Ankle Support to Prevent Athletic Injuries

I’m training on a trampoline for gymnastic competitions, and I’ve heard that ankle injuries are common in this sport. I want to find an ankle support to prevent injury. What do you recommend?

The best way to start is by focusing on a dynamic program to improve ankle motion, strength, and proprioception (your sense of joint position). In sports like gymnastics and trampoline, where the foot and ankle are crucial, having strong, stable, and mobile ankles is essential. The ankle must be able to respond quickly to any missteps or unstable landings. Weak ankles, previous injuries, or limited range of motion can increase your risk of injury, so enhancing proprioception is particularly helpful.

Once you’ve incorporated these core elements into your daily training, you might not need additional support. However, if you feel you do, experts often recommend using a soft lace-up or Velcro strap brace for extra protection.

A semi-rigid Aircast brace is highly effective after an ankle sprain, as it prevents plantar flexion (pointing the toes), which can be useful during recovery. However, limiting plantar flexion without an injury could hinder your performance on the trampoline. If you do suffer an ankle sprain, the Aircast can be a good option during the initial stages of healing.

Reference:Eric Eils, PhD. Passive Stability Characteristics of Ankle Braces and Tape in Simulated Barefoot and Shod Conditions. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. February 2007. Vol. 35. No. 2. Pp. 282-287.