Wearing ankle wrap for fighters comes with a heap of benefits like better grip, decrease recovery time for injury, better support and reduce pain while fighting.
Ankle wraps are garments worn around the ankle to protect it, support it or help in a better mobilization when moving and kicking. Ankle wraps can either be taped or braced.
Table of Contents
Why Do Fighters Wear Ankle Wrap?
Fighter getting his ankle wrapped for better grip
Fighters decide to use ankle wraps for the lots of benefits that come with ankle wraps. Some of these benefits are;
1. Ankle wraps provide better grip when moving and kicking
Ankle braces have been more common throughout time because they have been successful in limiting the range of motion for external rotation and inversion. Wearing ankle wraps cannot harm athletes’ performance since they do not interfere with or restrict vertical mobility. With ankle wraps, you may jump, run, or exercise freely, and the usage of tapes and braces has no impact on how well you perform.
They offer you that additional bit of assurance that you won’t damage yourself, making life much more fun whether you are interested in training or simply regular strolling. This allows you to concentrate on what you are doing without having to worry about anything else.
2. Ankle wraps decrease recovery time for injuries
Ankle wraps have been shown to protect the medial and lateral ankle structures, hence helping towards the prevention of injuries.
As per decreasing recovery time, medical professionals advise athletes who have already sustained an ankle injury to use an ankle support strap or brace to lessen the chance of further harm. They act as external support to limit inversion and provide aided awareness of the location of the ankle joint.
3. Ankle wraps improve stability and support
Ankle wraps help with stabilizing and supporting your foot. When your ankle and foot are stabilized, it is much easier and less unpleasant to move around while wounded.
It helps people who are a little more clumsy than others by preventing the ankle from being shocked or made worse.
4. Ankle wraps help with pain management
Ankle wraps by providing the necessary relaxation to the bones, muscles, and ligaments for continuous excellent performance can help you manage pain.
Finding the perfect fit for your ankle can help reduce the usual pain after practice. Swelling and soreness can be greatly reduced and relieved by keeping your feet elevated and in braces.
5. Ankle wraps can help Prevent bone separation
The most frequent and serious type of ankle injury is the separation of the fibular and tibial bones as a result of injured tissues. Ankle braces and tapes are used to lessen the extreme anatomical motion of the ankle and to strengthen skin responses and muscle activity.
This ensures the safety and reduces the possibility of bone separation. For this reason, fighters put a strap around their ankle to keep the bones together.
Also Read: Does Sparring Hurt? 9 Tips For Safe Sparring Without Damage
Ankle Wrap; Tape Vs Brace: The Difference
Wraps for better grip and prevent injuries
When it comes to ankle wraps, people usually ask; “Which is better”? Do I brace or tape my ankle? Truth is, both are good and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Below is a summary table comparing ankle tapes to braces.
| Tape | Brace | |
| Functionality | Less Functional | More Functional |
| Allowed in MMA | Allowed | Allowed |
| Support Capability | Less Support | More Support |
| Ease of Use | Not Easy to Use | Very Easy to Use |
| Cost | Less Expensive | More Expensive |
Ankle Wrap Functionality: Tape Vs Brace
While both ankle taping and wearing an ankle brace while participating in sports can lessen the risk of an ankle injury, an ankle brace is typically regarded as the better option than ankle tape for protecting the ankle joint.
By monitoring 300 football players for six years, a study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine compared the two types of ankle protection and it was discovered that wearing an ankle brace was twice as helpful and more functional for preventing injury than an athletic ankle tape.
Ankle Wrap Allowed In MMA: Tape Vs Brace
Fighters wearing wraps while training
MMA fighters are allowed to wear both ankle tape and brace while fighting. These fighters usually have access to ankle braces, fabric wraps, and tape wraps as their primary foot covering options.
Ankle wraps are very useful in preventing ankle sprains since they support and protect the fighter’s ankles. These are infused with gel to shield the fighter’s feet from harm. For sake of ease, ankle braces can be put on and taken off easily, unlike taping that needs to be wrapped.
Ankle Wrap Support Capability: Tape Vs Brace
Ankle tape is thinner and less stiff than ankle braces, giving the ankle better support. After the activity, ankle braces also lose part of their support, but they are simpler to modify and require less time than re-taping the ankle.
The ankle tape can loosen up as an athlete enters the field and no longer offers enough ankle support. According to research in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, after just 10 minutes of exercise, the athletic tape can lose up to 40% of its support.
Keep in mind that if you choose to tape your ankles, they may not give adequate support to avoid further damage after you return to the field or the court. Additionally, it’s crucial to exercise caution and be informed about the finest ankle taping procedures because improper taping of the ankle can result in more severe issues as it won’t provide adequate support to lower the chance of damage.
Ankle Wrap Ease Of Use: Tape Vs Brace
Ankle brace is easier to use. Taping your ankle takes longer than putting on and fastening an ankle brace. All there is to be done is simply slip your feet into the brace or support and you are good to go.
More so, there is room for error if you don’t know how to tape properly. But then, if done correctly, an ankle tape could be an excellent approach to offer your ankle great stability since it is customized to your perfect fit.
Ankle Wrap Cost: Tape Vs Brace
Ankle braces cost more compared to ankle tape. However, they are more economical since they may be reused, unlike standard taping which can cost up to three times as much as a brace throughout a season.
Depending on the material, quality, and whether the device is custom-made or available over the counter, the price of an ankle brace can vary significantly. Though taping is cheaper when you consider how frequently an ankle has to be taped and the entire costs of a potential re-injury, it makes more financial sense to take the cost of a brace once and for all.
How Do You Wrap Your Feet For MMA: 5 Tips
Ankle wrapping may seem old-fashioned compared to braces but it is undeniable that it has the capability of offering protection to the ankle too and gives great stability since it can be customized to one’s right fit. So to wrap your feet in preparation for MMA, Check these 5 tips below;
- Take up the wrap and keep unfolding the wrapped bunch till you get to the end where your big toe is supposed to fit in.
- Put in your big toe and begin to wrap tightly around it. Start from where your toes are and be sure to wrap them protectively.
- While wrapping make sure the snug are comfortable and not just tight. Keep winding up till the ankle point.
- At this point, due to the delicate nature of the ankle, you should wind up the ankle region tightly but comfortable to move around.
- Keep winding till you get to the end spot. Simply place the end spot on the wrap and that’s it.
Also Read: Top 11 FAQs Of MMA Canvas: Cleaning, Softness & Material
FAQS
Q: Are Knee Sleeves Allowed in MMA (UFC)?
In a UFC bout, sleeves or wraps may be used on either the knee or ankle joints following the Unified Rules of MMA.
On any portion of their upper body, however, combatants are not permitted to wear sleeves or coverings. Knee sleeves cannot have cushioning like knee pads due to the possibility of an unfair fighting edge.
Q: Are Knee Braces Allowed in MMA (UFC)?
According to the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, UFC competitors are not allowed to wear knee braces because they offer cushioning and support, which gives you an unfair edge over your adversary.
Q: Can You Wear Socks in MMA (UFC)?
Most martial arts are performed without shoes. However, many may let practitioners wear socks if they prefer to or if it’s medically required after consulting with the instructor. But while wearing socks, martial art mats might become slippery, therefore it’s advisable to wear non-slip socks.
If you must wear socks, choose compression socks with rubber dots, such as those provided by hospitals. When exercising on the mats, they will increase traction.
