Best Ankle Supports for Arthritis 2024
Manifesting itself through pain, swelling or stiffness, arthritis of the ankles is a condition that can often linger, and can make what was once a leisurely stroll into a painful ordeal. Whether your ankles suffer from osteoarthritis (a degenerative disease that gets worse over time) or rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic form that can affect just about anyone), all forms of arthritis are unpleasant, but can usually be helped with the right compression brace to help stave off painful symptoms.
What Will This Guide Cover?
This guide showcases the Best Ankle Braces for Arthritis, as chosen by the medical experts and orthotic manufacturers that work with our suppliers. If you're looking for a particular type of brace, use the links below to skip straight to what you need.
Our Best Ankle Braces for Arthritis
- Best Overall Ankle Brace for Arthritis
- Best Ankle Brace for Mild Arthritis
- Best Arthritis Ankle Support for Sports
- Best Ankle Support for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Best Ankle Support for Chronic Arthritis
Helpful Information
Best Overall Ankle Brace for Arthritis
Ultimate Performance Compression Elastic Ankle Support
How It Works...
✔ Latex and neoprene combine to provide warming compression
✔ Seamless circular knit offer a precise and comfortable fit
✔ Four-way stretch material mimics tendons to reinforce the ankle
Ideal For...
✔ Everyday use
✔ Walking, running, playing sports
Not the Best For...
✘ Massaging pain relief (see our solution...)
Why We Picked It: Providing a healthy does of compression all around the ankle, the Ultimate Performance Ankle Support is a favourite among people with arthritis. The compression helps to improve blood circulation around the affected area, which in turn accelerates pain relief and swelling reduction. It also helps that the light, low-profile design fits like a comfortable sock.
Customer Feedback: "Made a real difference to my husbands arthritic ankle pain when he plays golf. Comfortable to wear." - Mandy★★★★★
Best Ankle Brace for Mild Arthritis
Actimove Arthritis Care Compression Ankle Support
How It Works...
✔ Ceramic fibres deliver warm, therapeutic compression
✔ Latex-free with edge trimming to ensure maximum comfort
✔ Reinforced edges make for a durable brace that lasts for longer
Ideal For...
✔ Everyday use
✔ Winter flare-ups
Not the Best For...
✘ Active use (see our solution...)
Why We Picked It: If you're experiencing mild or infrequent pain in your ankles, it's likely that all you need is a little bit of extra compression and support. The Actimove Arthritis Care Support is an ideal choice for recovery from mild arthritis, with easy application and enough compression to bring down swelling and pain in less advanced cases.
Customer Feedback: "Relieved the pain in my foot and ankle and enabled me to get around." - Mary ★★★★★
Best Arthritis Ankle Support for Sports
Vulkan AE Advanced Elastic Ankle Support
How It Works...
✔ Four-way stretch combines support and compression to stimulate blood flow
✔ Compresses the area to relieve pain and reduce swelling
✔ Antibacterial properties and breathable fibres ensure lasting comfort
Ideal For...
✔ Active lifestyles
✔ Preventing future injury
Not the Best For...
✘ Widespread arthritis (see our solution...)
Why We Picked It: Low profile, breathable and comfortable, the Vulkan AE Ankle Support is an ideal option for the athlete looking for compression to relieve pain without any reduction in motion. The support is breathable while allowing the tendons to retain heat, ensuring your ankles won't be caught out by a sudden movement that can cause injury.
Customer Feedback: "Fits perfectly and gives brilliant support particularly when running." - Pamela ★★★★★
Best Ankle Support for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Bauerfeind MalleoTrain Ankle Support
How It Works...
✔ Delivers medical-grade compression to relieve pain fast
✔ Creates a massaging walk on each step for extra pain relief
✔ Train Active knit is breathable and gentle on the skin
Ideal For...
✔ Massaging pain relief
✔ Severe arthritis pain
Not the Best For...
✘ Mild arthritis (see our solution...)
Why We Picked It: While most ankle supports only provide compression or support, the Bauerfeind MalleoTrain actually massages your arthritic ankle as you move for enhanced relief and recovery. With reduced pressure at all edges, total breathability and a massaging effect to bring down pain and swelling, this is by far the most effective brace for tackling rheumatic pain.
Customer Feedback: "I have seronegative arthritis and a recent flare in my right ankle. After significant research including peer led medical review, I took the plunge and bought the Bauerfeind malleotrain ankle support as it was highly rated in medical trials. Within a day of wearing it the swelling had gone and is being held at bay still. I see my consultant next week so will discuss with her how we proceed moving forward, in the meantime my ankle is back to it’s normal status." - Laura ★★★★★
Best Ankle Brace for Chronic Arthritis
Thuasne Malleoaction Ankle Brace
How It Works...
✔ Provides high-level compression of around 22.5mmHg
✔ Anatomically shaped to provide precise stabilisation
✔ Comfort zones around the malleoli for extra protection
Ideal For...
✔ Arthritis hands
✔ Easy application
Not the Best For...
✘ Lasting comfort (see our solution...)
Why We Picked It: While most of these ankle sleeves focus solely on the ankle, the Thuasne Malleoaction Ankle Brace is designed for those with widespread arthritis, with tabs to make application easier for pained, arthritic hands. A great low-cost option for those with osteoarthritis, this ankle support fits seamlessly into the lives of those with chronic arthritis.
Customer Feedback: "I suffer rheumatoid arthritis, plus osteoarthritis in my legs and I have started having flare ups in my feet and ankles, I was very sceptical about this product but I can honestly say when I put it on I felt instant relief." - Tracey ★★★★★
How Can An Ankle Brace Help My Arthritis?
While an ankle support or ankle sleeve won't get rid of your arthritis for good, they can be a quick fix to control your symptoms before taking a walk, going for a run or participating in sports. Here's what an ankle brace can do for your arthritis:
- Relieve Pain – The most common complaint about arthritis of the ankle is the pain, and for good reason. An ankle support can provide you with proprioceptive control and pain relief to help you move with comfort.
- Encourage Healing – When recovering from a bout of arthritis, encouraging blood flow is key. The compression provided by an arthritis ankle support can increase circulation to the area, giving your ankle the push it needs to heal.
- Reduce Stiffness – Arthritis can constrict your ankle, reducing your range of motion and limiting movement. By stimulating blood flow with compression, an ankle brace can help free the joint to encourage more natural movement.
Take Control of Your Movement
Take control of your arthritic pain and stiffness with a compressive ankle sleeve, and start moving again! While these supports aren't an all-in-one solution, they are perhaps the best quick fix to help you control control arthritis pain.
If you'd like to browse the vast range of ankle braces, sleeves and supports that we've chosen these products from, feel free to browse our entire Ankle Supports & Braces category.
Has an ankle support helped you take control of your arthritis? Let us know in the comments below, or find us on Twitter and Facebook!
Tags: Ankle Pain, Ankle Supports, Arthritis, Foot and Ankle Pain, Learn About Conditions