One of the problems with playing Volleyball actively is that you are at great risk of ankle injuries. The fact is, compared to many athletes, a Volleyball player is at one of the highest risks of Ankle Sprains. Ankle Sprains and injuries account for 30% of the time loss injuries that occur to Volleyball players. But after the acute injury most Volleyball players are eventually cleared to return to the court. At that point how does a Volleyball player determine what kind of ankle brace to use when playing Volleyball?
Determination of the ankle brace that you use when playing after returning from an ankle injury is based on many factors and goals that you want from the ankle brace or splint. Three main factors to consider when choosing an ankle brace to wear while playing Volleyball are:
1. How long ago was the injury? Was the injury a week ago and an attempt a quick recovery, or was it an injury 3 months ago that has caused some chronic discomfort?
2. What is the injury? Was it a grade 3 or a grade 1 Ankle Sprain? This will factor largely into choosing what ankle brace to wear.
3. Does the Volleyball player suffer from chronic ankle injuries? Has the player experienced more than three ankle sprains in the last year?
Now one of the issue Volleyball players have is that most ankle braces are generic all sports ankle braces. Rarely are these braces Volleyball specific ankle braces. However there are some Volleyball specific ankle braces on the market. Below are some Volleyball specific Ankle braces I recommend for players recovering from ankle injuries:
The Ankle Active Volleyball Brace T1– This ankle brace should be used for athletes with acute injuries, generally ankle sprains that have occurred within the last month. Of the braces listed this ankle brace will limit a players mobility the most of any other ankle braces. This provides two solid sides, so while it does limit mobility of the player, it also limits mobility of the ankle making it easier for the player to tolerate a return to the court from a pain perspective. If you are returning from a grade 3 or higher ankle sprain this brace would be ideal in that situation.
Active Ankle Volleyball Brace T1 – Black, MD – $38.90
from: All Volleyball, Inc.
Active Ankle AS1 Pro Lace-Up Volleyball Brace– This brace is really for the in between player. A player that is possibly two weeks out from a mild ankle sprain. This brace can also be helpful for players who are coming back from their first ankle sprain. Generally, this brace can be used coming back from Grade 1 and 2 ankle sprains. This brace also has benefits for players suffering from chronic ankle sprains as well.
Active Ankle AS1 Pro Lace-Up Volleyball Brace – Black, XS – $29.95
from: All Volleyball, Inc.
EVO Ankle Stabilizer Volleyball brace: This brace is perfect for the player who has experienced multiple ankle sprains, but is looking for a brace to wear to prevent ankle sprains. This ankle brace will allow you to play volleyball competitively with little restriction of movement while also preventing ankle sprains. So if you are a player that just doesn’t want to have ankle sprains anymore and have suffered from the chronic issue this is the ideal brace for that.
EVO Ankle Stabilizer Volleyball Brace – Black, LG – $43.90
from: All Volleyball, Inc.