Ankle support advice

Heatherb

Hi, I've been recently diagnosed with arthritis in my ankle. Advanced for my age at 47. The doctor has recommended ankle supports so before I rush off to B***s or A****n thought I'd ask if anyone has any recommendations.
Many thanks
Heath

Edited company names

Moderator JK

As5567

Was it a GP who recommended this? If so he/she should ideally be sending you to someone who specialises in this type of thing so you get the correct type of product.

I'm no expert on these type of products but I remember many years ago when I personally purchased a knee support from a high street store my physio told my it was more or less useless and I was then prescribed the correct type of product I needed.

Heatherb

It was my GP yes. I went to see him to get the results of an ultrasound which I had on my ankle. The ultrasound was to give me a steroid injection and this was the first time arthritis was mentioned. The ultrasound was originally requested by a podiatrist, who had originally said my ankle pain would be fixed by wearing arch supports for flat feet and when it didn't help and the lump in my ankle got bigger, sent me for an ultrasound and steroid injection - which didn't really help for very long.

So I figured I would also get in touch with the podiatrist to see whether they still want me to wear the arch supports, they do make my feet feel more comfortable, but I don't want to be wearing them if that is pushing my foot into the wrong position.

As5567

Sounds like a good plan, it's always best to check rather than assume. It may be a case of still wearing those supports or you may need a totally different type of product which is specific to Arthritis.

I hope you find something soon that helps with the pain

dreamdaisy

I have custom-made insoles to support my flat feet, they also help to turn my knees outwards (they tend to turn in thanks to the PsA and OA in them). I also have OA in my ankles but have not worn supports and won't, I am currently having physio for Achilles Tendonitis and am working on stretching the tendon and strengthening my leg muscles.

When I used knee supports I bought the neoprene ones from my local chemist, they were fine if somewhat hot. I never used them for long periods of time and haven't worn them for years, preferring to do exercises to help keep my muscles strong. I wish you well. DD

GraceB

I've had neoprene support for my ankle plus the good old tubigrip. However, I can't use anything at the moment due to swelling.

I'd get back to the GP or the podiatrist and chase that way if it were me. If you do buy something yourself, make sure it's the right size for you.

Please let us know how you get on.

GraceB

Heatherb

Thanks all, I think I do need to get further advice, I don't want to find out 6 months down the line that I have been doing the wrong thing and making it worse.

TrishaW

Hi there,

I've also been advised I'll need ankle surgery at some point, and have tried shoe inserts and various ankle supports. For me the best relief has been from applying Rock Tape strapping to the foot, ankle and up my leg (in a stirup pattern) My physio experimented with different strapping techniques until we found the one that helped most. I now buy Rock Tape myself and apply it myself approx every 5 days (you can get it wet). worth a try?

Good luck,

Trisha

Sonia50

I too have osteoarthritis in my ankle and I have a 'Geo' ankle support from Boots. I find it really helps because its fully adjustable so fits to you. I find that I can still get my shoes over it as well. I did try other ankle supports but this one was the easiest for me ...
Think it was the most expensive at 18.00, but I couldn't manage without it now.
Hope you get on okay x