Rehabmart offers many different types of ankle braces at discount prices. Visit our ankle braces page to view the different products we have to offer!

 

Keep It Safe From Knee To Toe


As football season turns the corner, practices have already begun, and athletes are conditioning their bodies and muscles for the constant impact and vulnerability that this high intensity, full-body contact sport offers.  There is no doubt that football brings about  much damage and wear and tear to a player's body.  From mild concussions to broken bones, there is a plethora of sports related injuries brought about by this brutal American pastime.  According to WebMD, ligament sprains in the lower leg, ankle, and foot are the most commonly injured body parts while playing football, especially when pertaining to high school level athletes. 

It is apparent when looking at any football uniform that the level of protection around the lower leg is the least protected of any football player. Therefore, it is obvious why so many injuries must take place in this exposed part of the body.  For supporting weak knees, Rehabmart suggests the Mueller Hg80 Knee Stabilizer. Its unique moister-wick material is ideal for keeping your knees drier during high-temperature weather or during sessions of extreme cardiovascular exercise. 
   
                                From library.rehabmart.com                   From library.rehabmart.com


For ankle protection, RehabMart suggests the Lace-up Ankle Support. In congruence with an ankle support, proper taping of the ankle before practice and games can further help to prevent ankles from overextending or rolling. Check out a good video on how to properly tape the ankle to support this very delicate joint at the bottom of the page.

Concussions and broken collar bones do occur amongst football players, even with the presence and regulated usage of modern protective gear such as helmets and shoulder pads. There is no way to condition these anatomical areas for the sudden impact or overstretching that the body will endure during a game, therefore, such equipment is necessary.  There is, however, preemptive conditioning that can be done for the lower leg and all that follows. Of course, strength training and proper stretching of any part of the body will reduce the risk of injury during exercise or contact sports. When pertaining to lower leg injuries, The University of Iowa offers a few extra steps in reducing the risks:

•  Have a pre-sports exam to identify any muscle weaknesses and imbalances
•  Follow a strength and flexibility program
•  Avoid training mistakes like running on a hard surface or working out too fast, too hard, too soon
•  Wear shin guards for safety in contact sports
•  Include a warm-up and cool-down and follow both with leg stretches
•  Wear proper athletic shoes that absorb shock and are stable. Ask a knowledgeable shoe salesclerk about the proper athletic shoe for you.

Unsurprisingly, accidents and injuries will happen no matter how much time is invested into prevention and protection. For knee and ankle injuries, there are several types of wraps, supports and braces available on the market. RehabMart offers a wide selection of brands in this arena.  For ankle injuries, RehabMart recommends the Procare Lites Ankle Support. This style ankle support comes in numerous sizes, including XXL, to accommodate a wide range of athletes. 
     
From library.rehabmart.com

For injuries to the knee, depending on the severity and doctor's recommendation, a proper brace is needed to keep the patella and ligaments in place to provide support and comfort during the rehabilitation cycle. 

To view other brands and styles of braces and supprts, please go to the Ankle Braces and Supports page. 
 

Keith Higginbotham,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO