Patent Publication Number: US-2023139433-A1

Title: Ankle brace

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/330,977, filed Mar. 6, 2019, which claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/US2017/050820, filed Sep. 8, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/385,824, filed Sep. 9, 2017, and each of the above-referenced disclosures are incorporated herein, by reference, in their entirety. Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     This disclosure relates to ankle braces. In particular, this disclosure relates to ankle braces for high ankle sprains. 
     Description 
     An ankle sprain is a common injury. There are several types of ankle sprains, including inversion (lateral) ankle sprains, eversion (medial) ankle sprains, and high (syndesmotic) ankle sprains. Although occurring with less frequency than other types of ankle sprains, high ankle sprains can be particularly painful. 
     A high ankle sprain is a sprain of the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula in the lower leg, above the ankle. High ankle sprains commonly occur from outward, external rotation or twisting of the foot. In some instances, the outward, external rotation or twisting of the foot that causes a high ankle sprain can be coupled with concurrent eversion, dorsiflexion, or plantarflexion of the foot. 
     SUMMARY 
     Ankle braces and methods of use therefore are disclosed herein. The ankle braces can be configured and used to treat and/or prevent high ankle sprains. In some embodiments, the ankle braces include a tightening mechanism configured to limit spreading of the distal ends of the tibia and fibula. In some embodiments, the ankle braces include a torsion strap configured to limit external rotation of the foot. In some embodiments, the ankle braces include lateral and medial straps and/or lateral and medial support plates to further control movement of the ankle. For example, the lateral and medial straps and/or lateral and medial support plates can be configured and positioned to limit or prevent internal and/or external rotation of the foot, eversion and/or inversion of the foot, and/or plantarflexion and/or dorsiflexion of the foot. 
     In a first aspect, an ankle brace for a high ankle sprain is disclosed. The ankle brace includes a body configured in size and shape to be worn on an ankle, the body including a foot portion and a lower leg portion; a first tightening mechanism attached to the lower leg portion of the body, the first tightening mechanism actuable to tighten the lower leg portion of the body; and a torsion strap having a distal end connected to a lateral side of the foot portion of the body, the torsion strap configured to wrap around the body from the distal end over or adjacent to a medial malleolus. 
     In some embodiments, the torsion strap is configured to limit external rotation of a foot when the brace is worn. In some embodiments, the torsion strap connects the fifth metatarsal and the medial malleolus when the brace is worn. In some embodiments, the torsion strap comprises an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the first tightening mechanism comprises: a reel attached to a first portion of the lower leg portion; a lace guide attached to a second portion of the lower leg portion; and a lace extending between the reel and the lace guide; wherein the reel is actuable to tighten the lace to bring the first portion toward the second portion. In some embodiments, the first tightening mechanism is attached to the lower leg portion at a position above the medial malleolus. In some embodiments, the ankle brace further includes a second tightening mechanism attached to the lower leg portion at a position below the first tightening mechanism. In some embodiments, the second tightening mechanism comprises a strap configured to wrap around the lower leg portion. In some embodiments, the second tightening mechanism is positioned on the lower leg portion so as to overlap the medial malleolus. 
     In some embodiments, the ankle brace further includes a medial support plate attached to the body, the medial support plate extending over the medial malleolus. In some embodiments, the medial support plate comprises a heat formable material. In some embodiments, the ankle brace further includes a lateral support plate attached to the body, the lateral support plate extending over a lateral malleolus. In some embodiments, the lateral support plate comprises a heat formable material. 
     In some embodiments, the ankle brace further includes a medial strap having a distal end connected to the foot portion on the medial side of the body and a proximal end removably attachable to the medial side of the lower leg portion. In some embodiments, the medial strap is tightenable to limit eversion of the foot. In some embodiments, the ankle brace further includes a lateral strap having a distal end connected to the foot portion on the lateral side of the body and a proximal end removably attachable to the lateral side of the lower leg portion. In some embodiments, the lateral strap is tightenable to limit inversion of the foot. 
     In some embodiments, the ankle brace further includes a medial buttress removably attachable to the foot portion of the body above the medial malleolus, the medial buttress comprising an arcuate pad configured to partially surround the medial malleolus. In some embodiments, the ankle brace further includes a lateral buttress removably attachable to the foot portion of the body above the lateral malleolus, the lateral buttress comprising an arcuate pad configured to partially surround the lateral malleolus. In some embodiments, the ankle brace further includes a rigid footplate attached to the body, the rigid footplate configured to partially surround a calcaneus of the foot when worn. 
     In another aspect, a method for treating a high ankle sprain with an ankle brace is disclosed. The method includes positioning the ankle brace over an ankle; tightening a first tightening mechanism of the ankle brace around a lower leg above the ankle to prevent the distal ends of the tibia and fibula from separating; and connecting a fifth metatarsal region of a foot to a medial malleolus of the foot with a torsion strap to limit external rotation of the foot. 
     In some embodiments, the first tightening mechanism is positioned on the ankle brace above the medial malleolus. In some embodiments, the method further includes tightening a second tightening mechanism of the ankle brace around the lower leg, wherein the second tightening mechanism is positioned on the ankle brace below the first tightening mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the method further includes tightening a medial strap of the ankle brace to limit eversion of the foot. In some embodiments, the method further includes tightening a lateral strap of the ankle brace to limit inversion of the foot. In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching a medial support plate to the ankle brace, the medial support plate extending over the medial malleolus. In some embodiments, the method further includes heat molding the medial support plate to conform to anatomy of the ankle. In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching a lateral support plate to the ankle brace, the lateral support plate extending over a lateral malleolus. In some embodiments, the method further includes heat molding the lateral support plate to conform to anatomy of the ankle. In some embodiments, the ankle brace comprises the ankle brace of the first aspect. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the ankle braces described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings, similar reference numbers or symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The drawings may not be drawn to scale. 
         FIG.  1    is an anterior view of a foot and lower leg, illustrating a partial view of the anatomy of an ankle. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a lateral view of an embodiment of an ankle brace worn on an ankle. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a medial view of the ankle brace of  FIG.  2 A . 
         FIG.  3 A  is a lateral view of another embodiment of an ankle brace. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a medial view of the ankle brace of  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  4 A  is a lateral view of the ankle brace of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , illustrated when worn on an ankle. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a medial view of the ankle brace of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , illustrated when worn on an ankle. 
         FIG.  4 C  is an anterior view of the ankle brace of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , illustrated when worn on an ankle. 
         FIG.  4 D  is a posterior view of the ankle brace of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , illustrated when worn on an ankle. 
         FIG.  5    is a view of an embodiment of a lateral or medial support plate. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a view of an embodiment of a lateral or medial buttress. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a view of another embodiment of a lateral or medial buttress. 
         FIG.  7    is a view of an embodiment of a first tightening mechanism that can be used with various ankle braces described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    is an anterior view of a foot  10  and lower leg  11 , illustrating a partial view of the anatomy of an ankle  12 . The ankle  12  permits a wide range of motion between the foot  10  and the lower leg  11 . For example, the ankle  12  permits internal and external rotation of the foot  10  relative to the lower leg  11 , eversion and inversion of the foot  10  relative to the lower leg  11 , and plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the foot  10  relative to the lower leg  11 . The ankle  12  includes a joint formed between the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16  and the proximal end of the talus  18 . Distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16  articulate on the proximal end of the talus  18  during motion of the ankle  12 . 
     Lower ligaments  22  connect the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16 . Lower ligaments  22  include, for example, the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament and the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament. The lower ligaments  22  resist separation of the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16 . Upper ligaments  24  also extend between and connect the tibia  14  and fibula  16 . The upper ligaments  24  include, for example, the syndesmotic ligaments which span the syndesmosis between the lateral aspect of the tibia  14  and the medial aspect of the fibula  16  between ankle  12  and the knee. Like the lower ligaments  22 , the upper ligaments  24  resist separation of the tibia  14  and fibula  16 . 
     High ankle sprains are sprains of the lower ligaments  22  and/or upper ligaments  24 . Low-high ankle sprains, a subset of high ankle sprains, are sprains of only the lower ligaments  22 . The lower ligaments  22  and/or upper ligaments  24  can be sprained by separation of the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16 , which stretches and/or tears the lower ligaments  22  and/or upper ligaments  24 . 
     High ankle sprains are commonly caused by external rotation of the foot  10  relative to the lower leg  11  and/or internal rotation of the lower leg  11  relative to foot  10 . In some instances of high ankle sprains, the external rotation of the foot  10  and/or internal rotation of the lower leg  11  that causes the sprain is coupled with and compounded by eversion, dorsiflexion, or plantarflexion of the foot  10 . For example, it has been observed that greater than 50% of all high ankle sprain injuries involve eversion of the foot  10 , approximately 50% of all high ankle sprain injuries involve dorsiflexion of the foot  10 , and approximately 10% of all high ankle sprain injuries involve plantarflexion of the foot  10  (in addition to the external rotation of the foot  10  and/or internal rotation of the lower leg  11 ). 
     In some instances of high ankle sprains, the motions described above alter the relative positions of the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16  and the proximal end of the talus  18 . For example, as the foot  10  rotates externally, the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16  are presented with an increasingly wider aspect of the proximal end of the talus  18 . This can cause separation of the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16  resulting in a sprain of the lower ligaments  22  and/or upper ligaments  24 . Other causes of high ankle sprains are also possible. 
     The ankle braces described herein are configured to treat and/or prevent high ankle sprains. In some instances, the ankle braces can be worn post-injury to, for example, aid in rehabilitation of the injury, reduce pain and discomfort associated with the injury, and/or reduce the likelihood of further injury. In some instances, the ankle braces can be worn pre-injury in an effort to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a high ankle sprain. 
     As such, the ankle braces described herein can be configured to prevent, limit, or reduce one or more of the causes of high ankle sprains described above. For example, the ankle braces can be configured to prevent, limit, or reduce separation of the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16 . Alternatively or additionally, the ankle braces can be configured to prevent, limit, or reduce one or more of the motions described above that commonly cause high ankle sprains. For example, the ankle braces can be configured to prevent, limit, or reduce external rotation of the foot  10  relative to the lower leg  11  and/or internal rotation of the lower leg  11  relative to foot  10 . In some instances, the ankle braces can be configured to additionally or alternatively prevent, limit, or reduce eversion, dorsiflexion, and/or plantarflexion of the foot  10 . 
     These and other features of the ankle braces described herein will be further described with reference to the remaining figures, which illustrate several embodiments of ankle braces. These embodiments are not intended to be limiting, and various modifications, variations, combinations, etc., of the features of these embodiments are possible and within the scope of this disclosure. 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  are lateral and medial views, respectively, of an embodiment of an ankle brace  100 . As will be described in detail below, the brace  100  is configured for treatment and/or prevention of high ankle sprains. Although this disclosure primarily refers to high ankle sprains, the brace  100  may also be useful in treating and/or preventing other types of ankle sprains (such as inversion ankle sprains and/or eversion ankle sprains) and/or other types of ankle, foot, and/or lower leg injuries.  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate an example of the brace  100  configured to be worn on a right ankle. A mirror image of the illustrated brace  100  can be worn on a left ankle. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the brace  100  is configured to be worn on an ankle. The brace  100  includes a body  102 , which may include or more layers of material. The body  102  can be a sock, wrap, cover, housing, etc., configured to be worn on the ankle. The body  102  can be made from a flexible material, such as fabric. In some examples, the fabric comprises a four-way stretch fabric. The flexible material can comprise, for example, one or more of a knit nylon spandex blend, knit polyester spandex blend, fabrics of nylon, polyester, lycra, or rubberized materials. The body  102  can include an inside surface and an outside surface. 
     In use, the inside surface may contact the body of the wearer. In some examples, the inside surface is lined with padding or foam. The padding or foam may increase the comfort of the brace  100 . In some examples, the inside surface is lined with an open cell foam, such as a urethane open cell foam. The inside surface of the body  102  can also include one or more portions or regions of a hookable material (e.g., a hook material or a loop material of a hook and loop fastener). This may allow attachment of various accessories inside the brace  100 . As will be described in greater detail below, such accessories may include a lateral support plate  138 , a medial support plate  140 , a lateral buttress  142 , and/or a medial buttress  144 , among other accessories. The accessories may comprise a material configured to removably attach to the hookable material. The accessories can thus be placed in any desired position or orientation on the hookable material. In some examples, the entire inner surface of the body  102  comprises a hookable material. 
     In some examples, the outside surface of the body  102  comprises a hookable material (e.g., a hook material or a loop material of a hook and loop fastener). The hookable material may cover the entirety of the outside surface. The hookable material may cover only certain portions or regions of the outside surface. The hookable material may be configured to allow attachment of various straps or other attachment or fastening mechanisms, such as a first tightening mechanism  108 , a second tightening mechanism  116 , a torsion strap  118 , a lateral strap  124 , and/or a medial strap  130 , as will be described below in greater detail below. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the body  102  includes a leg portion  104  and a foot portion  106 . The leg portion  104  is configured to receive a portion of a wearer&#39;s lower leg  11 . The leg portion  104  extends from the ankle up the lower leg  11  towards the wearer&#39;s knee. The leg portion  104  can extend 25%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 65%, or 75% the distance between the ankle and the knee, although other lengths are also possible. The leg portion  104  may completely surround (e.g., wrap around) the wearer&#39;s leg. For example, the leg portion may comprise a looped (e.g., a generally cylindrical) section into which the lower leg  11  is inserted, such as a sock. As another example, the leg portion  104  can comprise an open (e.g., U-shaped) section that can be wrapped around the wearer&#39;s leg and then closed via flaps, ties, laces, straps, hook and loop material or other suitable fastening mechanisms. In some examples, the wearer inserts the lower leg  11  through the open section (e.g., the open end of the U-shape) to put on the brace  100 . The open section can be positioned on an anterior, posterior, medial, or lateral side of the body  102 .  FIGS.  3 A- 4 D  illustrate an embodiment that includes an open section that is positioned on a posterior side. In another example, the leg portion  104  extends only partially around the wearer&#39;s leg. 
     The foot portion  106  is configured to receive a portion of the wearer&#39;s foot  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the foot portion  106  extends approximately to the midfoot. The foot portion  106  may include an opening to allow a distal end of the foot to extend therethrough. The foot portion  106 , in some examples, does not cover the toes. The foot portion  106  may completely surround (e.g., wrap around) the wearer&#39;s foot  10 . For example, the foot portion  106  may comprise a looped (e.g., a generally cylindrical, such as a sock or sleeve) section though which the foot  10  extends. An embodiment of a brace that includes such a looped foot section is shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 3 B . As another example, the foot portion  106  can comprise an open (e.g., U-shaped) section that can be wrapped around the wearer&#39;s foot  10  and then closed via flaps, ties, laces, straps, hook and loop material or other suitable fastening mechanisms. In some examples, the wearer inserts the foot  10  through the open section (e.g., the open end of the U-shape) to put on the brace  100 . The open section can be positioned on an anterior, posterior, medial, or lateral side of the body  102 . 
     The brace  100  can also include a first tightening mechanism  108 . The first tightening mechanism  108  can be positioned on the leg portion  104  of the body  102 . The first tightening mechanism  108  is configured to tighten the leg portion  104  around the lower leg  11  of the wearer. For example, in some embodiments, the first tightening mechanism  108  can be positioned as follows. The first tightening mechanism  108  can be positioned approximately 0.5 to 6 inches, 1 to 5 inches, 2 to 4 inches, or about 3 inches above the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16  when the brace  100  is worn. The first tightening mechanism  108  can be positioned approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more inches above the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16  when the brace  100  is worn. The first tightening mechanism  108  can be positioned approximately 0.5 to 6 inches, 1 to 5 inches, 2 to 4 inches, or about 3 inches above the lateral malleolus  32  and/or medial malleolus  34  when the brace  100  is worn. The first tightening mechanism  108  can be positioned approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more inches above the lateral malleolus  32  and/or medial malleolus  34  when the brace  100  is worn. As mentioned above, the first tightening mechanism  108  is configured to tighten the leg portion  104  around the lower leg  11  of the wearer. Thus, the first tightening mechanism  108  can provide a compressive force that holds the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16  and/or prevents spreading of the tibia  14  and fibula  16 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first tightening mechanism  108  comprises a reel  110 , a lace  112 , and lace guide  114 . The reel  110  can be positioned on a first side (e.g., one of the lateral or medial sides) of the body  102  (e.g.,  FIG.  2 A ) and the lace guide  114  can be positioned on a second, opposite side (e.g., the other of the lateral or medial side as illustrated in  FIG.  2 B ). The lace  112  extends between the reel  110  and the lace guide  114 . Although a particular lace pattern is illustrated in the figures, this disclosure should not be limited to only the illustrated embodiments. A wide variety of lace patterns, including a plurality of reels, laces, and lace guides are possible and within the scope of this disclosure. The reel  110  can be configured to tighten the lace  112  when the reel  110  is actuated. Thus, as the reel  110  is actuated, the reel  110  and the lace guide  114  are brought closer together by the tightening lace  112 , resulting in a tightening of the leg portion  104  around the lower leg  111 . In some embodiments, the first tightening mechanism  108 , including the reel  110 , lace  112 , and lace guide  114 , comprises a cable reel attachment system, such as the Boa System distributed by Boa Technology Inc. 
     Alternatively to the reel  110 , lace  112 , and lace guide  114  illustrated in the figures, the first tightening mechanism  108  can comprise any other type of tightening mechanisms, such as straps (e.g., fabric or rubber straps of elastic or inelastic material, including hook and loop fasteners), ratchet mechanisms, traditional lace systems (e.g., similar to shoe laces), etc. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the brace  100  also includes a second tightening mechanism  116 . The second tightening mechanism  116  is positioned on the leg portion  104  of the body  102 . The second tightening mechanism  116  can be positioned below the first tightening mechanism  108  and the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16 . The second tightening mechanism  116  can be positioned below the first tightening mechanism  108  and lateral malleolus  32  and/or medial malleolus  34 . The second tightening mechanism  116  can be positioned to overlap or cover the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16  when the brace  100  is worn. The second tightening mechanism  116  can be positioned to overlap or cover the lateral malleolus  32  and/or medial malleolus  34  when the brace  100  is worn. 
     Similar to the first tightening mechanism  108 , the second tightening mechanism  116  is configured to tighten the leg portion  104  around the lower leg  11  of the wearer. Thus, the second tightening mechanism  116  can also provide a compressive force that holds the distal ends of the tibia  14  and fibula  16  and/or prevents spreading of the tibia  14  and fibula  16 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the second tightening mechanism  116  comprises a strap, which wraps around the leg portion  106 . The strap can comprise a strip of fabric, rubber, other flexible material. The strap can comprise an elastic or inelastic material. The strap can include portions of hook and loop material such that the strap can be attached to itself and/or to the outer surface of the body  102  to secure the strap. For example, an inside surface of the strap (e.g., disposed towards the body  102 ) can include a hook material and the outside surface of the strap can include a loop material. The inside surface can thus attach to the outside surface of the body  102  and/or to the outside surface of the strap as the strap is wrapped around the brace  100 . 
     Although the second tightening mechanism  116  is illustrated as a strap in the figures, the second tightening mechanism  116  can comprise any other type of tightening mechanism, such as a ratchet mechanism, a traditional lace system (e.g., similar to shoe laces), a reel and cable system (e.g., a Boa System), etc. The second tightening mechanism  116  need not be included in all embodiments. 
     The brace  100  can also include a torsion strap  118 , as illustrated. As shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the torsion strap  118  includes a distal end  120  and a proximal end  122 . The torsion strap  118  is configured limit, restrict, or prevent external rotation of the foot  10 . For example, in the illustrated example, the distal end  120  is fixedly attached to the foot portion  106  of the body  102 . The distal end  120  can be fixedly attached to the foot portion  106  at a region proximal to the fifth metatarsal of the foot  10 , when the brace  100  is worn. In some examples, the distal end  120  can be fixedly attached to the foot portion  106  at a region proximal to the fifth metatarsal of the foot  10  on the lateral side of the brace  100 . In some examples, the distal end is attached to the foot portion  106  on a bottom or sole side of the brace  100 . From the distal end  120 , the torsion strap  118  can be configured to wrap around the brace  100  as shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . For example, from the distal end  120 , the torsion strap  118  can extend up the medial side of the foot  10 , across the dorsal of the foot  10  to the medial side of the foot  10 , and around the medial side of the ankle (passing over or higher than the lateral malleolus  34  (see  FIG.  2 B ). In the illustrated embodiment, the torsion strap  118  continues around the posterior portion of the lower leg and is secured to the lateral side of the brace  100  by a fastener (e.g., a hook and loop fastener) at the proximal end  120 . In some examples, the torsion strap  118  is configured to connect the fifth metatarsal to the medial malleolus  34 . In some examples, connecting the fifth metatarsal to the medial malleolus  34  limits, reduces, or prevents external rotation of the foot  10 . 
     The torsion strap  118  can comprise an elastomeric material. In one example, the torsion strap  118  comprises silicone. The torsion strap  118  may comprise a stretchable material. The stretchable material may limit external rotation of the foot  10  while still providing some motion of the foot. For example, the torsion strap  118  may limit external rotation of the foot  10  to 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 degrees, as well as to other angles higher and lower than the listed values or to any range between any of the listed values. In an alternative embodiment, the torsion strap  118  can be made from an inelastic material, such as a non-stretchable fabric, plastic or rubber material. This may fully limit external rotation of the foot  10 . 
     In some instances, a wearer may control the degree to which the torsion strap  118  limits or reduces external rotation of the foot  10  by adjusting how tightly the torsion strap  118  is wrapped around the brace  100 . For example, wrapping the torsion strap  118  more tightly around the brace  100  may limit or reduce external rotation of the foot  10  to a greater degree than wrapping the torsion strap  118  less tightly around the brace  100 . Alternatively or additionally, in some instances, a wearer may control the degree to which the torsion strap  118  limits or reduces external rotation of the foot  10  by adjusting the placement of the torsion strap  118  as it wraps around the brace  100 . For example, wrapping the torsion strap  118  such that it passes above (e.g., higher) than the medial malleolus  34  may provide greater reduction or limitation of external rotation of the foot  10  than when the torsion strap  118  is wrapped directly over the medial malleolus  34 . 
     In some examples, a wearer may wrap the torsion strap  118  under the second tightening mechanism  116  as illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . In some examples, a wearer may wrap the torsion strap  118  over the second tightening mechanism  116 . In some examples, the torsion strap  118  may extend over or under a portion of the first tightening mechanism  108 . 
     The brace  100  may also include a lateral strap  124  (see  FIG.  2 A ) and/or a medial strap  130  (see  FIG.  2 B ). The lateral strap  124  and/or medial strap  130  can be positioned and configured to limit or prevent eversion and or inversion of the foot  10 . For example, the lateral strap  124  extends between a distal end  126  and a proximal end  128 . The distal end  126  can be fixedly attached to body  102  at a point on the lateral side of the brace  100  below the lateral malleolus  32 . From the distal end  126 , the lateral strap  124  extends proximally up the lateral side of the brace  100 . The proximal end  128  of the lateral strap  124  can be removably attached (for example, via a hook and loop fastener) to the lateral side of the leg portion  104  of body  102 . In the illustrated example, the lateral strap  124  can be tightened by attaching the proximal end  128  further up the brace  100 . Tightening the lateral strap  124  can reduce or limit eversion of the foot  10 . 
     Similarly, the medial strap  130  extends between a distal end  134  and a proximal end  132 . The distal end  134  can be fixedly attached to body  102  at a point on the medial side of the brace  100  below the medial malleolus  34 . From the distal end  134 , the medial strap  130  extends proximally up the medial side of the brace  100 . The proximal end  132  of the medial strap  130  can be removably attached (for example, via a hook and loop fastener) to the medial side of the leg portion  104  of body  102 . In the illustrated example, the medial strap  130  can be tightened by attaching the proximal end  132  further up the brace  100 . Tightening the medial strap  130  can reduce or limit inversion of the foot  10 . Thus, by adjusting the lateral strap  124  and the medial strap  130 , a wearer can control inversion and eversion of the foot  10 . 
     The lateral strap  124  and/or the medial strap  130  can be made from an inelastic material, such as a non-stretchable fabric, plastic or rubber material. Alternatively, the lateral strap  124  and/or the medial strap  130  can comprise an elastomeric material. In one example, the lateral strap  124  and the medial strap  130  comprise silicone. The lateral strap  124  and the medial strap  130  may comprise a stretchable material. The lateral strap  124  and/or the medial strap  130  may limit inversion and/or eversion of the foot  10  to 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 degrees, as well as to other angles higher and lower than the listed values or to any range between any of the listed values. In some examples, one or both of the lateral strap  124  and the medial strap  130  can be omitted. 
     In some instances, the lateral strap  124  and/or the medial strap  130  can be positioned below the second tightening mechanism  116  and the torsion strap  118  as illustrated. In some instances, the lateral strap  124  and/or the medial strap  130  can extend over one or both of the second tightening mechanism  116  and the torsion strap  118 . Although the lateral strap  124  and the medial strap  130  are illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  extending only partway up the brace  100 , in some instances, the lateral strap  124  and/or the medial strap  130  can extend all the way up the brace  100 . 
     The brace  100  may include a footplate  136 . The footplate  136  can be positioned on the inside of the body  102 . In some examples, the footplate  136  is positioned between the outer surface and the inner surface of the body  102 . Accordingly, in  FIGS.  2 A  and  2 B, the footplate  136  is illustrated using dashed lines. In some examples, the footplate  136  can be positioned on the outer surface of the body  102 . The footplate  136  can be formed from a rigid material, such as plastic, metal, or similar materials. In some examples, the footplate  136  is formed from molded nylon. In some examples, the footplate  136  is made from a material that is less than 2 mm thick, less than 1 mm thick, less than 0.5 mm thick, or thinner. The footplate  136  can extend below a portion of the sole of the foot  10 . For example, the footplate  136  can extend below the sole of the foot  10  between the heel and the midfoot. The footplate  136  may also extend partially up the medial and/or lateral sides of the foot  10  to partially surround the calcaneus. In some examples, the footplate  136  is permanently attached to the brace  100 . In some embodiments, the footplate  136  is removably attached to brace  100 . For example, the footplate  136  can be insertable into a pocket in the body  102  or attached to the inner or outer surfaces of the body  102  by fasteners (such as hook and loop fasteners). 
     The brace  100  can include a lateral support plate  138  (see  FIG.  2 A ) and/a medial support plate  140  (see  FIG.  2 B ). The lateral support plate  138  extends along the lateral side of the brace  100 , for example, from a position below the lateral malleolus  32  to a position above the lateral malleolus  32 . The lateral plate  138  may have various dimensions, for example, suitable to the size for the brace  100  and/or the ankle or leg of the wearer of the brace  100 . The lateral support plate  138  may be at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches long, as well as other lengths higher or lower than the listed values or any range of lengths between any of the listed values. The lateral support plate  138  may be at least 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 or 2.5 inches wide, as well as other widths higher or lower than the listed values or any range of widths between any of the listed values. The medial support plate  140  extends along the medial side of the brace  100 , for example, from a position below the medial malleolus  34  to a position above the medial malleolus  34 . The medial support plate  140  may be at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches long, as well as other lengths higher or lower than the listed values or any range of lengths between any of the listed values. The medial support plate  140  may be at least 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 or 2.5 inches wide, as well as other widths higher or lower than the listed values or any range of widths between any of the listed values. 
     The lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  can be positioned on the inside of the body  102 . In some examples, the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  are positioned between the outer surface and the inner surface of the body  102 . Accordingly, in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  are illustrated using dashed lines. In some examples, the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  can be positioned on the outer surface of the body  102 . In some examples, the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  are permanently attached to the brace  100 . In some embodiments, the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  are removably attached to brace  100 . For example, the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  can be insertable into a pockets in lateral and medial sides the body  102  or attached to the inner or outer surfaces of the body  102  by fasteners (such as hook and loop fasteners). 
     The lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  can be made from a heat formable material. The heat formable material can be substantially stiff or rigid at temperatures below a certain temperature and pliable or moldable at temperatures above the certain temperature. The lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  can thus be molded to conform to a particular wearer&#39;s anatomy by heating the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  above the certain temperature such that they become pliable and moldable, fitting the brace  100  to the wearer such that the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  conform to the patient&#39;s anatomy, and allow the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  to cool below the certain temperature such that the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  become substantially stiff or rigid. In some examples, the certain temperature is about 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, or 200° F. Thus, in certain examples, the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  are substantially stiff or rigid below 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, or 200° F. and moldable or pliable above 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, or 200° F. 
     The heat formable material can have a medium to high flexural modulus and/or a medium to high elongation or tensile strength. Suitable heat formable materials include polyester, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene tetraphthalate, polyamide, or PVC foam such as Sintra™ or Komatex™, or combinations thereof. An example of a suitable heat-moldable material includes the material provided by DJO Global under the trademark Exos 40BX. 
     In an alternative example, the lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  are not heat moldable. 
     The lateral and/or medial support plates  138 ,  140  can provide rigidity or stiffness to the brace  100 . The rigidity or stiffness can, for example, reduce or limit various motions of the foot  10  or ankle, such as eversion, inversion, internal rotation, external rotation, dorsiflexion, and/or plantarflexion. 
     The brace  100  can include a lateral buttress  142  (see  FIG.  2 A ) and/or a medial buttress  144  (see  FIG.  2 B ). The lateral buttress  142  and/or the medial buttress  144  can each be a small pad positioned above the lateral and/or medial malleolus  32 ,  34 , respectively. In some examples, the lateral buttress  142  and/or the medial buttress  144  comprise foam, gel, or another cushioning material. In some examples, the lateral buttress  142  and/or the medial buttress  144  can comprise a heat moldable material as described above, such that the lateral buttress  142  and/or the medial buttress  144  can be molded to conform to the wearer&#39;s anatomy. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the lateral buttress  142  and/or the medial buttress  144  can comprise an arcuate shape, configured to partially surround the lateral and/or medial malleolus  32 ,  34 , respectively. Other shapes for the lateral buttress  142  and the medial buttress  144  are also possible. 
     In some examples, the lateral buttress  142  and/or the medial buttress  144  can be positioned, either removably (for example, via hook and loop fasteners) or fixedly, on the inner surface of the body  102 . Accordingly, in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the lateral buttress  142  and the medial buttress  144  are illustrated using dashed lines. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 4 D  illustrate another embodiment of a brace  200 .  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are lateral and medial views of the brace  200  illustrated when not positioned on a wearer&#39;s ankle.  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  are lateral, medial, anterior, and posterior views of the brace  200  illustrated when positioned on the wearer&#39;s ankle. Similar to the brace  100 , the brace  200  is configured for treatment and/or prevention of high ankle sprains. Again, although this disclosure primarily refers to high ankle sprains, the brace  200  may also be useful in treating and/or preventing other types of ankle sprains (such as inversion ankle sprains and/or eversion ankle sprains) and/or other types of ankle, foot, and/or lower leg injuries.  FIGS.  3 A- 4 D  illustrate an example of the brace  200  configured to be worn on a right ankle. A mirror image of the illustrated brace  200  can be worn on a left ankle. The brace  200  is similar in many respects to the brace  100  previously described. Similar features of the brace  200  are referred to with the same reference numbers as used above with reference to the brace  100 . These similar features will not be described again with reference to the brace  200  with the understanding that the description of these features given above is applicable to the similar features of the brace  200 . 
     With reference to the lateral view of  FIG.  3 A , the brace  200  includes a posterior opening  201  formed on a posterior region of the leg portion  104  of the body  102 . In some examples, the posterior opening  201  aids a wearer in donning the brace  200 . For example, the wearer may insert the foot  10  and lower leg  11  through the posterior opening  201 . As illustrated, the brace  200  also includes a first medial flap  202  and a second medial flap  204 . The first and second medial flaps  202 ,  204  may include hook material  206  on the ends thereof. In some examples, the first and second medial flaps  202 ,  204  can be used to close the posterior opening  201  by wrapping the first and second medial flaps  202 ,  204  around the wearer&#39;s leg and attaching the hook material  206  to the lateral side of the brace  200 . 
     The brace  200  can include a lateral pocket  208 . The lateral pocket  208  can be formed on the lateral side of the brace. In certain embodiments, a lateral support plate  138  is positioned within the lateral pocket  208 . As illustrated, the lateral pocket  208  can include a distal slit  210  and a proximal slit  212 . The distal and proximal slits  210 ,  212  can allow access to the lateral pocket  208 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral strap  124  extends through the lateral pocket  208 . A distal end  128  of the lateral strap  124  extends from the distal slit  210  and includes a section of hook material  214 . To tighten the lateral strap  124 , the lateral strap can be pulled upwardly (proximally) and then folded back down (distally) and attached to the body  102  with the hook material  214 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 A , the torsion strap  118  can include anchors  216  embedded therein. The anchors  216  can be fabric flags molded into the torsion strap  118 . The anchors  216  can beneficially allow the torsion strap  118  to be sewn on its distal and proximal ends  120 ,  122 , without tearing through the elastomeric material of the torsion strap  118 . 
     The second tightening mechanism  116  can include regions of hook material  218 ,  220  on an inside surface thereof to facilitate attachment of the second tightening mechanism  116  to the body  102 . 
     With reference to the medial view of  FIG.  3 B , the brace  200  can include a medial pocket  222 . The medial pocket  222  can be formed on the medial side of the brace  200 . In certain embodiments, a medial support plate  104  is positioned within the medial pocket  222 . As illustrated, the medial pocket  222  can include a distal slit  224  and a proximal slit  226 . The distal and proximal slits  224 ,  226  can allow access to the medial pocket  222 . In the illustrated embodiment, the medial strap  130  extends through the medial pocket  222 . A distal end  132  of the medial strap  130  extends from the distal slit  226  and includes a section of hook material  228 . To tighten the medial strap  130 , the medial strap  130  can be pulled upwardly (proximally) and then folded back down (distally) and attached to the body  102  with the hook material  228 . 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  illustrate the brace  200  when worn.  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  are lateral, medial, anterior, and posterior views, respectively. With reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , when the brace  200  is worn, the first and second medial flaps  202 ,  204  are wrapped around the posterior of the lower leg  11  and attached to the lateral side of the brace. Lateral and medial straps  124 ,  130  extend from through lateral and medial pockets  208 ,  222  and are folded down and attached to brace  200 . A first attachment mechanism  240  (shown in greater detail in  FIG.  7   ) is attached to an anterior portion of the brace  200 . the first attachment mechanism  240  includes a reel  110 , a lace  112 , and a lace guide  114  as described above. The second attachment mechanism  116  extends from the second medial flap  204  and is wrapped around the lower leg  11 . The torsion strap  118  connects the fifth metatarsal to the medial malleolus. Although not visible in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D , the brace  200  can also include lateral and medial support plates  138 ,  140  and a footplate  136 . 
       FIG.  5    is a view of an embodiment of a lateral or medial support plate  138 ,  140 . As shown, the lateral or medial support plate  138 ,  140  can include a tapered portion on an end thereof. 
       FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  are different embodiments of a lateral or medial buttress  142 ,  144 . As shown, the lateral or medial buttress  142 ,  144  can comprise arcuate shapes.  FIG.  6 A  illustrates an embodiment with a smaller radius of curvature.  FIG.  6 B  illustrates an embodiment with a larger radius of curvature. 
       FIG.  7    is a view of an embodiment of a first tightening mechanism  240  that can be used with various ankle braces described herein, such as with the ankle brace  200  as shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B . The first tightening mechanism  240  is configured to be removably attachable to the brace  200 . The first tightening mechanism  240  includes a first tab  241  and a second tab  243 . Each of the first and second tabs  241 ,  243  can include hook material on a rear surface thereof so as to be attachable to the body  102  of the brace  200 . A reel  110  is positioned on the first tab  241 . Lace guides  114  are positioned on the second tab  243 . A lace  112  extends between the reel  110  and the lace guides  114 . The reel  110  is actuable to tighten the brace to bring the first and second tabs  241 ,  243  together. 
     The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment can be included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments. 
     The above description discloses several methods and materials of the present invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the invention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but that it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the true scope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims. Applicant reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.