Ankle braces are supportive garments worn around the ankle to provide stability, limit excessive movement, and aid in the prevention or recovery of injuries such as sprains. They serve as an external framework to protect the delicate structures of the joint during activity or while healing. A common practical question for anyone using this supportive device is whether a sock should be worn underneath it. This decision has significant implications for both comfort and hygiene.
The Direct Answer: Why Socks are Essential
The definitive answer is that a sock should almost always be worn beneath an ankle brace to create a protective interface between the skin and the brace material. This layer manages the physical realities of wearing orthopedic support for an extended time. The primary benefit is the reduction of skin irritation caused by friction. A sock acts as a smooth barrier that prevents the rigid or tight seams of the brace from rubbing directly against the skin during movement. This prevents painful chafing and blister formation.
A second important function is the management of moisture and hygiene. The foot naturally sweats, and the confined environment created by a brace, especially those made of neoprene or plastic, traps this moisture. Since the brace is often difficult to wash frequently, the sock absorbs perspiration. This prevents the buildup of bacteria, odors, and potential skin infections. By absorbing sweat, the sock helps keep the skin dry, which is important for maintaining skin integrity.
The sock also plays an important role in pressure distribution. Ankle braces feature straps, hinges, or molded contours that can create high-pressure points against the foot and ankle when fastened snugly. A sock provides a thin layer of padding that helps to evenly distribute this pressure. This prevents localized discomfort or pinching from the brace’s tighter components or rigid sections. This layer makes a difference in comfort for individuals who must wear the brace for many hours a day.
Choosing the Right Sock Material and Thickness
Selecting the appropriate sock focuses on what kind is best. The ideal material is a moisture-wicking synthetic fabric, such as polyester, nylon, or blends containing specialized fibers. These materials actively pull moisture away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate more easily in the enclosed space of the brace and shoe. Traditional cotton, while soft, absorbs and holds moisture against the skin. This defeats the purpose of sweat management and increases the risk of friction issues.
When considering thickness, a thin, seamless sock is recommended to avoid compromising the brace’s fit or function. While the sock must offer a protective barrier, excessive bulk can interfere with the shoe fit or cause new pressure points. Seamless socks are preferable because internal seams can become sources of concentrated pressure and rubbing under a tight brace. Before the brace is applied, the sock must be pulled completely taut and smooth over the foot and ankle. This ensures no wrinkles are present, as creases lead to painful rubbing.
Adjusting Based on Brace Type
Rigid and Hinged Braces
The structure of the ankle brace dictates how the sock choice is implemented. For rigid or hinged stirrup braces, which feature hard plastic shells or metal components, the sock’s barrier function is highly important. These braces have limited padding, so the sock must extend above the top edge of the rigid shell to ensure full skin coverage. A calf-high sock is often needed to properly interface with the height of these supportive devices and prevent hard edges from digging into the lower calf.
Lace-Up and Soft Braces
Lace-up ankle braces, which resemble a high-top shoe, require a sock robust enough to withstand the friction generated by the lacing mechanism and its accompanying straps. The sock should be thin enough to allow the brace to be laced tightly for maximum stability without feeling overly bulky inside the shoe. For soft braces or compression sleeves, a thin sock is still beneficial for long-term hygiene and to simplify removal. Even a soft sleeve can trap sweat and become difficult to clean, making the underlying sock a convenient layer to absorb moisture.