Product Spotlight: Donjoy Velocity Ankle Brace

DonJoy's Velocity Ankle Brace, available in three different support levels, is the most useful brace for men and women at risk for injury-prone ankles. These braces are also ideal for those who have already experienced an ankle injury and are on the mend, and especially for those involved in athletics or high-impact activities who want to be proactive in preventing potential injuries.

These Velocity Ankle Braces are so popular because they're not only functional but also very comfortable to wear. They feature a plastic shell that's both lightweight and heat moldable, giving each user a semi-customizable fit. The semi-rigid plastic that makes up the foot plate and lateral uprights provides protection against impact, such as being kicked during sports like soccer, football or rugby.

DonJoy offers three styles of the Velocity Ankle Brace:

Light Support (LS) is the standard configuration capable of providing the foundation required for prevention of ankle injury and treatment for those recovering from previous injuries. This is a bilaterally hinged brace with correct anatomical design that allows for unrestricted foot movement while guarding against unnatural ankle rotation that's the cause of most ankle sprains. Compression of the ankle to prevent swelling is provided by special R3 (Rapid, Rigid, Ratcheting) Technology™ incorporated into the calf cuff. Lightweight and low profile, this brace is designed to comfortably fit into the user's shoe. It can also be trimmed to accommodate the use of orthotics, if necessary.

The Medium Support (MS) Velocity Ankle Brace starts with the basic LS Brace and adds a soft, speed wrap that creates additional compression to the medial and lateral malleolus bones, which are the bony protrusions coming out of the sides of each ankle. This helps control inflammation and provides more support for those needing it, especially those recovering from past ankle injury.

The Extra Support (ES) Velocity Ankle Brace takes the MS model and adds one additional speed wrap with laces for compression around the foot. The ES is the most popular choice of Velocity braces and is ideal for those suffering from chronic ankle problems, those rehabilitating from a past injury, and for athletes engaging in any type of sports activity where cutting or pivoting maneuvers are common.

Sizing Specifications

DonJoy Velocity Braces are appropriate for use by either men or women and come in black or white. They're available in three sizes (S-M-L), in two calf sizes (standard and wide), and can be ordered for either the left or right foot.

• Small – men's shoe size 8 & under, women's 9-1/2 and under
• Medium – men's 8-12, women's 9.5-13.5
• Large – men's 12 & up, women's 13.5 & up

Choosing an Athletic Ankle Brace for Support and Rehabilitation

A quality ankle brace can aid in rehabilitation and prevent injury, while also providing structural support to the muscles and ligaments. With all of the athletic ankle brace varieties now available on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right brace for your specific injury or condition. To aid in this process, MMAR Medical has created a quick overview of the different ankle braces and their uses.

Soft Ankle Wrap

A soft ankle support provides light compression and support for sprains, dislocations, drop foot and other similar ankle injuries. A quality soft ankle wrap should be constructed from breathable, hypo allergenic material that can be laundered. It should also be easy to adjust and fit comfortably in a lace-up shoe. These wraps are great for athletic use. There are a wide variety of soft ankle support designs to choose from. Velcro, zipper and lace-up ankle braces are all popular choices.

Hinged Ankle Brace

A hinged ankle brace offers more stability than soft ankle wraps. These braces tend to be more rigid and feature a hinge that permits controlled movement while also preventing extreme movements that could re-injure the affected areas. Look for a hinged ankle brace that fits comfortably and fits easily into a lace-up shoe.

A hinged ankle brace is a good choice for grade I, II, III and “high” ankle sprains and is also a great transitional brace for someone who is getting out of a cast or cam walker boot. This is often the ankle brace of choice for athletes who struggle with chronic ankle instability. These braces can also provide relief and support to those suffering from drop foot or osteoarthritis symptoms.

Stirrup Ankle Brace

A stirrup ankle brace is comprised of inflated air cells that are specially arranged to provide support and compression to the ankle. These braces are especially effective at reducing edema (swelling of the tissue), which in turn encourages healing. Some stirrup ankle braces require you to inflate them, but pre-inflated models are becoming more popular. These ankle braces are best for severe ankle injuries and sprains. They can be worn during moderate physical activities but are not appropriate for sports or running.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of medical products and orthopedic braces. To learn more about MMAR Medical’s wide selection of support braces, including every variety of knee brace available, visit MMARMedical.com.