Ankle braces are often advised for athletes, people healing from previous injury or anyone who experiences frequent ankle sprains. But one of the common questions we get here at Keele Physiotherapy & Wellness is: “Do ankle braces weaken muscles over time?” Let’s clear up some hoaxes versus truth so you can make educated decisions about your ankle welfare.
Myth 1: Your Muscles Will Become Reliant on an Ankle Brace
The claim: A common belief is that if you routinely use a brace, your ankle muscles will not have to work and will become weak over time.
The reality: Ankle braces are intended to augment movement, not substitute for it. They offer external support and help stabilize the arm to prevent re-injury and are ideal for use during sports or rehab. Braces do not cause long-term muscle weakness when used in conjunction with an appropriate rehabilitation and strengthening program.
Myth 2: Braces Prevent the Natural Movement From Penetrating Deep Enough
The belief: Some believe that ankle braces restrict mobility so greatly that they can compromise strength and flexibility.
The reality: Braces are lightweight these days, and they let up on function. They weren’t designed to restrict your ankle, but rather to manage anything excessive or dangerous — like rolling or twisting. That way, you can be active without sacrificing protection.
Myth 3: They Don’t Need to Exercise While Wearing a Brace
The belief: A brace means a complete layoff from sports/workouts, not even any exercise.
The truth: Rather, in many cases, ankle braces allow for safe exercise after an injury. They give you enough support that you’re able to initiate a gradual return to weight-bearing activity and rehab exercises sooner, and you’re actually rebuilding muscle strength faster.
What Science Says About Ankle Braces and Muscle Weakness
Studies have demonstrated that the effects of ankle braces on muscle strength and activity are not significant. Instead, they limit the chances for re-injury by protecting the ankle. The trick is to balance brace usage with physiotherapy-led exercises that strengthen the surrounding muscles and stability in the area.
When To Wear An Ankle Brace?
- For a massage after a strain or injury to promote healing
- While doing sports or a high-risk job, for additional protection
- In case of chronic ankle instability, to avoid repeated sprains.
Let us help you select the best type of brace and educate you regarding appropriate exercises to strengthen your injured area and become independent through your recovery at Keele Physiotherapy & Wellness.
Final Thoughts
An ankle brace itself does not weaken your muscles out of the blue. Instead, they serve as a ‘protective’ tool during recovery and in activity. Combined with an effective physiotherapy regimen, ankle braces keep you active, safe, and confident.
Want to train your way through ankle pain or recover from an injury? Schedule an appointment with Keele Physiotherapy & Wellness today, and get started with your customized recovery plan.