Top 5 Torn Ligament Ankle Supports
Torn ankle ligaments can be severe or mild, ranging from sprains to grade three tears (complete tears of the ligament). This causes a great deal of pain, swelling and instability that can take up to 8 weeks to heal. Your ankle may then continue to feel "wobbly" or unstable for a considerable time after injury, which is where an reliable ankle brace can really make a difference.
At Health and Care, our goal is to help you find the support that best matches your needs and the needs of your condition. We spoke to experts to find the Top 5 Torn Ligament Ankle Supports, and covered each of them in great detail to help you get started on the road to recovery.
What Will This Guide Cover?
In this guide, we will showcase our expert picks for the best ankle braces for torn ligaments. We've selected five of the best braces based on the following criteria:
Our Best Ankle Ligament Braces
- Our Best Overall Ankle Brace for Torn Ligaments
- Our Best Active Ankle Brace for Torn Ligaments
- Our Best Ankle Stirrup for Malleolar Ligament Strain
- Our Best Everyday Ankle Support for Torn Ligaments
- Our Lightest Ankle Support for Torn Ligaments
Helpful Information
- Which Grade Ligament Sprain Do I Have?
- How Can I Prevent Torn Ligaments?
- What Should I Look for In An Ankle Brace?
Our Top Pick for Torn Ligaments
Aircast Air Stirrup Ankle Brace
Why It Stands Out...
✔ Semi-rigid outer shell prevents over and under pronation
✔ Delivers gradual compression to reduce oedema and swelling
✔ Pre-inflated air cells offer top quality support and comfort
Perfect For...
✔ Grades 1, 2 and 3 ligament tears
✔ All stages of recovery
Cons...
✗ Not the most flexible (See our solution)
✗ Not as compressive as others (See our solution)
Our Verdict: Suitable for any grade of ankle ligament sprain, the Aircast Air Stirrup is the perfect all-round ankle brace. Anatomically designed to ensure a great fit, this streamlined brace fits easily inside your shoe, delivering precise compression with two comfy, pre-inflated air cells.
Our Customer Helen Says: "This product was recommended to me by a physiotherapist after suffering a grade 2 ankle ligament tear, my ankle was in a bit of a mess, but this air cast has helped me recover amazingly well"
Our Best Active Ankle Brace for Ligament Damage
Aircast A60 Ankle Brace
Why It Stands Out...
✔ Plastic stabilisers prevent rollover to prevent re-injury
✔ Comfy Breathe-O-Prene material offers superior comfort levels
✔ Fits snugly inside a trainer or running shoe
Perfect For...
✔ Grade 1 - 2 ligament tears
✔ Returning to sports and activities
Cons...
✗ Not the best for arthritis pain (See our solution)
✗ Not the best for the initial stages of injury (See our solution)
Our Verdict: If you want to stay active in spite of your injury, the Aircast A60 is the best brace to go for. Worn by Andy Murray, this high-quality ankle brace is popular for good reason. Its clever design helps prevent rollover at 60° and fits easily inside a trainer or shoe, making it perfect for active use.
Our Customer Dave Says: "Having been recommended this brace, I decided to invest as I have very weak ligaments. I have found it very supportive and it helps you walk properly and exercise with confidence"
Our Best Ankle Stirrup for Malleolar Ligament Strain
Bauerfeind MalleoLoc Ankle Brace
Why It Stands Out...
✔ Stabilising the ankle to prevent painful twisting motions
✔ Conforms to the shape of your foot for optimal support and comfort
✔ Delivers anatomical compression to help ease pain and swelling
Perfect For...
✔ Grade 1 and 2 ligament tears
✔ Stabilising the malleolar ligament
Cons...
✗ Not as compressive as other braces (See our solution)
✗ Can feel a bit restrictive (See our solution)
Our Verdict: The Bauerfiend MalleoLoc Ankle Brace was a close second for our top spot, but only just lost out to the Aircast. It does a great job of stabilising the ankle in a way that prevents lateral twisting without completely restricting your movement, and it delivers soft, gradual compression to help ease pain as you walk.
Our Customer Wendy Says: "Following a ligament reconstruction operation, the MalleoLoc has given me the confidence to progress with my rehab without fear or damaging my vulnerable ankle and is easy and comfortable to wear."
Our Best Everyday Ankle Brace for Torn Ligaments
BioSkin TriLok Ankle Ligaments Support
Why It Stands Out...
✔ Controls the forefoots range of motion to correct positioning
✔ Functions like an extra ligament to optimise support and stability
✔ Made with extra comfortable skin-friendly materials
Perfect For...
✔ Grade 2 ligament tears
✔ Supporting your ankle all day, everyday
Cons...
✗ Not the best if you're on a budget (See our solution)
✗ A bit tricky to put on (See our solution)
Our Verdict: Looking for a support that you can wear comfortably all day? The BioSkin TriLok Ankle Brace is made from custom-made breathable materials that offer supreme wearer comfort. The brace also features patented FootLok straps that control the movement of the forefoot without restricting your overall gait, meaning you can start moving again without fear of re-injury.
What BioSkin Experts Say: "The figure of 8 strap allows you to really crank up the level of support. My friend wears one while working on his farm, and he swears by it."
Our Most Lightweight Ankle Support for Torn Ligaments
Vulkan AE Advanced Elastic Ankle Support
Why It Stands Out...
✔ Nano Flextra four-way stretch material offers lightweight compression
✔ Lightweight, slimline design provides optimal flexibility and movement
✔ Antibacterial properties ensure good hygiene and supreme comfort
Perfect For...
✔ Grade 1 ligament tears
✔ Sports and activities
Cons...
✗ Not supportive enough for severe tears (See our solution)
✗ Doesn't do much to prevent re-injury (See our solution)
Our Verdict: For ankle injuries that aren't as severe, a lighter brace such as the Vulkan AE Ankle Support is your best option, as this provides extra support without any bulk. This lightweight brace offers graduated compression thanks to an advanced Nano Flextra material, which stretches in four directions to allow optimal movement while exercising or playing sports.
Which Grade of Ligament Tear Do I Have?
Ligament tears are graded on a three-tier severity scale, with Grade 1 for mild tears, Grade 2 for moderate tears and Grade 3 for severe tears. To find out which grade of tear you have, we recommend consulting with your doctor for a full diagnosis. However, the guide below may also give you a rough idea.
- Grade 1: Symptoms – Mild tenderness, swelling and stiffness. It is still possible to walk with a Grade 1 tear.
- Grade 2: Symptoms – Moderate pain, swelling and bruising. Painful to the touch and walking is more difficult.
- Grade 3: Symptoms – Severe swelling, pain and bruising. The ankle is very unstable, and it is likely not possible to walk.
How Can I Prevent Torn Ligaments?
A quick change of direction, direct contact with another person or a skewed landing could all potentially result in a ligament tear. However, by taking a few necessary precautions, you can help reduce the risk of strain and tearing. These precautions include:
- Warming up properly before exercise
- Stretch your ankles to increase blood flow and increase joint flexibility
- Wear the correct shoes for whatever activity you're engaged in
- Build strength in your ankles with targeted exercise
How Can a Brace Help with Torn Ligaments?
Often surgery is required for a torn ligament. However, an ankle brace can offer great support and protection, and may sometimes prevent the need for surgery. A proper brace works by limiting the movement of your ankle after an injury, which helps protect your ankle from further harm while encouraging faster healing.
What Should I Look for In a Torn Ligament Ankle Brace?
When selecting a new ankle brace for a torn ligament, it's important to find one that suits the specific requirements of your condition. The main things to consider before choosing an ankle brace are as follows:
- Support: If you've badly injured yourself, you'll want a brace that offers the maximum level of support and compression
- Flexibility: If you want to keep active, a lightweight impact brace will allow a natural gait and range of motion
- Comfort: You could be wearing your brace for long periods everyday, so it's important to find a brace that's breathable, comfy and easy to fit
Find the Right Brace for You
Depending on how severe your injury is, how much comfort you're looking for, and how active you plan to be, you need a brace that matches your needs. We hope that the braces we've showcased here have offered something for everyone, but if you haven't quite found what you're looking for, there are plenty more options available in our full range of Ankle Supports and Ankle Braces.
Do you have any questions about our ankle supports, or any of our other products for ankle rehabilitation and protection? Please don't hesitate to let us know in the comments, or find us on Facebook and Twitter!
Tags: Ankle Pain, Foot and Ankle Pain, Football, Sports Supports and Braces
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Aircast A60 Ankle Brace
- Prevents rollover and ankle sprains - the ultimate ankle support
- In-built contoured stabilisers on either side of the ankle for stability
- Designed for professional and amateur athletes alike
- Comfortable and low profile; wear it with almost any trainer or shoe
- Also available in white
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Bauerfeind CaligaLoc Ankle Brace
- Stabilising brace for partial immobilisation of ankle
- Ideal for recovery after injury or as alternative to surgery
- Can be worn in any casual shoes and barefoot
- Prevents the ankle from twisting outwards
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Ultimate Performance Compression Elastic Ankle Support
- Elastic compression ankle support
- Designed to provide a high level of foot compression
- Ideal for people with ankle injuries and sprains
- Ambidextrous design suitable for either foot
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Silipos Malleolar Cushioning Gel Ankle Sleeve
- Malleolar sleeve with two gel pads to cushion the ankle
- Protects the ankle against impact, pressure and rubbing
- Provides gentle compression to reduce swelling
- Suitable for wearing in a wide range of footwear
Aircast Plantar Fasciitis AirHeel Ankle Brace
- Ankle brace with two air cells to support the arch and Achilles tendon
- Ideal for treating plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and heel pain
- Helps to reduce swelling and pain while improving circulation
- Applies pulsating compression with every step
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Bauerfeind MalleoLoc Ankle Brace
- Stabilising ankle brace suitable for use after ankle injury or surgery
- Ideal for twisting injuries, torn ligaments and capsular ligament strains
- Provides support and prevents lateral twisting without complete restriction
- Comfortable design fits in most shoes for everyday wear
MedSpec ASO Ankle Stabiliser Brace
- Supportive ankle brace that safeguards the joint from sprains
- Prevents injury for athletes or those with weakened joints
- Lace enclosure provides support and allows easy application
- Bilateral design, suitable for either the left or the right foot
Aircast AirSport Ankle Brace
- Sports brace that cushions the ankle and prevents rollover
- For support when you're almost ready to begin exercising again
- Assists with rehabilitation for functional recovery
- Quick and easy to apply with no measurements required
I have a fully torn ADFL tear which requires surgery. This is an old injury and I've been exercising as normal for years with the ruptured ligament. Ongoing twists/falls/sprains occurring approx. 2-3 a year. In prep for a hiking holiday, I tried the Bauerfeind MalleoLoc Ankle Brace recently but found it way too restrictive for normal mobility. What can you recommend to offer support for my injury which will allow me to continue to move in a less restricted manner. I walk/hike only. I'm not a runner, nor to I take part in running sports (the injury makes me very nervous about running) but my job and hobby requires me to be mostly moving freely on uneven ground, not paths. Thanks in advance.
Hi Sue,
Thank you for leaving a comment with us. The MalleoLoc Ankle Support that you chose is designed to heavily restrict movement to prevent any lateral twisting motions, and so is therefore more suited for use immediately after the injury or after surgery. During the later stages of recovery, the best option to choose would be the Aircast A60, as it designed to prevent rollover in much the same way as the Malleoloc, but with far less restriction.
We hope this helps and that your ankle continues to make a full recovery.
Kind regards,
Rob at Health and Care