While taping an ankle, as is common in football, rugby, and basketball, does reduce the risk of ankle sprain, an Australian study reported in the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy indicates it may have a negative effect on balance.

The study had twenty-four young athletes support their ankles with tape, a brace, and an elastic bandage. "With each type of support and no support as a control," the researchers say, "the athletes stood on one leg with their eyes closed while the investigators measured variations in force between the foot and the ground using a device called a force platform, and how often the athletes' touched down with the non-supporting foot."

While elastic bandages showed no effect on balance, taped or braced athletes demonstrated "greater fluctuations in ground reaction force," and used their free foot to steady themselves with more ground touches than those with no ankle support.

Researchers concluded "posture control and balance were affected adversely by the supports due to restriction of normal ankle movement." They conjecture that this could translate into slightly decreased mobility during athletic activity, possibly reducing an athlete's performance. Editorial Board Member Stephen Perle, D.C., C.C.S.P. commented that "this study also shows that balance re-education after injury should be an important part of rehabilitation."

Another board member, Steven Dickoff-Hoffman, observed that "knee or ankle braces may provide a false sense of security, and we don't endorse using braces for preventive purposes." Even using braces during rehabilitation is dangerous if the braces are used too long. One sports physiologist said "with soccer injuries, braces not only affected my balance, they gave me a false sense of security that encouraged me to be more reckless in play, and I was re-injured often. I had to wean myself off the brace: first, during non-sports activities; next, at practice; finally, during games. I also switched from a stabilizing brace to a sleeve."

Any injury should be given R.I.C.E. -- rest, ice, compression, and elevation -- and the athlete referred to a physician. Compression can be by means of external supports such as tape, brace, or bandage. The point is to reduce movements that caused or contributed to the injury, and to help support the injured tissues while they have a restricted range of movement.

Sometimes external support is necessary if rehabilitation is unsuccessful, leaving you with a "trick ankle" if the supporting tissues and ligaments don't heal properly. Always visit a sports physician as soon as possible after an injury for optimum healing.