The ASO ankle brace is a popular choice for ankle sprain protection and treatment․ It offers support‚ comfort‚ and durability‚ featuring stabilizing straps that mimic athletic taping techniques․ The brace is designed to fit comfortably within athletic or street shoes․
Overview of ASO Ankle Brace Features
ASO ankle braces are known for their stabilizing straps‚ designed in a figure-eight pattern to protect and support the ankle‚ replicating the effects of athletic taping․ They feature a low-profile design‚ ensuring they fit comfortably in most shoe types․ The braces have a lace-up closure‚ making them easy to apply and adjust for a secure fit․ Many ASO models include an elastic cuff closure‚ which helps to further secure the laces and stabilizing straps․ The ASO is constructed with materials that offer both support and comfort․ The braces are designed to limit inversion and eversion of the ankle‚ holding it in a neutral position․ This helps prevent excessive rolling and reduces the risk of injury․ The ASO is made with a bilateral design‚ fitting either the right or left foot․
Types of ASO Ankle Braces
The ASO line includes the Original brace and a version with plastic stays․ Additionally‚ the ASO EVO Stabilizer provides more long-term support for users․
ASO Original vs․ ASO with Plastic Stays
The original ASO ankle brace is known for its excellent support‚ comfort‚ and durability․ It features angled stabilizing straps‚ spacer mesh fabric‚ and an invisible seam․ The ASO with Plastic Stays offers the same great features as the original but includes medial and lateral plastic stays for enhanced proprioceptive support; These removable stays and padding have been upgraded for a lower profile and increased comfort․ Both models are bilateral‚ fitting either the left or right foot‚ and are available in black and white․
ASO EVO Stabilizer
The ASO EVO Stabilizer ankle brace is recommended for those requiring more long-term support‚ and do not need the flexibility of removable stays․ This brace is designed to prevent excessive rolling of the ankle‚ reducing the risk of inversion or eversion injuries․ Unlike the original ASO and ASO with plastic stays‚ the EVO Stabilizer is suggested for individuals who need a more consistent level of support․ It provides a stable option for extended use and is ideal when a graded level of support from removable stays is not required․
Sizing Considerations for ASO Ankle Braces
Proper sizing is crucial for effective support and comfort․ Using shoe size as an initial guide and measuring ankle circumference ensures an accurate fit․ This is essential for the brace to function correctly․
Importance of Accurate Sizing
Accurate sizing for an ASO ankle brace is paramount for achieving the intended therapeutic benefits․ A brace that is too large might not provide sufficient support‚ failing to restrict excessive ankle movement and thus not preventing potential injuries․ Conversely‚ a brace that is too small can cause discomfort‚ restrict circulation‚ and may even exacerbate existing issues․ This can lead to pain and skin irritation‚ ultimately deterring the user from wearing it consistently․ The correct size ensures the brace functions effectively‚ providing stability and protection during activities‚ whether athletic or everyday․ It allows the stabilizing straps to properly contour to the ankle and offers the necessary support to prevent inversion or eversion injuries․
Using Shoe Size for Initial Sizing
Shoe size can serve as a convenient starting point when determining the correct ASO ankle brace size․ Manufacturers often provide sizing charts that correlate shoe size with brace sizes‚ offering a quick reference for initial selection․ However‚ it’s crucial to recognize that shoe size is merely a guideline and may not always ensure a perfect fit․ Ankle dimensions can vary significantly‚ even among people wearing the same shoe size․ This is why relying solely on shoe size for sizing an ankle brace can be insufficient and may lead to errors․ While it’s a helpful first step‚ it should be followed up with a more precise measurement of the ankle’s circumference․
Measuring Ankle Circumference for Accurate Fit
For a truly accurate fit‚ measuring the ankle circumference is essential when selecting an ASO ankle brace․ This measurement‚ taken from the base of the heel to the dorsal ankle crease‚ provides a more precise indication of the appropriate brace size․ Using a flexible measuring tape‚ wrap it around the ankle at the specified points‚ ensuring it is snug but not too tight․ This measurement is crucial because ankle sizes can vary greatly‚ even among individuals with the same shoe size․ The ankle circumference measurement is the most reliable way to ensure the brace provides the necessary support and stability without being too loose or too constricting․
Detailed Sizing Charts and Measurement Guides
To ensure the best fit‚ detailed sizing charts are provided using both shoe size and ankle circumference․ These guides help users determine the correct ASO ankle brace size for optimal support․
Ankle Circumference Measurement Instructions
To accurately measure your ankle circumference for the ASO brace‚ begin by sitting in a chair with your foot flat on the floor․ Using a flexible measuring tape‚ measure the circumference of your ankle․ Position the tape measure so that it is wrapped around your ankle‚ starting from the base of your heel․ Ensure the tape goes up and over the dorsal ankle crease (the area at the front of your ankle where it bends)․ Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight․ Record this measurement‚ as it is crucial for proper sizing․ This measurement will help determine the best ASO brace size for your specific needs and ensure comfortable wear․
Sizing Chart Based on Shoe Size
The ASO ankle brace sizing chart often uses shoe size as an initial guide․ For men’s sizes‚ an XX-Small fits sizes 5-6; X-Small fits 6-7; and so on‚ up to XXL․ For women’s sizes‚ an XX-Small fits sizes 4 and below; X-Small fits 5-6‚ and similarly‚ sizes increase up to XXL․ It is important to note that this chart offers a starting point‚ however‚ for a more precise fit‚ especially if you have an unusually shaped ankle‚ it is best to consider the ankle circumference as well․ This will help ensure that you choose the correct size for support and comfort․ Shoe size alone may not be the most accurate way to size for an ASO brace․
Sizing Chart Based on Ankle Circumference
To achieve a precise fit‚ it is recommended to measure the ankle circumference․ This measurement should be taken from the base of the heel to the dorsal ankle crease․ Ankle circumference provides a more accurate fit than shoe size alone․ For example‚ a small size typically fits an ankle circumference of 11-12 inches (28-30․5 cm); a medium fits 12-13 inches (30․5-33 cm); a large fits 13-14 inches (33-35․5 cm); and an extra-large fits 14-15 inches (35․5-38 cm)․ This method ensures a more personalized and supportive fit‚ particularly if your shoe size is not proportional to your ankle size․ By using this method the brace will work more effectively․
Specific Sizing Examples
To illustrate the sizing process‚ we’ll explore examples for individuals with different shoe sizes and ankle circumferences․ These examples will help clarify how to use the sizing charts effectively․
Example for a Woman with Size 8 Shoes
Let’s consider a woman who wears a size 8 shoe․ According to the ASO sizing chart‚ her shoe size would typically place her in either the small or medium category․ However‚ this initial shoe size assessment is just a starting point․ It’s important to note that the fit around the ankle can vary․ If she has a particularly slender ankle‚ she might find the small size to be a better fit despite the shoe size․ She should measure her ankle circumference to confirm․ We recommend that she consult with the ASO sizing chart that includes ankle circumference to determine the appropriate size․
Example for a Person with Size 9 Shoe and 13-inch Ankle
For an individual who wears a size 9 shoe and has an ankle circumference of 13 inches‚ the sizing process requires a dual consideration of both measurements․ According to ASO sizing charts‚ a size 9 shoe could place you in either a small or medium category․ However‚ the 13-inch ankle measurement is also crucial․ Based on the ankle circumference charts the individual will find they are typically between medium or large․ This person will need to verify the sizing based on the appropriate charts provided‚ and it would be best to prioritize the ankle measurement over shoe size when making a final determination of the appropriate ASO brace size․
Additional Sizing Information
ASO braces feature a bilateral design‚ fitting either the left or right foot․ Pediatric sizes (XXS) are available․ Ensure proper fit for optimal support and comfort for all users․
Bilateral Design and Fit
The ASO ankle brace is designed with a bilateral feature‚ meaning each brace can be worn on either the left or right foot․ This eliminates the need to purchase separate braces for each ankle‚ offering convenience and cost-effectiveness․ This design ensures consistent support and stability regardless of which ankle it is applied to․ The brace’s construction allows it to comfortably conform to the contours of either foot‚ providing effective immobilization and support․ The bilateral design simplifies the selection process‚ as users do not need to specify left or right foot when purchasing the brace․ This one-size-fits-either-foot approach enhances ease of use and management․
Sizing for Pediatric Users (XXS)
The ASO ankle brace also caters to pediatric users with an extra-extra small (XXS) size‚ designed specifically for smaller ankles and feet․ This pediatric option ensures that children can benefit from the same support and stability as adults․ The XXS size is carefully scaled to fit young individuals‚ providing a secure and comfortable fit․ It addresses the specific needs of children who require ankle support due to injury or instability․ The availability of this size makes the ASO brace suitable for a wide range of users․ It ensures children can receive the proper support necessary for their active lifestyles․ The XXS size maintains the same features as the adult sizes․
Where to Find ASO Ankle Brace Sizing Information
Sizing information for ASO ankle braces can be found on the MedSpec website‚ although it may not always be readily available․ Retailers also provide sizing guides to help customers choose the correct size․
MedSpec Website and Sizing Chart Availability
While the MedSpec website is the primary source for information regarding their ASO ankle braces‚ accessing the specific sizing chart can sometimes be challenging․ As of early 2023‚ direct availability of the sizing chart on the website was not consistently reported․ Users are often advised to look for a picture of the ankle brace on the site to potentially find the sizing details․ It’s important to note that the website’s interface and content may change over time‚ so the exact location of the sizing chart might vary․ Customers should check the site thoroughly or contact customer support for assistance in locating the most up-to-date sizing information․
Retailer Sizing Guides
Besides the manufacturer’s website‚ many retailers that sell ASO ankle braces also provide sizing guides to assist customers in selecting the correct size․ These guides can be found on their respective product pages or in dedicated sizing sections․ Retailer sizing charts may sometimes be slightly different in presentation or additional details compared to the official MedSpec charts․ It is advisable to cross-reference information from multiple sources if you have any doubt․ Always ensure the guide is for the specific ASO model you are interested in‚ as sizing may differ between the original‚ the one with plastic stays‚ or the EVO stabilizer․