Guides & Instructions
How to Fit the TayCo AthleticX Brace
Wearing your external ankle brace properly is imperative to support and protection. Watch the videos below to learn how to put on the brace, or download printed instructions.
Step 1 - Get Situated
Find a place to sit that allows you to easily bend your knee. Grab your cleats, athletic shoes, hiking boots, or supportive walkers that you’ll wear most often with the brace. Opt for footwear with more padding around the foot for better support. For best comfort, a tall sock that extends above the brace is recommended.
Step 2 - Adjust Stirrup Strap
With your shoe and brace in-hand, test the stirrup strap length by inserting your shoe into the brace. If you can’t fit the shoe in the brace or there’s extra space under the sole, open the double clasp by flipping up the top lever using your fingers or a household skinny object like a screwdriver. Fold down the bottom lever and either tighten or loosen the stirrup strap by gently pulling or pushing the stirrup strap.
Once in position, close the bottom lever. Then the top lever. See how to video below.
Step 3 - Put on the Brace
While seated, bend your knee slightly more than a right angle. This means your knee should almost be over your toe. Then slide the brace over your shoe from back to front, keeping your leg in the same position. It’s tempting, but try to avoid extending your leg out while putting on the brace.
Step 4 - Position
Lift the brace up on the heel where it meets the body of the shoe (the sole-counter junction), approximately 1" above where the bottom of the shoe meets the ground. The exact height may vary from shoe to shoe. When in the correct position, you may feel it pop/lock into place on the back of the shoe.
Once around the shoe, make sure the footplate feels snug, but comfortable. If not, revist Step 2 and continue to adjust stirrup strap.
Step 5 - Secure
Start by feeding strap 1 through the slot in the footplate and tighten.
Next, you can safely secure your AthleticX Brace by using the provided straps 2 and 3 AND/OR athletic tape, preferably non-adhesive power flex tape. You may also tape over straps 2 and 3 for extra security.
Video instructions for taping are included below.
Step 6 - Using the Straps
Adjust straps 2 and 3 to center the uprights on your leg, framing equal parts calf and shin. Double-check to ensure your leg is parallel with the uprights, then pinch the uprights together with one hand while connecting the straps around back. Feed straps 2 and 3 through the D-Ring and tighten in sequence.
TIP: Align D-Rings on straps 2 and 3 with the edge of the upright so they do not contact the leg or get in the way of the hook and loop.
Stirrup Strap Adjustment
Here we’ll show you how to adjust the bottom stirrup strap, allowing you to adapt the width of the brace to fit your footwear.
Tip for Bottom Stirrup Strap Adjustment
- Do not force the stirrup strap mechanism; simply move the stirrup strap slightly up or down and the clasp will close easily.
Troubleshooting Guide
If the brace feels too loose, unstable or uncomfortable, use this guide to help diagnose and fix the issue. If you have more questions, please call/text us at 574.968.0066 for live support or email us at help@taycobrace.com.
Product
- The uprights should fit parallel to the lower leg. If they do not, refit while ensuring your knee is bent slightly more than a right angle as you put on the brace and tighten the straps.
- If the straps are too short, please call or email us and we’ll send you longer straps.
Lack of Stability
- If the brace does not feel stable, the biggest culprit will likely be the stirrup strap. If the stirrup strap isn’t flush with the bottom of your shoe when wearing the brace, it’s not tight enough. With your shoe in the brace, start with tightening the stirrup strap until you can’t go any further.
- If the heel part of the brace moves up and down significantly or rubs against the ground, this may be a sign that the stirrup strap is not tight enough. It could also mean that the brace is not appropriately aligned at the heel where the sole meets the body of the shoe.
- If adjusting the stirrup strap does not increase stability, retighten straps 1, 2, 3 in sequence as tight as you can while maintaining comfort.
Discomfort
- If you feel discomfort or pinching on the calf or shin, double-check you’ve centered the brace on your leg, framing equal parts calf and shin.
- If you feel pressure on the bony prominence of your ankle, it’s because the circular pads don’t align with your ankle or your ankle deformity may be too great for an over-the-counter brace. This could also mean the brace is sitting too high or low, and we recommend adjusting the stirrup strap to help get the brace in position for malleolar comfort. Or you may also need a different size.
- If you experience pinching or a minor pressure point below the bony prominence on the inner side of the ankle, please contact us for extra padding specific to that area.
- If the footplate is creating too much pressure or is uncomfortable as it extends towards the toes, adjusting the stirrup strap or tightness of strap 1 can have a positive impact.
- If the metal ring on straps 2 or 3 is rubbing your leg, reposition the straps to make sure the metal ring aligns with the edge of the upright but does not interfere with the hook [and loop] on the upright.
- Avoid shoe laces getting caught inside the brace or under the strap (or any other items that might create pressure).
Important Safeguards
- The TayCo AthleticX Brace is designed for use only on the ankle and outside the shoe.
- Do not use for any other part of the body.
- Inspect the brace before each use. The brace must not be used if any components are torn or broken. Do not attempt to repair.
- Any alteration of application other than illustrated is misuse of the TayCo AthleticX Brace. Use only as instructed.
- Proper use is necessary to avoid risk of further injury.
- TayCo Brace, Inc. will not be liable for injuries or damages resulting from misuse or misapplication of the TayCo AthleticX Brace.
- Discontinue use if you experience irritation, discomfort or instability related to the brace.
- Always consult a doctor or medical professional for diagnosis and treatment of any pain or injury, or if pain or discomfort continues or gets worse
