Human Dog Sports Question

[Silvawilow]

Wasn't sure whether to put this in OT or here but seeing as how it's realted to dog sports I thought in here!

Just wondering what ankle braces/support people recommend. I competed in my first agility trial since May and found my ankle was rather unstable and is now a bit swollen.

I have had ankle issues in the past and have always tape it but found it wasn't enough. I do have a brace that laces up at the front but find it a bit difficult to run in.

If anyone has any other braces or tape methods I would love to know!

[kelpiechick]

Hi Silvawillow - it was good to see you back trialling on the weekend.

I sympathise with the ankle thing - I have one totally crap one after tearing ligaments 3 times. Will need a reconstruction one day but putting that off as long as I can.

Have tried a couple of different supports but honestly don't find any of them comfortable to run in. Usually I get out of the ring and can't wait to rip it off. There are some very thin neoprene looking ones - blue? I have seen around that may be more comfortable but haven't tried them. Have actually gone back to bandaging it instead when I need to as this is more comfortable for me.

Another agility competitor who has first aid qualification showed me best way to do it and that seems to work for me.

I also try to do exercises a few times a week - different stretches, rotating ankle, etc. and that also seems to help. For me I would prefer to strengthen the ankle as much as I can rather than strap all the time, as I also believe that you can come to rely on supports sometimes.

Sorry I can't help any more than that.

[poodlefan]

I broke my ankle earlier this year and ran the later half of it wearing a support

The best support I have found is a German brand one - Futuro. The trick is not to wear it for too long I find or to do it up too tightly.

A friend of mine with a dodgy ankle tried out my Futuro one and ordered one on the strength of it.. she is also very happy with hers.

Edited December 8, 2008 by poodlefan

[Nicole...]

If you search OT for ankle braces you'll see a long rambling response from me just a week or so ago that I don't have the time to retype. Hope it helps you though!!!!!!

[bordacollies4me]

i have had two bad ankle injuries.. outside of agility... best strapping i found was horse strapping, can be purchased from most produces or vets... is sort of sticky as well... i have tried braces, but too uncomfortable, the strapping straps firmly to ankle and is not bulky.. comesa in a great range of colours as well...

[J...]

BC4ME - Vetwrap

I always have a roll or two in my first aid kit, brilliant stuff.

If you google ankle braces you should come up with a good site here in Australia that has a huge range of different braces. I found it when looking for a wrist brace a while ago. They let you try them on for fit and feel, if they don't feel right you can send it back for a full refund (sans postage of course).

If you can't find it let me know and I'll track the website down.

[Silvawilow]

Thanks for all the suggestions

I have about 3 rolls of Vetwrap in my doggy first aid kit atm - from when some yellow bitch thought she'd take on the alpha black bitch and was rewarded for her effort with a new piercing in her leg - so I'll give that a try over Christmas!!!

I'll track down that website tomorrow Jess

My ankle needs another reco but don't think I'll have it done as the first one didn't work and that was even after I do a zillion exercises. I figure I'll just wait for the whole thing to cack itself and get a brand new one, that should last for at least 10 years, LOL!