So, you’re getting ready for ski season, and you’re wondering if wearing ankle supports is really necessary. I’ve been skiing for years, and initially, I thought ankle supports were just an extra expense, but let me share what changed my mind. A friend of mine, an avid skier who has been hitting the slopes for over 20 years, experienced a bad fall a couple of winters ago. He didn’t wear any ankle support back then and ended up with a sprained ankle that took him out of commission for six whole weeks. That was a wake-up call for me.

First, let’s talk numbers. Did you know that about 9% of all ski-related injuries involve the ankle? This might not sound like a lot, but when you consider the thousands of skiers out there, it starts to add up. Preventing these injuries not only keeps you on the slopes but also saves on medical costs — a sprain could set you back a few hundred dollars in doctor visits and therapy sessions.

If we dive deeper into industry insights, you’ll find that ski boots are designed to offer some level of ankle support, but they often don’t provide enough for those with previous injuries or weak ankles. The boots mainly focus on lateral (side-to-side) support while some additional braces offer more comprehensive protection, covering anterior (front-to-back) stability as well. This means that, despite wearing high-quality boots, the added benefit of specialized support makes a noticeable difference.

How do they really help, though? Well, ski terrains are unpredictable. You might be skiing smoothly one second and hit a chunk of ice the next. Ankle supports work by distributing the stress across a wider area and thus absorbing much of the impact that would otherwise concentrate on your joints. When my friend had his accident, he explained that he felt a sharp twisting motion, something ankle supports could have minimized substantially by restricting excessive ankle rotation.

It’s not just anecdotal evidence, either. According to a study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, wearing ankle supports can reduce injury risk by up to 45%. Now, wouldn’t you take a 45% decrease in something that could derail your entire winter season? I know I would. Plus, the cost of a good pair of ankle braces is relatively low, especially when you consider that a high-end set goes for around $40 to $60. Compare that to medical costs and the inconvenience of disrupted plans, and the investment becomes a no-brainer.

Current trends in skiing also show that more professionals are starting to adopt ankle supports proactively. Look at Lindsey Vonn; she has been vocal about the importance of using every possible means to protect oneself. She may primarily talk about knee braces, but the concept applies equally to ankle supports. This point alone suggests a shift towards more comprehensive protective gear in the sport.

Some might argue that wearing ankle supports might be uncomfortable or cumbersome. However, modern advances in materials and design have made them much more comfortable than older models. You can get neoprene options that fit seamlessly under your ski boots without causing discomfort or restricting movement. With options to adjust firmness and flexibility, these supports cater to personal preferences and specific needs. One skiing enthusiast I know swears by his custom-fit ankle braces and insists they’ve saved him from numerous potential injuries.

For those still on the fence, it’s worth remembering the old adage, “prevention is better than cure.” The skiing community often shares stories of near-misses and the value of protective gear in various forums. A quick browse through these platforms reveals several testimonials praising the merits of ankle supports. One user on a skiing forum mentioned how, after two seasons of frequent ankle twists, his pain and incidents dropped to almost zero once he started using supports.

Of course, not everyone might agree, and that’s fine. But if you’re serious about skiing and want to do it well into your later years, it just makes sense to take all the precautions you can. Remember, the slopes will always be there, but the same can’t be said for our ankles!

Data, evidence, and real-life experiences clearly show that ankle supports can make a significant difference in injury prevention and overall performance on the slopes. If you’re planning your next ski trip, perhaps it’s time to consider adding ankle supports to your gear list. If you want to learn more about this type of gear, visit this ankle support for skiing resource for more detailed information.