Skip to main content
mayologo1
  • Patient Portal
  • Pay Bill Online
  • Request an Appointment
    • Services

      Featured Services

      • Cardiology (Heart)
      • Gastroenterology & Hepatology (Digestive Care)
      • Neurosurgery
      • Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)
      • Oncology (Cancer)
      • Orthopedics & Orthopedic Surgery
      • Pain Medicine
      • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
      • Primary Care
      • Sports Medicine
      • Surgery
      • Urology

      View all services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Adams
      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Janesville
      • Kenyon
      • Lake City
      • Le Sueur
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • New Richland
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Rochester
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      Iowa

      • Decorah
      • Lake Mills

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    Posted By
    Joel Luedke, L.A.T.

    Joel Luedke, L.A.T.

    Sports Medicine

    Recent Posts

    • Runner wrapped in foil warming blanket
      Speaking of Health
      Post-race recovery tips for runners
      May 17, 2023
    • Athlete sitting holding knee
      Speaking of Health
      What are some signs of overtraining?
      April 05, 2023
    • Trainer teaching student to use TRX
      Speaking of Health
      Athletic or personal trainer: What's the best fit for you?
      March 22, 2023
    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Thursday, January 20, 2022

    To brace or not to brace: What's the best answer?

    Topics in this Post
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Sports Medicine
    Crouching on sidewalk in winter, tying shoelaces

    If you injure your ankle or knee, should you wear a brace to support the joint? The answer depends on whether it's the ankle or knee, the severity of the injury, and your goals for the level of activity you want to regain.

    If you're wondering if a brace would help or hinder your recovery, here are 3 questions to consider:

    1. Why use a brace?

    Braces range from a simple neoprene sleeve to a complex hinged device. They provide support and warmth, relieve aches and pains, help prevent injury, and aid in healing. It's important to choose the brace that's right for you.

    An athletic trainer, physical therapist, or sports medicine or orthopedic provider can make recommendations for your situation.

    2. When should an ankle brace be worn?

    If you've injured your ankle, like twisting it as you step off a curb, wearing a brace after the accident can provide support and stability, and give you confidence that your ankle will support you. But as the injury heals, you should gradually work toward not needing it anymore.

    You may want to continue bracing for high-level activities, like playing basketball or tennis, working out or shoveling snow, but let the ligaments and muscles around your ankle naturally strengthen and heal during lower-level, every day activities. If you're an athlete, save the brace for high-level competitions and practices.

    3. How about a knee brace?

    Many of the same reasons to brace apply to the knee, too. However, many injuries that cause knee pain actually are related to muscle control at the hip or ankle, so bracing the knee potentially doesn't have the same impact on healing.

    If you have early onset, mild arthritis in your knee, a neoprene sleeve can provide support, compression and warmth. These simple braces can be worn as long as they continue to provide relief. Some athletes wear a sleeve or tights that go below the knee for compression and comfort.

    However, if you've injured your knee, such as a torn ACL, rely on your surgeon's guidance. Typically, a complex knee brace is worn for the first year. After that, a brace usually isn't needed for low-level activities. Keep in mind it can take up to two years to return to baseline stability. Once you're returned to full function, you can stop wearing a brace.

    Joel Luedke is an athletic trainer in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

    Topics in this Post
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Sports Medicine

    Related Posts

    Close-up of legs of person playing tennis How one tendon can throw you off your stride
    Concussion football players The real impact of a concussion
    Arms lifting dumbells Sprains, strains and tears: What can go wrong with upper arms

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Community Resources
    • Mayo Clinic Connect
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • Home
    © 2018 - 2023 Mayo Clinic Health System