Lateral ankle sprains are the most common ankle injury in football, affecting both professional and recreational players.They occur when the ligaments that connect the bones in the ankle joint overstretch or tear due to a sudden twisting motion. Constant cutting, changing direction, and potential falls make ankle sprains difficult to avoid without proper ankle support. Differences in firm ground vs. soft turf surfaces are also some of football injuries worst contributors. Sprains can range in severity, and depending on the grade, recovery times can vary from a few weeks to several months.

Football ankle injuries can vary greatly in healing time depending on the severity of the sprain (grades 1, 2, or 3) and other factors. Generally, minor sprains heal within a few weeks, while severe sprains or ligament tears could take months to fully recover.

In a clinical trial, athletes who wore The BetterGuard were able to recover and return to sport faster compared to those who relied on conventional recovery methods.*

Treating a football ankle injury includes minimizing activity, applying ice packs, using a compression bandage or ankle brace, and keeping your ankle elevated, which can help reduce swelling and promote healing. For more severe sprains or ligament tears, a doctor might recommend additional treatments like physical therapy or a walking boot. Regardless of the severity, consulting a healthcare professional or athletic trainer is always recommended for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Non-contact knee injuries and ankle injuries, like ACL tears, ligament tears in the knee, and severe ankle sprains, are some of the worst injuries in the NFL. These can sideline players for a long time and even threaten careers. Fractures and head injuries are also serious concerns.

While ankle tape can provide some support and proprioception (body awareness), evidence shows it rapidly loses its effectiveness when you exercise. According to the latest sports science, it loses its protective effect within 5 to 10 minutes of active practice or gameplay. The tape's effectiveness also depends heavily on the taping technique used.

The BetterGuard offers several advantages over tape:

• Adaptive: The BetterGuard's design can be adapted during gameplay or training.
• Long-lasting: The BetterGuard can be worn for up to 8 hours, giving you long-lasting ankle protection.
• Ease of use: The BetterGuard is easy to put on and adjust without taping expertise.
• Dynamic support: The BetterGuard adapts to your movements, providing support when needed.

The BetterGuard is designed for seamless integration with various mid- and low-top football cleats. The best cleats for you depend on your playing style, position, and preferred field conditions. However, we recommend looking for cleats that offer a comfortable fit and good overall support in the midfoot and arch area.

Ankle support in football cleats is a complex issue. While high-ankle football cleats offer a feeling of security, research on their effectiveness in preventing ankle sprains is inconclusive. For this reason, the most important factor when purchasing football cleats is the overall fit. Consider wearing an ankle brace that fits seamlessly in your cleats, like The BetterGuard, when additional ankle support is needed.