for surgery to repair any damage. A short cast or ankle fracture boot can provide appropriate immobility for the joint while it heals. 

For minor fractures, a high-top walking boot can act as a splint, providing enough protection to allow movement while promoting the healing process. A short or low-top walking boot can help with some ankle fractures and severe sprains, providing stabilization while giving you a full range of motion. 

Proper fit is essential to prevent the boot from causing pain while your sprain or fracture heals. A too-small boot will be tight, causing blisters, hot spots, and possible infection. A larger boot might lead to slipping inside and strain the foot, resulting in pain in the toes or heel. 

If you've experienced a sprain and need a podiatrist to help you manage the pain and prevent further injury, turn to the experts at Choice Podiatry Associates in Cincinnati, OH. With offices in Kenwood and Bridgetown, these foot doctors will recommend the right stabilizing device and provide treatments for pain relief. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 984-1911 for their Kenwood location or (513) 574-2424 for the Bridgetown office. Visit their website to learn more about their services.