An ankle brace is a supportive device used to stabilize the ankle joint, typically following a sprain or to prevent injury in those with chronic instability. The duration of wear is not fixed; it depends on the injury’s severity, your individual healing rate, and the stage of recovery. A brace helps control swelling and prevents motions that could re-injure healing tissue, promoting protected movement. However, relying on a brace for too long can delay the restoration of natural strength and stability, which is why professional medical guidance is necessary.
Duration Based on Acute Injury Phase
The initial period following an ankle sprain is called the acute phase, and the required bracing time is directly linked to the injury’s grade. A mild (Grade I) ankle sprain involves only a slight stretching of the ligaments. In these cases, a brace might only be necessary for a few days up to one or two weeks for comfort and during uneven walking or sports.
For a moderate (Grade II) sprain, where there is a partial ligament tear, a semi-rigid or lace-up brace is often recommended for most waking hours during the first one to two weeks after the injury. This provides necessary support while permitting early, controlled movement.
A severe (Grade III) sprain involves a complete tear of the ligament and requires the most protection during the initial healing process. This injury may necessitate wearing a rigid stirrup brace or a short walking boot for 10 days to two weeks before transitioning to a functional brace. For Grade III injuries, bracing during activity may be needed for six weeks or longer to protect the joint while the ligaments are healing.
Wearing Schedules for Recovery and Activity
Once the initial pain and significant swelling have subsided, the wearing schedule shifts from continuous to intermittent or situational use. During the rehabilitation phase, a brace is primarily used for protection during activities that place greater stress on the healing joint, such as physical therapy, prolonged standing, or walking on uneven surfaces. This transition typically begins after the first one to three weeks post-injury, moving away from all-day wear toward use only when needed.
For those returning to sports, particularly those involving cutting, jumping, or rapid changes in direction, wearing a lace-up or semi-rigid brace is common for several weeks, or even months, after the initial healing period. This situational use acts as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of re-injury, which can remain elevated for up to a year following a sprain. Wearing an ankle brace while sleeping is generally unnecessary and not recommended. The focus during this phase is on pairing the brace with a comprehensive rehabilitation program that restores strength and balance.
Criteria for Discontinuing Use
Discontinuing the use of an ankle brace must be a gradual process based on objective measures of recovery. One of the first criteria is the absence of pain when bearing full weight on the ankle and during functional movements like walking or stair climbing. The next important milestone is the restoration of full, pain-free range of motion, particularly in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.
The most important factor is demonstrated improvement in ankle strength and balance, often measured through single-leg balance tests. The injured ankle should show a functional performance level that is at least 80% that of the uninjured ankle before the external support is completely removed for all activities. Removing the brace too soon, before strength and proprioception—the body’s sense of joint position—are fully restored, significantly increases the risk of a recurrent sprain. For individuals with chronic ankle instability, a physician may advise continued bracing for high-risk activities even after these criteria are met.