Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Reddit Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin Share on Tumblr Ankle sprains are some of the most frequent injuries. At the same time, they are some of the most preventable. In theworld of basketball, players find it normal to get injured from time to time. However, everyone would prevent a sprained ankle if they could.There are many ways of spraining your ankle. It can happen when running, jumping or dunking or even when walking. When you are a professional basketball player you are aware of the fact that you could get your ankle injured at any time, which is why you should take measures from the early stages of your career.The athletic community has been debating over this matter since forever. Since the ankle is the most important part of the leg and has a supporting role, no one ever wanted to take risks. Even so, basketball players deal with injured ankles countless times.Is an ankle brace the best option for basketball players?Preventing ankle injuries is easy if you use take advantage of the doctor’s recommendations. The ankle brace is one of the prescribed solutions and one of the most popular accessories in the basketball field.As a basketball player, you know that you will train hard and there is a high chance that you will fall or stop running suddenly. Wearing an ankle brace can provide you the support you need.Lace-up braces, also known as semi-rigid braces are the best options you have when you are looking to prevent ankle spraining. Also, they are a good choice when you are trying to recover from an injury.Ankle braces can help you treat and prevent affections like:Achilles TendonitisAnkle SprainsChronic Ankle InstabilityAnkle Stress FracturesPlantar FasciitisWhat is the best ankle brace for basketball?The market offers a wide variety of ankle braces that are suitable for basketball players. There are plenty of models that come with certain advantages. Depending on the gravity of the situation and the budget you have at your disposal, you should choose the best ankle brace out there.Brands like Zamst and ASO are well-known for providing players with the best ankle supports.One of the best products from Zamst is the A2-DX. It is considered to be an expensive product that can be bought at slightly over $50 online or offline. It comes in various sizes; it is comfortable and can be bought for one ankle only or for both ankles.This model has four straps: two at the back, one at the heel and one at the ankle bone. Other two straps cross over the bridge of the foot. Also, it features a plastic support that protects the bones.The Zamst A2-DX has become extremely popular among professional basketball players thanks to its increased comfort and reliability.ASO also brings an amazing product to the market. The ASO Brace is less expensive than Zamst’s brace. Actually, buyers can get an ankle brace for professional use for half the price.It has a simple design, it is very easy to put on and it comes with nylon stabilizing straps. It is thin enough to fit in any shoe and can be worn in any of the feet, unlike the A2-DX.It comes in 8 sizes and has an elastic cuff closure that makes it easy to secure. It helps stabilize the ankle and reduces the risk of injury and sprain. Most physical therapists recommend this brace, as it has been on the market for a long time and has proven to be effective in most cases. These two products are the best options that the market has to offer for ankle support, but there are plenty of other options for all needs and budgets.How much should you invest in ankle braces?They say that health is priceless and so it is. Paying a small amount of money seems like the ideal situation in all cases. But an ankle support accessory that will be uncomfortable or doesn’t provide you proper support can only make things worse.It is recommended to invest a bit more and get an ankle brace that is completely reliable.You will be able to find such braces between $20 and $80. Pick one that is within your budget, but always remember that is your health that has priority.Other ankle braces that you should consider buyingAFTR Ankle Brace by BioSkin – this is another great option for ankle support. It is designed to keep the swelling under control, which means that it is highly recommended for injured ankles.McDavid 195 Deluxe Ankle Brace – is an affordable solution for ankle support. It is great for professional athletes and has adjustable straps.Shock Doctor Ultra Gel Lace Ankle Support – a great accessory that can be bought for as little as $19. It has gel support and compression wraps. It is made of nylon, polyester, PU and latex.If you have ever worn an ankle brace you know that sometimes they can feel a little tight and if you fasten them too much, your foot loses mobility.Avoid playing while wearing rigid bracesMake sure that the brace is flexible enough to let you run, turn and do all the movements you need to doMake sure it acts as a stabilizer and it doesn’t limit your activityChoose lace-up designsDon’t hesitate to wear an ankle brace during all your trainings if you have severe hypermobilityYou don’t have to wear it all the time Ankle braces are really helpful, but they don’t have the same effect on everybody. It depends on the type of brace, its quality; on how tight it is and on what it is that you suffer from.It is therefore recommended to ask your doctor’s advice before buying an ankle brace for your or your children, as their opinion might change the way you see things. Also, they can recommend the best products on the market.Stay healthy and injury free!