In the realm of product innovation, progress often reaches a standstill until new materials or manufacturing techniques break the mold. This is especially true for medical and sports equipment, like ankle braces. Ultra Ankle® has pushed boundaries with the creation of the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace, an example of how innovation can completely transform a product category. The technological advances behind this game-changing ankle brace didn’t exist until Ultra Ankle® developed, tested, and refined them to provide superior protection against ankle injuries, and superior capacity to aid in ankle injury recovery.

Unlike any other brace on the market, the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace features patented materials and a forward-thinking design, making it a leader in injury prevention. Let’s explore how this brace’s advanced technology, including the Performathane® flexible shell and PerformaFit® 3D padding, sets it apart.

The Ultra Zoom® Advantage: Technology Meets Design

The Ultra Zoom® ankle brace is a result of years of meticulous research and development aimed at creating a brace that delivers unparalleled comfort, protection, and durability. This revolutionary product includes three proprietary technologies you won’t find in other braces: the Performathane® soft shell, the PerformaFit® padding system, and a hinged-cuff design that ensures optimal support and range of motion.

How Does It Work?

For an ankle brace to perform effectively, it must closely mimic the anatomy of the joint it’s protecting. This requires a custom-fit design—one that adapts to the wearer’s unique anatomy, delivering maximum comfort and support. However, achieving this level of custom fit requires innovation in both materials and design, which Ultra Ankle® tackled head-on.

After a five-year research process, the company engineered the materials that would become the foundation of the Ultra Zoom® brace. These materials provide unmatched flexibility, durability, and adaptability, giving athletes and active individuals superior protection season after season.

The Technology Behind the Custom Fit: Performathane® and PerformaFit®

So, what makes Performathane® and PerformaFit® special?

• Performathane® Flexible Soft Shell
  The external shell of the Ultra Zoom® brace is made from Performathane®, a patented material that reacts to the wearer’s body heat to create a custom fit. Within just a few practice sessions, the brace molds to the shape of your ankle for a snug, secure fit. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a regular hair dryer to speed up this process. The best part? Performathane® is incredibly durable, engineered to withstand cracks and tears, providing multi-season longevity that few braces can match.
• PerformaFit® 3D Padding System
  The inside of the Ultra Zoom® brace is lined with the PerformaFit® padding system, another proprietary feature designed for ultimate comfort. This specially formulated foam adapts to the contours of your ankle, providing cushioning that retains its shape and protective properties over the course of an entire sports season. The result is a brace that not only feels great but performs at a high-level day in and day out.

Superior Ankle Injury Recovery and Prevention: Why the Ultra Zoom® Stands Out

By combining the adaptive Performathane® shell and the responsive PerformaFit® padding, the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace delivers an unparalleled level of injury recovery and prevention. The hinged-cuff design allows for natural ankle range of motion to enhance performance and keep the muscles strong. The Ultra Zoom helps to restrict excessive ankle turning (inversion) and twisting (rotation) that cause both low and high ankle injuries. Most other ankle braces are only designed to help restrict low ankle injuries.  To learn more about the Ultra Zoom product features, click here. Unlike traditional braces, which can feel stiff or bulky, the Ultra Zoom® forms a low-profile custom fit that is on your ankle in seconds, protects for hours and lasts for years. To learn more about fitting the Ultra Zoom ankle brace, click here.

The Future of Ankle Bracing

If you’re an athlete or someone prone to ankle injuries, the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace offers a level of comfort and security that traditional braces simply cannot match. Whether you’re playing basketball, volleyball, or just staying active, the Ultra Zoom® provides the support you need without sacrificing comfort or durability. With its cutting-edge materials and design, it represents the future of ankle protection and ankle injury recovery.

Interested in learning more about the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace? Our team of certified athletic trainers is here to help answer any questions you may have and guide you through selecting the right ankle brace for your needs. Reach out today to discover how Ultra Ankle® can support you in staying active, injury-free, and at the top of your game.

When to Transition from a Lace-Up to a Hinged Ankle Brace

Ankle injuries are one of the most common issues faced by athletes, and the right ankle brace can make all the difference in ankle injury prevention, performance, and when needed, recovery. Many athletes opt for lace-up ankle braces because they’ve been around forever, they’re affordable, easy to find, and fit well in most sports shoes. However, while lace-up braces offer some level of support, they also come with limitations that can negatively impact both your performance and long-term ankle health.

At Ultra Ankle, we aim to help athletes make informed decisions about their ankle support. In this blog, we’ll explore when it’s time to move on from a lace-up brace to a more supportive hinged ankle brace, especially if you have a history of multiple ankle injuries.

The Disadvantages of Lace-Up Ankle Braces

Lace-up ankle braces are commonly used by athletes, but they come with significant limitations. These braces work much like a reusable tape job: they offer short-term support by wrapping the ankle in the neutral position. They often include figure-8 straps to help restrict excessive ankle rolling. However, because they are made from fabric, once you start moving, the brace’s ability to provide stability decreases rapidly—often within the first 15 minutes of activity. This leaves your ankle vulnerable to injury or re-injury, especially if you’ve already suffered from multiple sprains.

For athletes who have experienced more than three ankle injuries within two years, a lace-up brace is simply not enough support. Repeated injuries can loosen the ligaments in your ankle, making them more susceptible to further damage. This creates what trainers call a “cycle of injury.” Breaking this cycle requires a brace that provides long-term support and stability—something that lace-up braces cannot offer.

The Impact of Lace-Up Braces on Performance

Several studies have demonstrated that lace-up ankle braces can hinder athletic performance. Below are key findings from scientific research that highlight how lace-up braces negatively affect various aspects of athleticism:

• Kovaleski JE, University of South Alabama (2016): In a study of 12 collegiate male athletes, wearing a lace-up brace significantly reduced range of motion (ROM) in the ankle and decreased muscle torque, work, and power. In layman’s terms, lace-up braces restrict ankle movement and weaken muscle function, making it harder to perform at your peak.
• Burks RT, American Journal of Sports Medicine (1991): This study found that lace-up braces reduced performance metrics, including a 4.6% decrease in vertical jump, a 3.6% decrease in shuttle run times, and a 3.2% reduction in sprint speed. Wearing no brace at all was better for performance than using a lace-up brace.
• MacKean LC, Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy (1995): In a group of female basketball players, lace-up braces showed the greatest negative impact on performance compared to other types of braces. These braces restrict plantar flexion—the movement necessary for pushing off when jumping or running.
• Cordova ML, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (2005): A meta-analysis confirmed that lace-up braces reduce sprint speed by about 1%, which may seem small but can make a big difference in competitive sports.

The evidence is clear: lace-up braces negatively affect agility, speed, and jumping ability because they bind the ankle in a fixed position. For athletes who need to perform at their highest level, why would you wear an ankle brace that negatively affects your performance?

When to Transition to a Hinged Ankle Brace

If you’ve had repeated ankle injuries or notice that your lace-up brace is hindering your performance, it’s time to transition to a hinged ankle brace. Hinged ankle braces, like the Ultra Zoom, offer a higher level of support without compromising mobility. The hinged design allows the brace to move with your ankle’s natural range of motion while providing superior protection and comfort throughout an entire game or practice.

Modern hinged braces are designed to prevent excessive side-to-side movement while allowing full up-and-down motion. This means they won’t limit your vertical jump or sprinting ability, unlike lace-up braces. They also provide long lasting ankle support, unlike lace-up braces which start losing their effectiveness the moment you step on the court, field, or pitch.

The Bottom Line

Lace-up ankle braces may be a popular choice due to their low cost and convenience, but they come with serious drawbacks, especially for athletes with a history of ankle injuries. They restrict ankle movement, weaken muscle function, and hinder performance in critical areas like speed and vertical jump.

If you’ve experienced multiple ankle injuries or feel that your current brace is impacting your performance, consider upgrading to a hinged ankle brace. With superior support, better mobility, and long-term injury prevention, a hinged brace like the Ultra Zoom is a smarter investment in your athletic career and ankle health.

By choosing the right ankle brace for your injury history, you can improve your performance and protect your ankles from future injuries—keeping you off the sideline and in the game for years to come.

Ankle Injury? Recover Faster – Get Back in the Game Sooner

If you’ve just suffered a second-degree (grade 2) ankle sprain, you’re likely dealing with swelling, bruising, and significant pain with every step. A sprain of this severity involves a partial tear in at least one of the ligaments that stabilize your ankle, making it difficult to walk or bear weight (MGB). Your medical team may have recommended a walking boot to immobilize your ankle, providing some relief from weight bearing pain. However, recent research suggests that even severe ankle sprains recover better and faster when exposed to protected movement. Regardless of your treatment plan, your main question remains: When can I start practicing and playing again?

The Road to Recovery

After a week of therapy, your swelling and pain may have decreased enough to transition out of the boot. At this stage, introducing protected movement is key to optimizing your recovery. Movement improves circulation, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to the injured joint, while also strengthening the muscles and tendons. This, in turn, helps you regain lost agility and gets you back to your sport faster (SIP).

Protected movement is made possible by wearing an ankle brace that allows your ankle and foot to move freely in all the natural ways-but restricts excessive movement to the already injured ligaments, muscles, and joint surfaces (SIP). Because your ankle is now unstable, you’ll need to stabilize it with a brace when you return to practice, allowing your ligaments to fully heal and protect against reinjury.

There are two types of ankle braces that can provide this stabilization: lace-up ankle braces and hinged (or semi-rigid) ankle braces. Lace-up braces, such as Ultra Ankle’s Ultra 360, offer support through a combination of laces and figure-8 straps, providing some flexibility while bracing the ankle. However, lace-up braces can lose their effectiveness as the fabric stretches and loosens over time, putting you at risk of re-injuring your ankle.

On the other hand, hinged ankle braces like the Ultra Zoom® help prevent your ankle from rolling side to side while still allowing the up-and-down movement needed to promote healing. This not only keeps you protected but also facilitates a quicker recovery (MVH). The Ultra Zoom’s patented hinge-cuff design offers an additional benefit: it helps prevent high ankle sprains, which are typically more painful and have a longer recovery period.

Recover Faster with the Ultra Zoom® Ankle Brace

The key to a quick and effective recovery is restoring your ankle’s range of motion and strength. The Ultra Zoom’s hinged-cuff design allows your ankle to move naturally, aiding rehabilitation while your ligaments heal. By maintaining normal ankle movement, the Ultra Zoom accelerates healing and rebuilds muscle strength, putting you on the fastest path to recovery. For more information you can watch our Ultra Zoom Product Features video.

Play Sooner – With Confidence

When you’re ready to return to practice or games, protecting your ankle from reinjury is critical. Your ankle is now more susceptible to twists and turns, increasing the risk of another sprain. The Ultra Zoom’s hinged-cuff design limits excessive inversion and rotation—movements that lead to ankle injuries. Its Performathane® soft, flexible shell forms a custom fit to your ankle using body heat, providing a secure, comfortable fit for all-day protection during every practice and game.

Ankle injuries are common in sports, but recurring injuries don’t have to be. By taking the right precautions with the Ultra Zoom Ankle Brace, you can stop the cycle of ankle injuries, and protect your pre-existing injury and play with confidence all season long.

Why Ankle Braces Do Not Weaken the Ankle Joint: Debunking the Myth with Ultra Ankle

Introduction – In the early 1990s, ankle braces began appearing more often in sports due to their improved designs and cost efficiency. As time has gone on, ankle braces have been a topic of debate among athletes, coaches, and medical professionals. In this debate, one common myth persists and that myth is wearing ankle braces can weaken the ankle joint, leading to dependency and muscle atrophy. This blog post aims to debunk this myth and highlight the benefits of using ankle braces, specifically those from Ultra Ankle®.

Common Belief About Ankle Braces Weakening the Ankle Joint – Many people believe that using ankle braces can lead to weakened muscles and dependency on the product. The concern is that ankle braces restrict movement, causing the muscles to become less active and eventually atrophy. However, this belief is not supported by scientific evidence. Jan Golden, DPM, wrote in a PPMA blog post “I tell parents that research has shown that there is no evidence that taping or bracing the previously injured ankle joint will make it wear or cause any other injuries above the ankle joint.” Additionally, Dr. Phil Page, Ph.D, PT, ATC, CSCS, FACSM wrote in Training & Conditioning “There is a misconception that if you wear a brace you don’t need to use the ankle as much, so people come to the conclusion without evidence that they will lose the strength; however, no studies have proven this.”

How Traditional Ankle Braces Function – Bones, muscles and a network of ligaments and tendons form internal supports that keep your ankle stable, flexible and strong. These internal supports maintain your ankle’s stability. However, once you’ve incurred an ankle injury the ligaments and tendons are stretched and loosened. Once stretched your ligaments and tendons do not return to their natural state. Traditional or “lace-up” ankle braces, like our Ultra 360®, are designed to do two things. The first is to provide external support and limit certain motions, such as plantar flexion/inversion, which is the movement at the ankle joint that points the foot downward away from the leg and turns the foot inward (MCHS). This helps to provide additional support to your ankle and to aid in preventing ankle injuries. The second is to provide external support after an ankle injury to aid in quicker recovery and to help prevent further ankle injuries. The only problem with traditional lace-up ankle braces is that because they restrict some movements of the ankle joint they can lead to diminished performance with regard to agility and vertical (HKJ). Lastly, once you’ve had an ankle injury lace-up ankle braces do not significantly protect against additional injury. In a study obtained from PubMed, if a (volleyball) player had a history of a previous ankle sprain, the brace did not protect the ankle from another injury. Hinged ankle braces, like our Ultra Zoom®, have the same primary functions as the lace-up ankle brace, to help prevent ankle injuries and to help in recovery from ankle injuries. However, hinged ankle braces allow your ankle to maintain it’s natural plantar flexion and dorsiflexion while restricting the excessive inversion/eversion or “rolling” of the ankle. Additionally, the Ultra Zoom has a hinged-cuff design which also helps to prevent high ankle sprains. Hinged or “semi-rigid” ankle braces have proven to restrict excessive ankle inversion and reduced injury incidences in those with previous ankle injuries (NIH). 

Benefits of Ultra Ankle Braces – Ultra Ankle offers a range of high-quality ankle braces that provide excellent support and protection without weakening the ankle joint. Which ankle brace is best for you depends on a few different factors. What is your ankle injury history? Are you looking for a brace to help prevent that initial ankle injury? Or, are you looking for a brace to help recover from recurrent ankle injuries during sports or activities? Ultra Ankle offers 4 advanced ankle braces designed to help prevent, treat, and recover from ankle injuries:

• Ultra 360®: The Ultra 360 locks your ankle in place while the figure-8 straps provide 360º of ankle support to help prevent excessive ankle rolling. The multi-adjustable design allows you to customize your level of support. Click HERE to learn more about the Ultra 360 product features.

• Ultra Zoom®:The only ankle brace built for performance— you’ll play better and play more, losing less time to injuries with the Ultra Zoom. The Performathane® soft shell forms to you, allowing your ankle to move in all the natural ways while helping to prevent any excessive movement that may cause an injury. The Ultra Zoom is on your ankle in seconds, protects continuously for hours and lasts for multiple seasons. Click HERE to learn more about the Ultra Zoom product features.

• Ultra High-5®: The Ultra High-5 is a high-support brace designed for chronic ankle instability. Reinforce unstable ankles with the Ultra High-5. Feather-light but super-strong this ankle brace handles the twists and turns even the toughest terrain throws at you. Click HERE to learn more about the Ultra High-5 product features.

• Ultra CTS®: The Ultra CTS is a FDA registered product designed to treat high ankle injuries, acute ankle injuries, and ankle osteoarthritis. The Ultra CTS is total ankle injury management. It not only helps to relieve weight-bearing pain but also provides maximum lower leg and ankle stability with its patented Performathane upright. Click HERE to learn more about the Ultra CTS product features.

Safe Usage of Ankle Braces – To maximize the benefits of ankle braces, it’s crucial to use them correctly:

• Proper Fit: Ensure the brace fits well to avoid pressure points and restricted blood flow. The Ultra Zoom, Ultra High-5, and Ultra CTS ankle braces can be easily tailored to fit your feet and ankles by using a home hair dryer. Watch our Ultra Ankle Custom Heating Video to learn how this process works. Keep in mind, like a new pair of shoes, all ankle braces require a break-in period.
• Proper Shoes: Not all shoes are compatible with every ankle brace. To see which types of shoes to wear with Ultra Ankle braces, watch our Ultra Ankle Recommended Shoe Video.
• Strengthening Exercises: Combine ankle strengthening exercises with the use of an ankle brace to maintain overall joint health.

Conclusion – The myth that ankle braces weaken the ankle joint is not supported by scientific evidence. Ankle braces, such as the Ultra 360, Ultra Zoom, Ultra High-5, and Ultra CTS from Ultra Ankle, provide essential support and injury prevention without compromising muscle strength. The Ultra Zoom, Ultra High-5 and Ultra CTS have also proven to help athletes and individuals recover from ankle injuries faster, allowing them to get back to their sport and/or daily lives more rapidly. By using these braces correctly, athletes and individuals can enjoy enhanced stability and protection, leading to safer participation in sports and daily activities.

Wearing an ankle brace can be essential for preventing injuries and providing support during recovery from an ankle injury. However, finding the right shoes to accommodate your brace can be challenging. Not all shoes are created equal when it comes to fitting ankle braces comfortably and securely. This guide will help you understand which types of shoes work best with ankle braces and why.

Understanding the Compatibility of Shoes and Ankle Braces

While ankle braces fit comfortably in most traditional athletic shoes or sneakers with a tongue and laces, there are some shoes that don’t work well with braces. If you purchase an ankle brace and can’t fit it inside your shoe, or it’s uncomfortable while you’re wearing it with your shoes, it may be due to the design or style of the shoe and not the ankle brace. For that reason, it’s a good idea to know upfront which shoes you should avoid when wearing your ankle braces.

Best Shoe Designs for Ankle Braces

Traditional Tongue and Laces Design
The style of sneaker that works best with ankle braces has a traditional tongue and laces design so you can spread out the opening of the shoe and easily insert the ankle brace. Low-top athletic shoes work best with ankle braces because they don’t apply undue pressure over your ankle bones like a mid- or high-top shoe will.

Avoid Modern Collar or Sleeve Designs
Athletic shoe styles are changing all the time. In recent years, athletic shoe companies have been introducing sneakers that deviate from the traditional shoe design. Rather than having a traditional tongue and laces, this new style of shoe has a collar or sleeve design that makes it almost impossible to fit an ankle brace in the shoe. These shoes typically are of the mid- or high-top design and are hardest to fit an ankle brace inside.

Finding the Right Fit for Different Shoe Types

Lace-Up Ankle Braces
For those without a traditional tongue and laces design, a smaller shoe size, or a high-top shoe, a lace-up ankle brace will most likely be the best option for you. The Ultra 360® locks your ankle in place while the figure-8 straps provide 360º of ankle support to help prevent excessive ankle rolling. The multi-adjustable design allows you to customize your level of support.

Hinged Ankle Braces
We have found that our customers with traditional tongue and laces shoes can wear a hinged ankle brace if their foot size is above a women’s size 9 or a men’s size 7. Shoes of these sizes or larger have enough room to comfortably fit both the foot and ankle brace inside. Customers do not need to “size up” on shoes to wear hinged ankle braces. Ultra Ankle® offers three different hinged ankle braces. The Ultra Zoom®, the Ultra High-5®, and the Ultra CTS®. Each offers different product features for different ankle conditions. To compare and contrast, visit our Compare All Braces page.

Considerations for Athletes

Selecting the Right Athletic Shoes
If you’re an athlete who is planning to wear an ankle brace and you want it to fit in the shoe properly and be comfortable to wear for long periods of time, stick with a traditional, low-top sneaker designed for the sport you play.

The Myth of High-Top Shoes
No high-top shoe is going to prevent an injury in sports that have a higher risk of ankle sprains (such as basketball or volleyball) where the mechanism of injury is coming down from a jump and landing on an opposing player’s foot at a high velocity. The only things that can help prevent ankle injuries are stronger muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the ankle, and/or, and sturdy ankle brace (FCSF)(Lems). Therefore, we recommend wearing a low top athletic shoe with a high performance ankle brace, like the Ultra Zoom, which is designed to help prevent ankle injuries or lessen the severity should an injury occur. The Ultra Zoom will fit easily in a traditional low top sneaker and provide a comfortable fit all season long.

Modern High-Tops and Ankle Support
Conventional wisdom is that high-top athletic shoes or tall work boots can support the ankle more effectively than low tops primarily because the high-top shoe is higher and therefore has more leverage to grab the ankle and hold it in place. However, today’s high-top sneakers are not your parent’s high-tops. These new high-top designs use flexible and stretchable materials with the goal of being comfortable to wear for long periods of time. And if the material stretches, it’s probably not going to provide much in the way of ankle support. While high-top shoes are advertised to provide additional ankle support, the truth is that no shoe can support the joint and help prevent ankle injuries like an ankle brace can.

Tall Work Boots and Ankle Braces

Challenges with Tall Work Boots
Let’s say you are a construction worker and you suffer from ankle osteoarthritis, so you like to wear a sturdy work boot to help stabilize your ankle. Let’s say recently your ankle started hurting on the job site and you’re thinking about getting an ankle brace for additional support.

Two things happen when you try to wear an ankle brace in a tall work boot:

1. The ankle brace is very difficult to fit inside your tall work boot.
2. If you get the brace to fit in the boot it may not be very comfortable. This happens after you lace up the boot, which pushes the sides of the brace against the ankle bones, potentially causing pain and irritation.

Low-Top Work Shoes
In general, we recommend a low-top work shoe where you can spread out the laces enough to easily fit the brace in the shoe. Since the sides of the shoe are below the joint, there is no potential for irritation over your ankle bones. A low-top work shoe combined with a good professional ankle brace can provide more ankle support than a tall work boot worn by itself by far.

For those looking for an ankle brace that will fit in a high-top work boot, the Ultra 360 Lace-up will be your best option. This flexible, fabric brace fits in almost any shoe – providing extra support and compression to help protect your ankle.

Conclusion

Choosing the right shoes to wear with your ankle brace is crucial for comfort and effectiveness. Stick with traditional tongue and lace designs, preferably low-tops, and avoid modern sleeve-style shoes that complicate fitting. For athletes, low-top athletic shoes paired with a high-performance ankle brace provide the best support. In work environments, opt for low-top work shoes over tall boots to ensure a comfortable and supportive fit.

If you have questions about which ankle brace would fit best inside your athletic shoes or work boots, you can send one of our athletic trainers a message or call us directly at (317) 520-9898.

Volleyball players are known for their dynamic jumps, quick pivots, and intense gameplay, making them particularly susceptible to ankle injuries. Ankle braces have emerged as essential gear for athletes aiming to mitigate this risk. Here’s why ankle braces are crucial for volleyball players.

Why Are Ankle Injuries Common in Volleyball?

Ankle injuries are the most common injury in volleyball, accounting for a significant portion of the sport’s injuries. These typically occur during jumps, especially at the net, when a player lands on another player’s foot, causing the ankle to twist unnaturally. The repetitive nature of the sport, involving constant jumping and quick directional changes, puts additional strain on the ankles, increasing the likelihood of injuries like sprains and strains​ (Performance Health)​​ (Children’s Hospital Colorado)​.

How Do Ankle Braces Help Prevent These Injuries?

Ankle braces are designed to provide stability and support, reducing the risk of injuries by limiting excessive movement that could lead to ankle sprains. Studies have shown that using ankle braces can significantly decrease both first-time and recurrent ankle injuries. They help maintain proper alignment and absorb the impact of jumps and rapid movements, which are common in volleyball​ (UPMC | Life Changing Medicine)​. One ankle brace, the Ultra Zoom® by Ultra Ankle®, stands out as an industry leader in not only helping to prevent ankle injuries, but also allowing the athlete to maintain their ankle’s natural range of motion and not limiting performance.

Benefits of Using the Ultra Zoom® Ankle Brace

1. Injury Prevention: The Ultra Zoom® ankle brace offers a hinged-cuff design that provides superior support without restricting the natural range of motion. This design helps prevent both low and high ankle injuries by stabilizing the ankle during dynamic movements​ (Ivy Rehab)​.
2. Enhanced Performance: By providing confidence and stability, the Ultra Zoom® brace allows players to perform at their best. Athletes can push their limits on the court without the constant fear of ankle injuries, thus enhancing overall performance. The Ultra Zoom® allows athletes to play better and play more, losing less time to ankle injuries.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in a high-quality ankle brace like the Ultra Zoom® is cost-effective compared to the potential medical expenses and lost playtime associated with ankle injuries. This preventive measure is a wise investment for long-term health and performance​ (Volleyball Gear Guide)​.

Do Ankle Braces Affect Knee Health?

Some athletes worry that restricting ankle movement might increase the risk of knee injuries. However, evidence suggests that while ankle braces limit movements that could lead to ankle injuries, they do not increase the risk of knee injuries. Properly designed braces like the Ultra Zoom® provide a balance between support and mobility, ensuring overall lower limb safety​ (Ivy Rehab)​​ (UPMC | Life Changing Medicine)​.

How Does Investing in an Ankle Brace Compare to Potential Medical Costs?

The cost of an ankle brace is minor compared to the potential medical costs incurred from an ankle injury. Ankle injuries can lead to expensive treatments, including physical therapy and surgery, not to mention the lost time from sports and other activities. Using a preventive measure like the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace can save significant costs and ensure that players remain active and healthy​ (Children’s Hospital Colorado)​.

Conclusion

Ankle braces, particularly the Ultra Zoom®, are essential for volleyball players. They offer injury prevention, enhance performance, and are cost-effective. By incorporating ankle braces into their gear, players can safeguard their health while elevating their game. Embrace the power of prevention and play confidently with the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace.

When it comes to preventing ankle injuries or providing support after an injury has occurred, two methods often come to mind – taping the ankle or wearing an ankle brace. These methods are common choices among athletes, athletic trainers, and physiotherapists for providing stability to an injured or unstable ankle. In this blog post, we will discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and comparative effectiveness of both strategies, thereby assisting you in making an informed decision.

Ankle Taping: The Traditional Approach

Ankle taping has been a staple in sports and athletic activities for decades. It involves wrapping athletic tape around the ankle in a specific pattern to provide support and restrict certain movements that could lead to injury.

Advantages of Ankle Taping:

1. Customizability: Taping allows for customization based on the individual’s unique anatomy and the specific nature of their injury or risk. It can be tailored to provide targeted support.(1).
2. Versatility: Taping can adapt to various sports and activities, allowing for a degree of movement while offering the right amount of restriction to prevent further injury.(1).

Disadvantages of Ankle Taping:

1. Time-consuming: Proper taping is a skill that requires practice and can be time-consuming, especially for beginners.
2. Expensive: Rolls of athletic tape can be costly, and every tape job will be discarded after use(1).
3. Loses Support Quickly: Taping restricts all ankle range of motion, including the natural up and down movement necessary for running and jumping. The moment an athlete steps onto the field or court, their ankle is working against the fabric tape, stretching it out and losing the support that initially felt secure. Sweat also contributes to the tape losing support.
4. Consistent Reapplication: Tape loses its effectiveness over time, often requiring reapplication several times during an extended activity.
5. Potential Skin Irritation: Extended use of tape can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals(1).

Ankle Bracing: The Modern Tool

Ankle braces, on the other hand, represent a more contemporary approach to ankle support. These braces, typically made from plastic or fabric, are designed to be easily applied by the athlete and reused for multiple practices and games. They offer varying levels of support depending on the specific needs of the ankle.

Advantages of Ankle Bracing:

1. Ease of Use: Ankle braces are generally easier and quicker to put on compared to taping. This convenience can be particularly beneficial for athletes who need to prepare quickly before practices or games(2).
2. Durability and Reusability: Unlike tape, ankle braces can be used repeatedly over an extended period, making them a cost-effective solution for long-term use(2).
3. Support: Typically, an ankle brace provides more consistent support than tape. Hinged ankle braces, in particular, maintain ankle support for longer periods of time, even during intense activities.

Disadvantages of Ankle Bracing:

1. Less Customizable: Unlike taping, braces come in fixed designs and may not offer the same level of personalization to the individual’s anatomy(2).
2. Potential Discomfort: Some users may find ankle braces bulky or uncomfortable, especially those made with rigid plastic. Finding the right fit and design can mitigate some of these issues but may require trial and error(2).

Ultra Ankle® Braces: The True Modern Tool

A notable example of high-quality ankle braces is the Ultra Ankle® line of braces. These braces are designed to provide exceptional support and comfort, making them a preferred choice for many athletes and individuals with ankle injuries. Let’s delve into the advantages of using Ultra Ankle braces:

Advantages of Ultra Ankle Braces:

1. Ease of Use: Ultra Ankle® braces are generally easier and quicker to put on compared to taping, reducing preparation time before activities. This ease of use ensures that athletes can spend more time focusing on their performance rather than on injury prevention preparations(3).
2. Durability and Reusability: Ultra Ankle® braces are known for their durability. They are designed for repeated use over an extended period, making them a cost-effective solution for long-term use. This durability ensures consistent support and protection across numerous practices and games(3).
3. Innovative Design: The Ultra Ankle® braces are recognized for their innovative designs, which consider different ankle injuries and the varying degrees of support needed. For example:
   • Ultra Zoom® Ankle Brace: Aimed at preventing or recovering from ankle sprains, it offers flexibility while maintaining robust support.
   • Ultra High-5® Ankle Brace: Designed for individuals with chronic ankle instability, it provides enhanced stability to prevent recurring injuries.
4. Comfort and Fit: Unlike some other brands, Ultra Ankle® braces are often praised for their comfort and ability to fit snugly without being excessively bulky. This comfort is achieved through designs like the Ultra Zoom® and Ultra CTS®, which form a custom fit to the foot and ankle using body heat.
5. Maintaining Ankle Strength: The Ultra Zoom®, Ultra CTS®, and Ultra High-5® offer a different approach than almost any other ankle brace on the market. Instead of imposing a universal restriction on the ankle’s movement, these braces feature a hinged design that allows for a more natural range of motion. This ensures that while the ankle is supported and safeguarded from dangerous movements, it can still move freely within the safe zone. As a result, the muscles and tendons in the ankle continue to be actively engaged during movement, promoting their strength and function. This approach makes the Ultra Zoom®, Ultra CTS®, and Ultra High-5® braces not just protective devices but tools for maintaining, and even improving, the overall health and strength of the ankle(3).

Ankle Taping vs Ankle Braces: The Verdict

When choosing between ankle taping and bracing, it ultimately depends on your individual needs, comfort, and the nature of your activities. Here’s a comparative look to help you make an informed decision:

• Short-term Use or Specific Sporting Events: For short-term use or during a specific sporting event, taping can provide the right amount of support and flexibility. It allows for a high degree of customization tailored to the athlete’s specific requirements and the nature of the sport source.
• Ongoing Competition or Everyday Use: For ongoing competition or daily use, an Ultra Ankle brace is a more practical and cost-effective solution. The durability, ease of use, and consistent support provided by these braces make them ideal for long-term ankle health management(3).

Consulting a Healthcare Provider: It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider regarding your specific requirements. They can offer personalized advice based on your injury history, level of activity, and overall health(1).

Complementary Strength and Balance Training: While ankle taping and braces can provide valuable support, they should be complemented by strength and balance training exercises. These exercises help build robust and resilient ankles, further preventing injuries(2).

Conclusion

The debate between ankle taping and ankle braces is not about finding a clear winner, but about understanding their benefits and limitations. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that best suits your lifestyle, activity level, and personal comfort. Remember, preventing injuries is always better than treating them. Take care of your ankles – you literally stand on the foundation they provide. Optimum ankle health not only boosts your physical performance but also enhances your overall quality of life. Stay strong, stay active, and stride forward with confidence!

High ankle sprains, also known as syndesmotic ankle sprains, are distinct from the more common low ankle sprains. They involve injury to the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula, particularly the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, and the interosseous membrane. These injuries are often caused by an external rotation and/or dorsiflexion trauma, common in high-impact sports like football, soccer, and basketball. (1) (2)

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of a high ankle sprain can be subtle compared to a regular ankle sprain. They typically include pain radiating up the leg, especially when bearing weight or pivoting on the foot, and some swelling. However, high ankle sprains do not usually cause significant bruising or swelling, which can make them difficult to diagnose without proper medical assessment. (1) (2)

To diagnose a high ankle sprain, a physician will perform a physical exam that may include the syndesmosis squeeze test, where the tibia and fibula are compressed together to elicit pain. Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may also be necessary to rule out fractures or other injuries. (3)

Treatment Options

The treatment of high ankle sprains generally follows the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest involves avoiding weight-bearing activities to allow the ligaments to heal. Ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling. Compression with an elastic bandage helps control swelling, and elevating the leg above the heart reduces pain and inflammation. (1) (3)

In addition to these initial treatments, physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery, focusing on regaining strength, range of motion, and proprioceptive training. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair torn ligaments and restore stability to the ankle. (2)

The Role of Ultra Ankle® Braces

Ultra CTS® and Ultra Zoom® ankle braces can significantly aid in the treatment, recovery, and further prevention of high ankle sprains. These braces provide the necessary support and stabilization to the ankle and lower leg, reducing the risk of further injury and allowing for pain free weight-bearing activities as the healing progresses. Here are the specific features of each brace:

Ultra CTS® Ankle Brace:

Dynamic Hinged-Cuff Technology: Specifically designed to help prevent external ankle rotation which causes syndesmotic (High) ankle sprains. The Ultra CTS aids in healing by supporting soft tissue recovery. Will help to alleviate weight-bearing pain, encouraging early activity and aiding in quicker rehabilitation post-injury.

Flexible Soft Shell: Made from Performathane®, the Ultra CTS forms a custom-fit to your ankle, providing a comfortable, snug, and secure fit.

PerformaFit® Technology: Transition from the Ultra CTS acute injury ankle brace to a low-profile Ultra CTS activity ankle brace by detaching the PerformaFit upper cuff section. Reattach the PerformaFit cuff section anytime additional ankle support is needed.

The Ultra CTS® is best when used after a walking boot or immediately after injury to help reduce weight bearing pain and provide maximum ankle support and stabilization to aid the healing process and prevent further ankle injury.

Ultra Zoom® Ankle Brace:

Hinged-Cuff Design: Allows for natural up and down ankle movement (dorsiflexion & plantarflexion) while offering excellent support to not only help prevent low “turning” ankle injuries, but also to help prevent rotation “twisting” of the lower leg which can lead to high ankle injuries.

Flexible Soft Shell: Made from Performathane®, the Ultra Zoom forms a custom-fit to your ankle, providing a comfortable, snug, and secure fit.

Durability: Exceptional durability to last multiple seasons. A full ONE YEAR warranty on every component.

The Ultra Zoom® is best when used after the high ankle injury is mostly healed and the athlete is released to return to partial or full activity.

These features make the Ultra Zoom and Ultra CTS ankle braces highly effective in aiding recovery from high ankle sprains, ensuring that patients can return to their daily activities or sports with confidence. (1) (2)

Conclusion

High ankle sprains are complex injuries that require careful diagnosis and treatment. By following proper medical guidance and utilizing supportive devices like the Ultra Zoom and Ultra CTS ankle braces, individuals can effectively manage their recovery and reduce the risk of future injuries. If you have further questions about either the Ultra CTS or Ultra Zoom ankle braces, or, would like to communicate with one of our Certified Athletic Trainers, please reach out to us here.

In the sphere of product evolution, quite frequently, progress remains stalled until new materials are created or manufacturing techniques improved. This fact holds particularly true for ankle braces. The Ultra Zoom® ankle brace, produced by Ultra Ankle®, stands as a perfect example of this phenomenon. The key technological advances underpinning this unique product didn’t exist until they were explicitly devised, scrutinized, and demonstrated to offer superior protection against ankle injuries than other alternatives in the market.

The Ultra Zoom® ankle brace from Ultra Ankle® is exceptional in its design and technological attributes, thanks to its patented Performathane® flexible soft shell, proprietary PerformaFit® 3D padding system, and robust hinged-cuff design— three elements that are not available in any other braces.

How Does it Function?

For a brace, including ankle braces, to deliver optimal efficacy, it must mimic the anatomy’s structure. This requirement calls for the brace to adapt or custom-fit to the joint’s shape. A custom-fit ankle brace provides more comfort, maintains a lower profile, and offers superior support. However, achieving these custom-fit design aspirations necessitates the development of new materials.

Ultra Ankle® undertook a rigorous five-year endeavor to formulate materials that would facilitate the design of an ankle brace that provides exceptional comfort, long-lasting support, and durability across multiple seasons. The culmination of this endeavor is the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace, equipped with Performathane® and PerformaFit® technologies.

External Flexibility, Internal Custom Fit

So, what are Performathane® and PerformaFit® exactly?

Performathane® forms the soft external shell of the Ultra Zoom® and utilizes the athlete’s body heat to adapt or custom-fit to the ankle. Generally, it requires one or two practice sessions for the brace shell to fully mold to the joint’s shape. However, this process can be expedited by using a common home hair dryer. Watch our Custom Fitting Video to start making your Ultra Zoom custom to you. Additionally, the Performathane® shell is engineered to be unbreakable, resistant to cracks and tears, thus offering durability that lasts multiple seasons.

PerformaFit® is another innovation from Ultra Ankle® that adds to the Ultra Zoom’s custom-fit capabilities. This unique padding system, constructed from a specially formulated foam, allows the padding to conform to the ankle joint’s shape and retain that shape over time. The PerformaFit® system maintains its cushioning properties throughout an entire sports season.

An Unparalleled Degree of Ankle Injury Prevention

Together, the Performathane® soft shell and the PerformaFit® padding system introduce unprecedented comfort, support, and durability levels that previous ankle brace designs can’t compete with. If you’re curious to learn more about our innovative technology, or want to determine if the Ultra Zoom® ankle brace is the ideal choice for you, feel free to reach out to us! Our certified athletic trainers would be more than pleased to assist with your queries.