Arthritis and osteoarthritis, though similar in symptoms but different in causes, has been one of the major ankle injuries you might need to get the best ankle brace for arthritis.
Ankle arthritis can be very painful and debilitating, depending on the type of arthritis you are dealing with. The most common ankle arthritis is rheumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis which has similar symptoms but differs.
When you feel some symptoms of arthritis, it might be the best time to visit your doctor for an overall check-up. This will help ascertain the type and the best treatment.
However, ankle brace for arthritis is one of the medical devices you will probably need. This is because; ankle arthritis weakens the ankle joint and ankle brace gives the support needed to stabilize the ankle joint.
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Description and Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthritis is a bone-on-bone issue resulting from the degeneration of the cartilage in the joint that connects the foot and the leg.
The ankle injury can be a result of an accident that badly affects the ankle joint, causing wear and tear to the cartilage in the ankle joint and ultimately resulting in bone-on-bone.
Though, the ankle joint is less likely to have arthritis unlike the knee and hip joint. Our article on the best knee brace for osteoarthritis gives a comprehensive report and a buying guide for the best knee brace for osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of ankle arthritis
The most common symptoms of ankle arthritis are the excruciating pain always felt by the victim. This is very common among folks having ankle arthritis; however, there are other signs and indications that would probably give you an insight that you have ankle arthritis. They include:
- Swelling of the ankle joint
- Stiffness of the ankle joint
- Weakness and instability of the ankle joint
- The ankle joint can look deform
- The ankle joint can also look pale
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Common Ankle Arthritis in Athletes – Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the common type of ankle arthritis found in active folks like the athletes. This is as a result of frequent and heavy usage of their ankle joint which tends to wear out the ankle joint cartilage easily.
Osteoarthritis is also referred to as degenerative arthritis which is caused by wear and tear of cartilage around the ankle joint due to overuse. The cartilage tends to degenerate over time, hence the name degenerative arthritis.
Osteoarthritis can be treated without having to undergo medical surgery, more reason you need to act fast when you notice some of the symptoms above.
Best Ankle Brace and Walking Boot – The Non-surgical Treatment for Arthritis
Going for the surgical treatment option can hold you down for some period which might not be a great option for the active folks. This is why non-surgical treatment becomes expedient, especially for active people.
Ankle Brace, Compression sleeve and Walking Boot
Ankle brace and compression sleeve give the best support and compression to the ankle joint. This helps remove the instability of the ankle joint and also provides the best compression that will mitigate inflammation around the ankle joint.
Ankle brace with insert can also help immobilize the affected ankle joint. Walking boots are equipped with rocker-sole which can also be a good medical device to alleviate ankle arthritis symptoms.
RICE Method
This is also a physical therapy that can be used in ankle arthritis treatment. This simply includes resting the affected area, icing, compression and elevating the affected ankle joint.
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Walking Boot
Walking boot gives much more protection to the affected foot than ankle brace. They are more preferred to protect the ankle from what could further worsen the injury.
They are more recommended for more severe injuries and they are made with rocker-sole. Some of the best walking boots internal airbag that can be filled up to give targeted compression to the affected area of the foot.
Our article on the best walking boot for Achilles tendonitis will be a great guide and recommend some of the best and top products you can opt for.
Top 10 Best Foot and Ankle Arthritis Brace
When you feel the symptoms of arthritis in your ankle, you should get an ankle brace as soon as possible to limit the severity of the injury. Here is the list of some top ankle brace and compression sleeve you can buy for ankle arthritis.
Zamst A2-DX Strong Support Ankle Brace
Zamst combines rigid and flexible brace qualities perfectly and that has been its selling point. In one brace, you have something rigid in for of exoskeleton to stabilize and keep the ankle in position while it also straps that acts to rightly give the best compression to the wearer.
It is a suitable brace for almost all ankle injuries like sprain, strain and of course, arthritis of the ankle joint. the ankle brace is one of the most purchased on amazon with a large number of positive reviews from previous buyers.
The ankle brace is not ambidextrous, that is, it cannot be used on both right and left feet – each has to be purchased separately. It is also made in different sizes-small, medium, large and x-large to enable the buyer to find a perfect size.
It is not too costly but costs more than a large number of ankle braces out there. The price ranges from $50 to $95 depending on the size chosen. The correct size for your feet can also be gotten by proper check of the size chart on the order page.
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Bauerfeind – MalleoTrain – Ankle Support Brace
This ankle brace is one of the most costly ankle braces and it is specifically built for the active people. If you make use of your ankle every time and exert much pressure on it like the runners, basketball players, volleyball, football, and other active sports.
It is best used for the prevention of ankle injuries as ankle arthritis can be prevented by wearing the right ankle brace and support. Bauerfeind ankle brace help reinforce the stability and strength of the ankle joint. It is specially knitted to fit the natural contour of the ankle, thereby providing good compression to relieve pain and swelling.
For user’s comfort during usage, there are two cushioned pads that support the ankle joint in the gentlest way. It is specially built to help prevent mild ankle sprains, mild instabilities, ankle arthritis, ankle pain, and ankle swelling.
Its sizes range from size 1 to 4, the sizing chart is also on the order page to help you correctly choose the right size for your ankle. The ankle brace is not suitable for both feet – left and right feet have to be purchased separately.
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Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
Med Spec ASO ankle brace combines straps and lace to give the ankle the stability and compression it needed to prevent and rehabilitate arthritis of the ankle joint. It can also be used along a compression sleeve for a better and more effective outcome.
Its straps form figure-eight around the ankle joint, readily mimicking the natural curve of the ankle region for better compression and support. It is also made with a quality ballistic nylon that ensures its strength, durability and readily removes excess heat and moisture user’s comfort.
With a price of $23, the ankle brace is can be easily afforded due to its pocket-friendly price. Also, you do not need to buy separately for right and left ankles as the bilateral design ensures the ankle brace is ambidextrous.
Med ankle brace can also fit inside footwear, making it a good medical brace for preventing ankle arthritis and faster recovery from other ankle injuries. It is a low profile designed and can be washed with a machine without losing its strength and durability.
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SNEINO Ankle Brace
The ankle brace is proudly made in the United States and one of the best ankle brace for arthritis. It has three straps – one forms figure eight around the ankle joint, the second gives lateral support at each side of the ankle while the third wraps around the upper ankle region to hold the brace in position.
The straps are equipped with medical Velcro to hold them in position, thereby making the brace stay perfectly around the ankle. There are also two springs on both sides of the ankle brace for added stability and support of the ankle.
Sneino ankle brace contour arc design help give the joint perfect compression thereby, actively reducing inflammation and pain from ankle arthritis and other ankle joint injuries. It has been proven to be one of the best ankle braces for arthritis of the ankle joint.
You also get a 100 percent buying guarantee – it is either you like the product or you have a complete refund. This gives the buyer a buying assurance to choose the product without fear. The brace is also made with breathable material for the comfort of the user to enhance all-day use.
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Active Ankle T2 Ankle Brace
Ankle arthritis can also be treated by changing the sole of the shoe to rocker-sole and this ankle brace gives that rocker-sole experience with its custom molded EVA padding at the heel of the ankle. Along with other bilaterally designed soft padding around the ankle, the ankle joint is perfectly supported, stabilized and compressed for faster recovery.
It is not only good for rehabilitating arthritis ankle; it can also be used by athletes who engage in sporting activities like volleyball, basketball, and football for protection against ankle injuries. The support and stability is done without interfering in the ankle’s natural full range motion.
It is not one size fits all – you have to choose between medium and large size for better and effective fit. Check the sizing chart to correctly pick a size for your ankle. The ankle brace can also be worn interchangeably between the left and the right ankle.
You will also love its design as it is not bulky and perfectly fit into any type of shoe you decide to wear it with. So, as an athlete, you are never limited, as it is comfortable on the skin for all-day wear.
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POWERLIX Ankle Brace Compression Support Sleeve
The ankle compression sleeves just like there name suggests are specifically built to give the best and even compression to the ankle joint. If you are looking for a very good compression sleeve, then you should go for POWERLIX product as it has proven records of durability and customer satisfaction.
It is made with premium quality fabrics to give the best comfort to the user, removing any itching risk and completely removing excess heat and moisture that could lead to discomfort. Your feet will not only enjoy uniform compression to heal you faster, but they will also stay fresh and odor-free all day.
POWERLIX ankle sleeve is not sold in pairs; you have to purchase two if you need it for left and right ankles. The compression sleeve is made in different sizes – small to x-large. This helps you find the correct sizing for your foot/ankle.
We also like the buyer’s guarantee program, it is either you like the product or you get a refund of your money. You have this grace for a period of 6-months after purchase.
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Shock Doctor 851 Ultra Wrap Laced Ankle Brace
The ankle brace makes use of lace and straps to give the ankle joint the best medium support needed to heal up faster and prevent worsening of the ankle arthritis. The lace helps you to control the compression level on the ankle while the straps give multi-dimensional support around the ankle.
The straps give figure-eight support around the ankle region, lateral support at the side of each ankle with the last strap wrapping around the circumference of the upper side of the ankle to hold the ankle brace firmly in position through its high-quality medical Velcro.
Shock doctor does not have an insert, so, it cannot take the place of a rigid ankle brace and must not be used for severe arthritis in the ankle joint. It is best recommended for cases needing little or medium support – LEVEL 3: Maximum Protection
The brace is a low profile designed ankle brace and strategically built to give room for ventilation to keep the skin dry and fresh all day. It is latex-free and a good one for major ligament ankle sprains, muscle strains and unstable joints
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BioSkin Trilok Ankle Brace
Bioskin Trilok Ankle Brace is suitable for quite a number of ankle injuries like ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, PTTD, tendonitis, and active ankle stability. It is also one of the best we recommend for faster healing of peroneal tendonitis.
The ankle brace mimics the body’s natural shape and structure to stabilize the ankle and allow a natural range of motion. It is also equipped with a micro-fleece lined compression sleeve that gives compression to reduce swelling of the affected ankle.
It is a low-profile designed ankle brace and fits into any footwear. You can also wear for a longer period as it is comfortable on the skin due to its premium soft and breathable hypo-allergenic materials. The brace does well to restrict movement that could injure the ankle.
Trilok ankle brace is unique with its external patented FootLok strap. It acts as an external ligament, using leverage to protect the weak or vulnerable ligaments around the ankle. Its straps are quite many for some users and seem complicated to wear.
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DonJoy Performance POD Ankle Brace
If any part of the ankle is swollen, we recommend you use this brace alongside a good compression sleeve. This particular ankle brace made our list due to its effectiveness in stabilizing the ankle of the user; it does not give compression that can hasten your recovery period.
Therefore, the brace is mainly recommended for stability and prevention against ankle injuries like an ankle sprain, osteoarthritis, roll, and ankle strain. The brace cannot be used on both feet and you must order the correct size of the ankle brace – left or right.
Its other features include: the super-soft lining hugs the foot and ankle, low profile design to fit in any footwear, anatomically molded TPU to match any foot shape and adjustable underfoot closure integrates seamlessly between the foot and shoe.
Foot & Ankle Ice Pack Wrap with 2 Hot/Cold Gel Packs by TheraPAQ
Icing is part of the best therapy for many ankle injuries including osteoarthritis and others like ankle pain, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis among others. The ankle brace combines both compression and icing features, making it one of the best ankle brace for arthritis.
The ankle brace has two pockets to hold gel packs for hot and cold therapy. It also comes with two freezable and microwaveable gel packs you can freeze or heat for icing or heat therapy. This facilitates proper therapy for both the back and the bottom of your foot.
It is made with breathable neoprene that ensures the maximum comfort of the user. The ankle wrap is also made universally to fit all foot size with its adjustable hook-and-loop straps that promise perfect fit and keep the ankle and foot steadily and snuggly wrapped.
It also has many positive feedbacks from previous users who have experienced better recovery from various ankle issues by using the ankle compression wrap. It is a great choice for people who have an active lifestyle as well as those who work long hours and experience pain at their feet and ankles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat arthritis in the ankle?
There are two methods of treating arthritis in the ankle-the surgical and the non-surgical method. The method suitable will depend on the severity of the ankle arthritis. The non-surgical method is very common while the surgical method is rarely used only if you have left the injury for a long time to deteriorate.
The most common non-surgical method of treating ankle arthritis includes:
- Taking pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatory drugs to help with swelling
- Getting the best ankle brace, compression sleeve and (or) walking boot
- RICE method and other physical therapies
It is however very essential to visit your doctor for the best medical advice as only then you can ascertain the level of the severity and the best medical solution for your ankle injury.
How Does Ankle Brace Help with Ankle Arthritis?
Ankle arthritis comes with symptoms like ankle swelling, stiffness weakness and instability of the ankle, ankle joint deformity, and a lot of pain. These can be mitigated with the help of an ankle brace; with proper and correct usage of an ankle brace.
It is essential to get both compression sleeve and an ankle brace because; compression sleeves are more effective in giving the right amount of compression to relieve swelling. Ankle brace, either rigid or semi-rigid will do better in stabilizing the ankle joint and ensuring the ankle components are rightly in the proper place.
Therefore, for ankle arthritis, stability and compression are very essential to faster recovery, especially when done in the early stage of the injury. This is what ankle brace offers as it gives the best compression and stability to the ankle joint to relieve pain, swelling and help in the rehabilitation process.
With the right ankle brace and compression sleeve, they help enhance blood circulation to the affected region of the feet while removing unwanted fluid from the affected part.
What causes ankle arthritis?
There are two types of ankle arthritis and they differ based on how each occurs. The first type is a result of a fracture in the ankle region or the consequences of other ankle injuries.
The second type is degenerative. This is when there is gradual wear of the cartilage in the ankle joint due to overuse especially by active athletes or due to aging factors.
How do you strengthen an arthritic ankle?
There are some exercises you can engage in that can help strengthen the arthritic ankle.
Ankle Pump: Stretch your leg forward and lift it from the ground. Move your ankle joint such that the toes face up, then change the direction such that the toes face the forward direction. Repeat this for about 15-20 times for both feet.
Calf Raises: Stand on your feet properly, then transfer the weight of your body to the toes, lifting your heels off the ground. Repeat this for about 15-20 times as well.
See a visual representation of some of the exercise that can strengthen an arthritic ankle