Types of ankle braces

Ankle braces (ankle foot braces/AFO) are mainly classified into seven types based on support strength, structure and function: soft, semi-hard, hard, inflatable, hinged, night splint and orthopedic. Their applications cover all scenarios including prevention, acute fixation, rehabilitation and orthopedic correction.

1. Soft ankle brace: Light support and daily protection

Soft ankle braces are usually made of elastic fabrics such as nylon and spandex, and may have silicone or foam padding inside.

2. Semi-rigid ankle brace/semi-rigid ankle brace: Moderate fixation and stability

The semi-rigid ankle brace combines fabric and hard support strips (such as plastic strips or metal strips), which can provide support while restricting abnormal joint movement.

3. Rigid/Hard ankle braces: Strong fixation and correction

Hard ankle braces are usually made of hard plastic or metal plates, providing the strongest fixation and correction capabilities.

4. Inflatable ankle braces (Aircast type) : Adjustable for support and swelling reduction and rehabilitation

The core feature of inflatable ankle braces is that they provide adjustable support through airbags. It is usually composed of a hard shell and an internal airbag, and is inflated and deflated by a manual air pump.

5. Hinge-type (movable ankle) braces: Precise control and functional training

The core of the hinged (movable ankle) brace is the installation of a mechanical hinge at the ankle joint position, which can precisely control the movement of the ankle like an "intelligent switch". It is no longer simply about fixation or support, but can set the movement rules of the joints according to different stages of rehabilitation.

6. Nighttime splints (for foot drop)

Night splints are specialized corrective tools for foot problems such as foot drop. They are worn at night to keep the feet in the correct position and assist in rehabilitation.

7. Orthopedic ankle-foot Brace (AFO）

The orthopedic ankle-foot brace wraps around the ankle and foot, extending upwards to the lower leg. It is mainly used to control the movement of the ankle-foot joint, correct deformities and assist in walking.