Should I Strap or Brace My Ankle After a Sprain?
- Murray Leyland
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
You roll your ankle mid-game, hobble off, ice it, and then comes the big question —
“Should I strap it or brace it?”
It’s one of the most common things I get asked in the clinic. And honestly? Both can be winners — if used the right way.
Why it matters?
Because here’s the thing — the number one cause of an ankle sprain… is a previous ankle sprain.
Once you’ve done it once, your ligaments and balance systems take a hit, and you’re more likely to go over again.
So, anything that gives you that extra bit of support — whether it’s tape or a brace — can make a huge difference in keeping you on the field and off the sidelines.
Strapping: Slimline, Sport-Specific Support
Strapping is a bit like a tailor-made suit — snug, supportive, and made to fit just right.
When applied properly, it gives a firm and low-profile hold around the ankle, ideal for sports like AFL, soccer, or any kicking sport where you need that slim fit inside your boot.
The downside? It doesn’t last forever. Once the game’s done, the tape loses its tension, and you’ll need to re-strap each session.
Plus, if you’re allergic to adhesives, it can irritate the skin — in which case, bracing wins hands-down.
Bracing: Reliable, Re-Usable, Ready to Go
Ankle braces are the easy, reusable option. They’re quick to put on, adjustable, and provide solid support for jumping, landing, or cutting sports like netball and basketball.
Modern braces are lightweight and comfortable, and you don’t need to be a strapping expert to use them.
And no — they don’t “weaken” your ankle. That’s an old myth. In fact, combining bracing or taping with a proper rehab and strengthening program is the gold standard to prevent re-injury.
So... Which one should you choose?
Here’s my take:
If you’ve got a tape allergy: go brace.
If you play a kicking sport or need a slimmer fit: strapping feels better.
If you’re short on time or help on game day: brace it.
If you love that “locked-in” feel: strapping’s hard to beat.
At the end of the day, both do the same job — reducing your risk of another sprain. The best option is the one you’ll actually use consistently.
Our Go-to Options
In clinic, we stock a few trusted brace brands that have stood the test of time — not a single call yet from someone saying, “Hey, I rolled my ankle in that brace.” That’s a win in my book.
If you’re not sure which way to go, book in with us. We can help you decide what’s best for your sport, your ankle, and your goals.
And if you’d rather strap it yourself — we’ve got a quick “how-to” strapping video saved on Instagram.
Or ask us to show you in your next session — happy to walk you through it.
Bottomline
Whether you strap or brace, the key is support and consistency. Don’t sit on the sidelines because of a preventable sprain. Give your ankle the backup it deserves and keep moving forward — one strong step at a time.
Ready to get started?
If you’ve rolled your ankle before (or more than once) and you’re not sure whether strapping or bracing is the right move, we’d love to help.
Book an Ankle Injury or Sports Physio Assessment with one of our Sports Physios.
We’ll assess your ankle stability, strength, balance, and sport demands — then help you choose the right support (strap or brace) and build a plan to reduce your risk of rolling it again.
Call us or book online today. Let’s get you stronger, safely.
Your Personal Best, Our Priority.
Murray Leyland
Director, Thornton Physiotherapy
🎥 Didn’t catch the video earlier? Watch the video here.
REFERENCES
1. Mickel, T.J., et al. (2021). Ankle bracing and taping in the prevention of recurrent ankle sprain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ScienceDirect – Journal of Sport and Health Science. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2059775421001760
2. Doherty, C., et al. (2018). Ankle taping and bracing in sports: Prevention of ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability. PubMed – British Journal of Sports Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30298478/
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