Steph Curry Ankle Braces: Why He Wears Them?
Stephen Curry wears Zamst A2-DX ankle braces to prevent injuries after suffering multiple ankle sprains early in his career that required surgery and threatened his NBA future.
The History of Steph Curry’s Ankle Problems
Stephen Curry, widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, has had a remarkable career with the Golden State Warriors. However, his journey to basketball greatness was nearly derailed by persistent ankle injuries during his early years in the league. These injuries were so severe that many questioned whether his promising career would be cut short.
Early Career Ankle Injuries
During his rookie season, Curry missed his first two games due to a sprained left ankle. The following season, he missed eight more games due to right ankle injuries. The 2011-12 season was particularly challenging for Curry, as he only played in 26 games while dealing with five ankle sprains. These recurring injuries raised serious concerns about his durability and long-term prospects in the NBA.
The injuries were occurring with such frequency that basketball analysts began to doubt his future. ESPN analyst Skip Bayless once referred to Curry’s ankle as a “tissue paper ankle” and compared him to Bill Walton, whose career was cut short by ankle problems. At one point, Curry had missed 54 games over four NBA seasons, putting his basketball career in serious jeopardy.
Surgical Interventions
The severity of Curry’s ankle issues led to multiple surgeries. These procedures were aimed at repairing damaged ligaments in his ankles. For a guard like Curry, whose playing style relies heavily on quick movements, agility, and sudden direction changes, these surgeries could have been career-ending. The rehabilitation process was lengthy and challenging, requiring significant physical and mental strength.
The Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace Solution
The turning point in Curry’s battle with ankle injuries came when he discovered the Zamst A2-DX ankle brace. This specialized piece of equipment has been credited with helping him overcome his ankle problems and allowing him to continue his career at the highest level.
What is the Zamst A2-DX Ankle Brace?
The Zamst A2-DX is a high-performance ankle brace designed to provide maximum support for moderate to severe ankle sprains. It features a unique design that offers comprehensive protection against ankle injuries. The brace is made with i-Fit and a-Fit technology for an anatomically correct fit, with specific versions for the right and left ankles.
One of the key features of the Zamst A2-DX is its Exo-Grid (Xternal) system, which is a dual exterior molded support structure with Grip Tech (anti-migration) technology. This system prevents the ankle from rolling inward (inversion) and outward (eversion), which are common mechanisms of ankle injuries in basketball.
Additionally, the Exo-Grid, along with the anchor strap, helps prevent high ankle sprains by reducing the separation of the two lower leg bones where the ankle meets. The X-Strap Stabilizers with Grip Tech located underneath the foot prevent forward shifting, providing comprehensive protection against various types of ankle injuries.
How the Brace Helped Curry’s Career
Since incorporating the Zamst A2-DX ankle brace into his equipment, Curry has experienced a significant reduction in ankle injuries. The brace has provided him with both physical support and psychological confidence, allowing him to play his natural game without fear of re-injury.
In a 2014 interview, Curry expressed his confidence in the brace, stating: “I’ve used a lot of different braces to help reinforce my right ankle, but since my surgery, I have only been wearing the ZAMST A2-DX, it has provided the support I need to keep me on the court. The ZAMST A2-DX is the only product that has given me the full confidence to play without the fear of re-injuring my ankle.”
This confidence has been crucial to Curry’s success. When athletes begin to second-guess their natural movements due to fear of injury, their performance suffers significantly. The Zamst A2-DX has allowed Curry to play without hesitation, enabling him to showcase his extraordinary skills.
The Technical Aspects of Curry’s Ankle Braces
Understanding the technical features of the Zamst A2-DX helps explain why it has been so effective for Curry and other athletes dealing with ankle issues.
Design and Construction
The Zamst A2-DX is designed with several key features that make it particularly effective for basketball players:
- Anatomical Design: The brace is specifically designed for either the right or left foot, ensuring a proper fit.
- Dual External Support: The brace features rigid plastic supports on both sides of the ankle, providing stability against lateral movements.
- Anti-Migration Technology: The Grip Tech feature prevents the brace from sliding during intense activity, maintaining consistent support.
- X-Strap Stabilizers: These straps prevent the foot from sliding forward within the shoe, reducing the risk of anterior ankle injuries.
- High Ankle Support: The brace extends higher up the ankle than many other designs, offering protection against high ankle sprains, which are common in basketball.
How It Works to Prevent Injuries
The Zamst A2-DX works by limiting excessive ankle movement while still allowing for the natural range of motion needed for basketball. According to foot doctor Zach Thomas, Curry has “completely torn multiple ankle ligaments over the course of years multiple times,” making this support essential for his continued play.
The brace prevents three main types of ankle injuries:
- Inversion Sprains: These occur when the ankle rolls inward, stretching or tearing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The rigid external support of the A2-DX prevents this inward rolling.
- Eversion Sprains: Less common but still possible, these occur when the ankle rolls outward. The dual-sided support of the A2-DX prevents this movement as well.
- High Ankle Sprains: These involve the syndesmosis, the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula. The higher design and anchor strap of the A2-DX help prevent the separation of these bones during play.
The Impact on Curry’s Playing Style and Performance
Many athletes worry that wearing ankle braces might limit their mobility or affect their performance. However, Curry’s experience suggests that the right brace can provide protection without compromising athletic ability.
Performance with Braces
Since adopting the Zamst A2-DX ankle braces, Curry has achieved remarkable success in his NBA career. He has led the Golden State Warriors to four NBA championships, earned multiple MVP awards, and established himself as the greatest shooter in NBA history. This success indicates that the braces have not hindered his performance; if anything, they have enhanced it by allowing him to play without fear of injury.
Curry wears the braces on both ankles, even though his right ankle has been more problematic historically. This symmetrical approach ensures balanced support and may help prevent compensatory injuries that can occur when an athlete favors one side.
Combining Braces with Low-Top Shoes
Interestingly, Curry has been able to transition to low-top basketball shoes despite his history of ankle problems. In 2018, he switched to the Under Armour Curry 5 low, a move that surprised some fans given his ankle history. However, Curry explained that he would continue to wear his ankle braces with the new shoes, stating: “It is kind of ironic that I made the switch this season considering my ankle issues, but this shoe is stable and engineered to maximize my performance. I will still wear my ankle braces, but I have total comfort and security in my new shoe.”
This combination of low-top shoes with high-quality ankle braces demonstrates that ankle support doesn’t necessarily require high-top footwear. Medical studies have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of high-top versus low-top shoes in preventing ankle injuries. What seems to be more important is the use of proper ankle braces and strengthening exercises.
Beyond Braces: Curry’s Comprehensive Approach to Ankle Health
While the Zamst A2-DX ankle braces have been a crucial component of Curry’s injury prevention strategy, they are just one part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining ankle health.
Strength and Conditioning
Curry works extensively with the Warriors’ strength and conditioning staff to build strength and stability in his ankles and throughout his kinetic chain. He is known for doing band warm-ups before games, which help activate and loosen the muscles in his legs. This type of muscle activation is important for preventing injuries, as strong muscles can help support and protect vulnerable joints.
Curry’s focus on core strength is also significant. A strong core helps maintain proper body alignment during movement, reducing stress on the ankles and other joints. By strengthening his core and hips, Curry has been able to improve his overall stability and reduce his risk of ankle injuries.
Warm-Up and Recovery Routines
Proper warm-up and recovery routines are essential for preventing injuries and maintaining joint health. Curry is meticulous about his pre-game preparation, which includes specific exercises to activate the muscles around his ankles and prepare them for the demands of the game.
After games and practices, recovery techniques such as ice baths, massage, and stretching help reduce inflammation and promote healing. These practices are particularly important for athletes with a history of joint injuries, as they help manage the cumulative stress of regular high-intensity activity.
Other NBA Players Using Similar Ankle Braces
Curry’s success with the Zamst A2-DX has influenced other NBA players facing similar challenges. One notable example is Atlanta Hawks All-Star guard Trae Young.
Trae Young and Preventative Use
Unlike Curry, who turned to ankle braces after experiencing serious injuries, Trae Young has adopted the Zamst A2-DX as a preventative measure. Young is only a few years into his NBA career and has dealt with minor injuries so far, but he wears the same ankle braces as Curry to prevent severe injuries.
Young’s approach demonstrates the value of proactive injury prevention. By wearing ankle braces before experiencing significant injuries, he hopes to avoid the challenges that Curry faced early in his career. According to reports, Young has had a few ankle sprains that could have been more severe, but because of the braces, he only missed a limited amount of time.
The Prevalence of Ankle Injuries in the NBA
Ankle injuries are the most common ailment among NBA players, according to the National Library of Medicine. The constant jumping, pivoting, and changing direction required in basketball puts tremendous stress on the ankles, making them vulnerable to sprains and strains.
Guards like Curry and Young, who rely heavily on quickness and agility, are particularly susceptible to ankle injuries. Their playing style involves frequent cutting, stopping, and starting, all of which put significant stress on the ankle joint. The use of high-quality ankle braces helps mitigate this risk, allowing these players to perform at their best while reducing their chance of injury.
Should You Use Ankle Braces Like Curry?
Given the success that Curry has had with the Zamst A2-DX ankle braces, many basketball players at all levels wonder if they should adopt similar equipment. The answer depends on several factors.
Considerations for Different Players
For players with a history of ankle injuries, ankle braces like the Zamst A2-DX can provide valuable support and protection. They can help prevent re-injury and provide the confidence needed to play without hesitation. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before choosing a brace, as different types of injuries may require different types of support.
For players without a history of ankle problems, preventative bracing is a more complex decision. Some experts suggest that healthy athletes should focus on strengthening exercises rather than relying on external support. However, others argue that the high rate of ankle injuries in basketball justifies preventative bracing, especially for players in positions that involve frequent cutting and jumping.
Cost and Accessibility
The Zamst A2-DX ankle brace is available for approximately $69.99, making it a significant but not prohibitive investment for serious basketball players. While this is more expensive than basic ankle braces, the advanced features and durability may make it worth the cost for players concerned about ankle protection.
It’s worth noting that while Curry uses the Zamst A2-DX, his braces may be customized to his specific needs as a professional athlete. However, the standard version available to consumers offers the same basic technology and protection.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
