Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time (MC). The joint where your ankle and shinbone meet is one of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis, and it may result in tenderness or pain, the reduced ability to walk, move, or bear weight, and stiffness or swelling in your joint. Osteoarthritis symptoms can usually be managed, although the damage to joints can’t be reversed. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and receiving certain treatments might slow progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function (MC). One solution to help stay active are ankle braces that “unload” or “offload” the ankle joint, relieving bone-on-pain pain and irritation of the ankle joint.
Causes for ankle osteoarthritis can be numerous. Among them can be age, joint injury, overuse, obesity, weak muscles, genetics, and environmental factors (AF). Symptoms of ankle OA tend to build over time rather than showing up suddenly. Symptoms include:
Pain or aching in a joint during activity, after long activity or at the end of the day.
Joint stiffness usually occurs first thing in the morning or after resting.
Limited range of motion that may go away after movement.
Clicking or popping sound when a joint bends.
Swelling around a joint.
Muscle weakness around the joint.
Joint instability or buckling (as when an ankle gives out) (AF).
Because this damage won’t heal on its own, your doctor must diagnose your ankle osteoarthritis and prescribe a surgical, or, non-invasive treatment plan.
Surgical options for ankle osteoarthritis may include artificial ankle replacement in most severe cases, but typical treatment is usually ankle fusion or arthroscopic surgery to remove loose pieces of cartilage and clean up any rough surfaces of the joint.
Non-surgical options include injections, physical therapy, additional foot and ankle support, and more. To help manage the pain of ankle osteoarthritis, Ultra Ankle® enlisted a team of medical professionals that found if you can reduce the impact of the bone on bone friction, you can reduce joint irritation and the pain that comes with it. This process is called unloading of the ankle joint, which means the ankle brace will absorb some of the impact from standing or walking that would normally be transferred to your painful ankle.
For an ankle brace to unload the joint and reduce joint irritation, it needs to feature a rigid bottom that goes under the heel. Any ankle brace with a soft or fabric bottom will not absorb impact or reduce weight bearing pain. While the bottom of the brace needs to be rigid, the top of the brace should be stable enough to support the weakening ankle. A semi-rigid or rigid bottom plus an upper stabilizer can only be found in two braces on the market, and both are products designed by Ultra Ankle. They are the Ultra Zoom® and the Ultra CTS® ankle braces. The Ultra CTS was specifically designed to treat acute ankle injuries, and, ankle osteoarthritis. This ankle brace is registered with the FDA and has hundreds of testimonials from people suffering for ankle OA who say the brace has allowed them to return to their daily activities.
Any ankle brace made of fabric with a soft bottom cannot unload the ankle and reduce weight bearing pain associated with ankle osteoarthritis. You can count on Ultra Ankle braces to do the job, every time you wear them.
Comfortable
The best ankle braces for ankle osteoarthritis patients are those made with a semi-rigid plastic that incorporates a hinge for natural ankle movement and a cuff design that encircles your lower leg to help absorb the impact of standing or walking.
Protective
To reduce weight bearing joint irritation, it takes a more substantial ankle brace to provide the stability and impact resistance necessary to provide relief from ankle osteoarthritis.
Ultra
CTS®
Treat & Rehabilitate
Max stabilization to treat acute ankle injuries and osteoarthritis.
The Ultra CTS isn’t just for treating acute ankle injuries. It’s an equally effective brace for ankle osteoarthritis patients because both conditions share the same symptom: weight bearing pain.
When you wear the Ultra CTS, it reduces your bone on bone friction by limiting the weight bearing impact on your joint. Once you’re able to limit the impact that is causing your irritation, you’ll be able to reduce your ankle pain and stiffness. The Ultra CTS will also help to stabilize your lower leg and ankle to minimize ankle instability which contributes to your joint irritation and pain.
Even though I am no longer involved in competitive sports, I still stay very active. Due to the nature of the sports I was involved with over the years I sustained several injuries which I am now suffering the consequences of. I have developed Osteoarthritis and due to have an ankle replacement. I needed a brace that would reduce the load on my ankle. After researching the large variety of ankle braces on the web, I found that almost all of them only provide lateral support which did not meet my requirements. Your brace was the only one that would reduce the load on my ankle. I have been using it for almost a month now and it has provided substantial relief.
Jeff C.
I ordered an Ultra CTS brace for my painful ankle arthritis. Years ago, I had an ankle fracture that was not set correctly. This led to two joint bones out of alignment that wore through the cartilage and now rub bone on bone. The pain is excruciating. I found your CTS brace and ordered one as it seemed to be exactly the correct approach. From the first day I put it on the results were dramatic. Instead of limping in pain, I was able to walk comfortably all day. I now wear it from getting dressed in the morning to going to bed. Instead of limiting and avoiding activity due to pain, I am now on my feet and back to all the things I enjoy. This brace has truly changed the whole mood of my life for the better.
Rudy M.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Ankle Braces for Osteoarthritis
Will the Ultra CTS Fit in My Work Boot?
Yes and no. If you’ve adjusted your footwear because of your osteoarthritis and are already wearing a very substantial tall boot, the Ultra CTS may not fit, or fit very well.
When you wear the Ultra CTS brace, you don’t need a tall work boot for additional ankle support. So if you adjust to wearing a shorter boot, the ankle brace should fit just fine. Work boots with similar heights to hiking boots tend to work well with the Ultra CTS.
Can My Doctor Get Me the Ultra CTS?
Yes. Our medical distributor BREG sells Ultra CTS ankle braces to the medical market. Most medical facilities, especially orthopedic-focused care centers, are probably already doing business with BREG. Have your medical professional call BREG at 800-321-0607 for more information.
My Leg Is Pretty Thick. I’m Not Sure the Ultra CTS Will Fit?
Some of the biggest players in the National Football League have worn the Ultra CTS for acute ankle injuries. These players require the brace be fitted with X-Long straps. These come standard on Ultra CTS braces in size L/XL, but they can also be ordered separately for other sizes.
Do you still have questions about how an ankle brace may be able to help relieve your ankle osteoarthritis pain? Our certified athletic trainers are available to answer specific questions to make a personalized recommendation on which ankle brace or treatment route might be best for you.
