A figure 8 ankle brace is a soft support device designed to mimic the stabilizing effects of athletic taping on the ankle joint. This type of brace uses adjustable straps to create a figure-eight pattern around the ankle and foot, providing mechanical support and compression. Its primary function is to limit excessive motion, specifically the inversion and eversion movements that commonly cause sprains. This aids in injury recovery and proactive prevention while allowing for necessary movement within a safe range.
Getting Started: Brace Orientation and Setup
Before applying the straps, proper positioning of the foot and the brace sleeve is necessary for the figure 8 pattern to function correctly. Begin by sitting comfortably with the knee bent at approximately 90 degrees, ensuring the ankle is relaxed and the foot is held in a neutral, slightly flexed position. Pointing the foot downward will cause the brace to loosen when standing, defeating the support mechanism.
Pull the main body of the brace (the soft sleeve) up over the foot and ankle, typically positioning the heel within a designated cutout. Locate the straps, which are often anchored near the arch or the base of the Achilles tendon. Orient the brace so that any manufacturer logo or tag is facing forward or upward on the shin, confirming the correct anatomical placement. The sleeve must fit snugly around the foot without any significant folds or wrinkles before the straps are engaged.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying the Figure 8 Straps
Creating the First Loop
The figure 8 straps are designed to lock the heel bone (calcaneus) into place, controlling excessive side-to-side movement. Start with the strap that originates on the inside (medial) of the ankle, directing it across the top of the foot. The strap should then travel diagonally downward and cross underneath the arch of the foot toward the outside (lateral) edge.
Securing the Pattern
Bring the strap upward from the outside of the foot and diagonally across the front of the ankle, passing over the prominent ankle bones (malleoli). This movement creates the first loop of the “8” pattern and provides initial lateral stability. Secure the end of this strap using the hook-and-loop closure, often attaching it on the opposite side of the ankle near its starting point.
Applying the Second Strap and Tension
If the brace has a second strap, repeat the process in the opposite direction, starting from the outside of the ankle, crossing under the arch, and securing it on the inner ankle. This overlapping, crisscross pattern restricts the movement that causes ankle sprains. The straps should be pulled taut enough to feel resistance against inversion and eversion, but not so tight that they cause discomfort or restrict blood flow. The final position should show a clear “8” shape centered over the ankle joint and the top of the foot.
Ensuring Proper Fit and Comfort
Once the figure 8 straps are secured, checking the fit is necessary to ensure the brace provides support without causing harm. Assess the tension, which should offer firm support without creating painful pressure points or excessive tightness. The goal is to limit motion while maintaining normal circulation.
To check circulation, briefly press on a toenail and observe how quickly the color returns; a delay or a cold feeling in the toes indicates the brace is too tight and requires immediate loosening. Inspect the skin for any bunching or wrinkling of the material, particularly around the Achilles tendon and the malleoli, as these areas can lead to chafing or blistering during activity. The brace should permit a safe range of forward and backward ankle movement (dorsiflexion and plantarflexion) but should resist the ankle rolling inward or outward. If the fit is too loose, micro-adjust the straps by pulling them tighter to enhance the stabilizing effect and re-securing the closures.