Issue 065
August 2010
Ankles are a common site of injuries for fighters. Some wear anklets, some wear supports and some even tape their ankles like they do their hands. Find out the differences to decide which will suit you best.
Why use them?
Anklets and ankle supports provide varying amounts of protection to the ankle joint and the bones in the foot. They help to keep the foot and ankle warm, and may help increase grip and prevent slipping in some situations. They also help to take the sting out of a misjudged kick, and prevent abrasions and cuts on the top of the foot from prolonged pad work or mat burns – this can reduce the risk of infection. Some argue that this also makes it easier for an opponent to secure a leglock in a grappling situation; this is definitely something to watch out for.
There’s also a psychological effect: Many fighters feel more comfortable wearing some kind of ankle support because the joint feels protected. Besides, they look cool, and everyone else in the gym is wearing them!
When would you use them?
Traditionally, Muay Thai-style anklets are worn while doing Muay Thai (obviously!), but fighters will often wear them while doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, submission wrestling or MMA.
TYPES
Thai anklets
Traditional Muay Thai anklets are made out of elasticized material and are designed to fit over the foot and lower part of the shin, with a hole for the heel. It’s debatable how much actual support the traditional-style anklet provides to the ankle joint. They are used to keep the joint warm, which may protect tendons and ligaments to some degree, especially in the early stages of a training session or fight. They also protect from cuts and abrasions to the foot.
MMA anklets with foot grips
Some manufacturers now make anklets specifically designed for MMA fighters. These provide a better grip on the mat, which is important for wrestling and takedowns – the downside is that these are more expensive and, as always, the grip doesn’t suit everyone.
Ankle supports
Ankle supports come in various kinds; these are generally worn by people who feel they need a bit more compression to support a weak ankle. Although not a substitute for correct treatment and rehabilitation, an ankle support can be a useful tool when returning to training following an ankle injury. They are usually made from neoprene, and may slip on some mat surfaces.
Taping and wrapping
For people who really need solid ankle-support, taping or wrapping the ankle joint is the way to go. There are many different methods, and which one is best for you will depend on why you need it in the first place – you may wish to consult a good physiotherapist or sports osteopath for advice.
GENERAL TIPS
Check the rules
Whether you’re competing in BJJ, grappling or MMA, check the particular rules you’re fighting under in advance to ensure that anklets or ankle supports are allowed. It’s better to train in the same gear in which you will be competing!
Get the right size
For an anklet or ankle support to be useful, it needs to be the right size. It should be tight enough to provide a degree of compression, but not so tight as to cut off the blood supply to the foot.
Wash them regularly!
As with any training kit, unwashed gear can be a source of infection as well as making you smelly and unpopular in the gym. If you wear anklets regularly, then have several pairs and wash them after every session.
