Tape or Brace? The Pros and Cons of Tape and an Ankle Brace
Many athletes experience ankle problems and use tape or a brace. Which of the two options is actually the best? We have outlined the pros and cons for you.
Ankle Sprains Are Common Among Athletes
Ankle sprains and bruising are the most common sports injuries in the Netherlands (Schmikkli et al. sports injuries in the total playing field, NOC NSF 2002).
The following overview shows which actions during sports are the most provocative for the onset of sports injuries:
– Running, sprinting, jogging 290,000
– Jumping 170,000
– Contact with opponent 290,000
– Twisting 130,000
– Contact with object 250,000
The ankle/foot is a very complex joint. You can get a clearer picture of this joint via the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z66QuF2S7cg
Sports with Tape or an Ankle Brace?
The Royal Dutch Society for Physiotherapy (KNGF) has clear guidelines regarding injuries and ankle complaints. When do therapists recommend an ankle brace, and when should you opt for tape? Some therapists swear by a brace, while others prefer tape. The KNGF, through research combined with practical experience, has been able to create a clear picture of these two methods. Below is a brief overview of the pros and cons that emerged from this research.
Brace:
- A brace is cheaper in the long run compared to tape.
- Within a few hours, a brace gives 4.5-12% less support due to the loosening effect. This can be easily solved by tightening the brace.
- Reduces the chance of repeated ankle sprains by 40-50%.
- Depending on the brace, it does not or hardly impedes the ‘normal’ movement.
- The patient can easily put on and take off a brace.
- A brace is effective when the comfort and support provided are balanced.
- There are different types of braces with varying support classes.
Tape:
- In the long run, tape is much more expensive than a brace.
- Within a few hours, tape gives 40-50% less support due to the loosening effect.
- Reduces the chance of repeated ankle sprains by 40-50%.
- Restricts the ‘normal’ movement of the ankle by 25% more.
- To apply sports tape, a professional is often needed. Also, tape is more difficult to remove after the sport activity.
- Tape can be more easily and better customized to individual needs.
- Due to the use of adhesive, the risk of skin irritation is higher.
It should be noted that such comparative research between an ankle brace and tape depends on the type of tape and brace that was applied. After all, every brace has its own support class.
An Ankle Brace for Ankle Sprains or Bruises
In the current guidelines of the KNGF, wearing a brace is advised once the swelling has decreased. The chance of full recovery is greater if someone uses an ankle brace during the first 6 weeks after injury. This leads to a quicker return to sports activities. However, wearing an ankle brace does not guarantee injury-free sports. The preventive use of an ankle brace significantly reduces the chance of repeated trauma. The EXO-L brace is a great example. This custom brace can only be used preventively.
