Ankle and foot orthosis on sports injuries prevention

Abstract

Although ankle and foot orthosis have a protector effect against sports injuries, little is known the mechanism that promotes that. The present study aimed to search works that could justify such effect both in acute and overuse injuries, considering predisposing risk factors. The orthotic devices reduce injury incidence, recurrence and level, mainly during activities that lead ankle to excessive inversion. Both ankle supports and functional taping promote ROM and surround tissue overload reduction without inhibiting muscle function, however, adverse effects on performance must be better investigated. In order to reduce ankle sprains during many sport activities, ankle supports utilization seems to be a good preventive measure to athletes that are often exposed to jump, lateral displacement and running.