Most often, the ankle is injured. This joint can withstand heavy loads. The more weight a person has, the higher the risk of ankle damage. The joint is almost always energized. As a result, the cartilage wears out quickly. In this case, the ankle gradually loses stability due to changes that have occurred in the surrounding tissues.
How to solve a problem
At the first signs of such an ailment, experts recommend wearing an ankle clamp. It allows you to reduce stress on the joint, ligaments and muscles. In addition, the bandage protects the cartilage tissue from further destruction.
It is worth considering that the appointment of any fixative should be carried out only by a doctor. Choose an ankle brace in accordance with the recommendations of a specialist. After all, such products are medical items. They are usually used for the prevention or treatment of diseases associated with the joint.
When to wear a retainer
Ankle bandage is prescribed only in the presence of certain diseases and tissue damage. These situations include:
- postoperative period;
- injuries received after removal of the plaster brace;
- therapy of arthritis or arthrosis;
- functional joint instability;
- sprain ;
- increased physical exertion, for example, during prolonged work or intensive occupations with a certain sport, especially such a bandage is necessary for those who have been standing for a long time;
- pathology of the foot and ankle congenital.
Each of the listed cases requires an individual approach, as well as the correct choice of a latch. If the bandage is not selected correctly, then it can worsen the condition of the tissues of the joint.
Appointment and types
How to choose an ankle brace? Among a large assortment of clamps, it is difficult to independently choose the one that is required. Each bandage model is used only in certain cases. Therefore, before buying, you should consult a doctor, and also get at least some idea about the varieties of such a fixative. Currently there are:
- The ankle brace is elastic or rigid. The first type of fixatives is used for moderate to mild injuries. There are currently several types of dressings.
- Safety lock. It is used for open fractures. These dressings have a bactericidal effect and protect open wounds from dirt and dust. In addition, the latch does not allow moisture to pass through.
- Medicinal bandage. Outwardly, the latch resembles a bandage made of bandages. The material is impregnated with certain drugs that promote wound healing.
- Compression bandage on the ankle joint. It is also called crushing. Such a fixative is often used for hemarthrosis, when blood accumulates in the joint after damage. The bandage allows you to stop bleeding, which can occur as a result of damage to small vessels.
- An immobilizing retainer is prescribed for sprains, repositions of dislocation and bruises. Most often, such products are used in sports medicine. The clamp allows the joint to provide complete peace, as well as reduce pain.
Features of choosing a hard bandage
The range of such products is very large and diverse. If desired, you can purchase a bandage on the ankle joint with lacing or with special mounts. The latter can be made in the form of ties or straps. Most often, such fasteners are equipped with a hard latch, which has a frame made of dense and solid material. If the choice is unsuccessful, then such a bandage can repeatedly injure the joint. When choosing a product, consider:
- the severity of the injury and its nature;
- features of the anatomical structure;
- tendency to allergic reactions;
- accompanying illnesses;
- material used to make the frame;
- type of fastener;
- the circumference of the lower leg, the circumference of the ankle and ankle, as well as the size of the foot.
A tight bandage can cause repeated tissue injury. It is dangerous for dislocations. After all, with improper therapy, a dislocation can turn into a habitual one.
What to look for when choosing a product
Buying a bandage on the ankle joint yourself, it is worth considering several factors. First of all, you should familiarize yourself with the instructions that come with the kit. It indicates all contraindications and indications. In addition, the instructions describe the material that was used to manufacture the retainer, as well as how correctly and in what cases the bandage is used.
If you choose an ankle brace yourself, then it is worth examining information about possible side effects and contraindications.
Who should not wear the ankle clamp
Despite the fact that the ankle brace is used to prevent and treat certain diseases and injuries, it has a number of contraindications. You should find out about them before buying and starting to use a similar product. Do not use a bandage when:
- skin diseases, including dermatitis, localized at the place of wearing the bandage;
- phlebitis;
- arterial occlusion;
- venous ulcer;
- trophic ulcer, developing against the background of diabetes;
- thromboembolic disease.
Application features
It is allowed to put on an ankle clamp not only on bare skin, but also on linen made from cotton fabric. It is not recommended to constantly go with a bandage. After 6 hours of wearing, the fixative should be removed, and then the skin should be treated with an antiseptic or washed in warm water and soap. After that, you need to take a short break - 30 minutes. After the specified time, you can put it on again.
In conclusion
At the moment, ankle bandages are considered effective and reliable in the prevention and treatment of many ailments of articular tissues. A wide selection allows you to choose a product that will ideally fit in all respects. Before you start using such fixatives, you should definitely visit your doctor. Indeed, in some situations there is a need to apply a plaster cast. It reliably protects damaged joint tissues, muscles and ligaments from further damage in case of bed rest disorders. For this reason, a consultation with a traumatologist is required. Do not forget that an incorrectly selected product can cause serious complications.