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Step 1
Know your needs. Whether you have a pre-existing injury like a sprain or tendonitis or if you are just buying a brace as a preventative measure to keep your ankles strong will determine what kind of brace you need to shop for. Discuss your issues with a doctor or sports medicine specialist before you buy your ankle brace.
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Step 2
Consider your activities. If you will be wearing the ankle brace throughout the day and just performing everyday activities like walking and lifting things, you may just need a lighter weight basic brace. Daily sports activities or running might require a stronger brace or one with special features to more fully cushion and support the knee and surrounding tendons.
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Step 3
Shop around. When looking for an ankle brace, visit a variety of pharmacies and sporting goods retailers. Buying the first ankle brace that you see could cost you more money than you need to spend, and you might not buy the right brace to fit your needs. "Doing your homework" beforehand will give an you an accurate idea of the kinds of braces that are available and how much they cost.
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Step 4
Take a plastic bag with you. Most retailers that sell bracing products will not allow you to try braces on prior to purchasing them in order to keep them sanitary and in good condition. Take a plastic shopping bag with you when shopping for your ankle brace to slide over your sock and foot. This will enable you to try on the ankle brace you are considering purchasing. The bag is thin enough that you will still be able to fit the brace properly, and the brace will be kept clean.
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Step 5
Check out all the available features. Ankle braces come in many different kinds of fabrics and different lengths with various levels of flexibility and support. Some offer support to the anklebone while others give more support to the tendons and muscles in the ankle. Each of these features is designed to help with specific conditions or injuries so find an ankle brace with the right features for your needs.
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Step 6
Take it easy. When participating in activities and sports while wearing your brace, use caution until you know how much support the brace offers you while you are being active. Don't overdo it.
