Sports Supports

[Richie]

The supports that are sold over the counter, how good are they? For a person with ankle problems, (not me) would they be comfortable to wear-or would they rub when you run?

[rpflash100]

Sorry, but are you talking about Athletic Supporters or shoe supports?

[purple]

I'm not sure what you're talking about either, but I know it can be very dangerous to use supports to try and overcome genetic weakness or other problems in the ankles. It may seem like a great idea but working to strengthen the ankle is probably a better idea, if not possible it may be much safer to find something to do which won't require such support.

[Richie]

Alright I mean for support after injury, temporary use. The sort of thing that just gives a little support to a joint that you are afraid of over stressing.

[Borderline]

I've used them when I had a bad knee-well technically not because it was prescription not over the counter. My knee tends to pop out sideways, and I have a brace for that. Lots of training made it strong enough to not use it.

[purple]

In that case it probably depends on the exact support. I've used different ones over the years for my ankles while I worked on strengthening them. My favorite is rather thin and OTC, its like a super supportive sock without the toes.

[rpflash100]

Talk to a Trainer, anyone will do doesn't have to be at your school/club. This isn't something that you want to guess at. Go professional. Any real Doc or student would advise that without asking for money, I'd imagine. Hell, someone in your local running store, might be able to help. A running store though, not Foot Locker.

[Richie]

Good advise. They don't have health insurance (which I think is nuts personally when you compete in T&F) so they won't see a doc. The coach is close to giving an ultimatum I think, because they aren't listening to coach either.

[rpflash100]

But in most T&F clubs teams, the trainer is as good as a Doc at what ailes you. Plus he knows the runner's body.

This goes for everyone, when you speak to your doctors, tell them you're an athlete. Depending on the problem, explain to them your training. Some doctors just don't realize that an Athlete's body is a little different than the average person. We're affected differently by aches and pains.

[Richie]

A doc can't fix a broken bone, or torn ligament, and that's what worries me. I agree that docs need to know that you are training-it was an issue with my recent surgery and things were handled a little differently because of it.