For those of you who don’t know, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) affects the connective tissues such as the skin, joints, and blood vessel walls. EDS symptoms include joints that stretch farther than normal, or have stretchy or fragile skin. EDS symptoms and the severity can vary from person to person.

There are different types of EDS, some of which are genetically inherited. EDS can take decades to diagnose. Many people who are diagnosed were very flexible in their childhood and were often involved in gymnastics, cheerleading or dancing. Others bruise easily and may frequently dislocate something.

Some people with EDS find that compression can help. Compression garments increase blood flow and help speed up muscle recovery after overexertion. Braces can benefit people with the hypermobility EDS type by helping to stabilize the joints to relieve pain.

May is EDS Awareness Month and it is important to help spread the word. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Share your story online and connect with others
• Create special events in your local community to educate people
• Show your stripes! Rep zebra all month and make sure everyone knows why. You never know who you will inspire to advocate.

Additional Resources

Types of EDS – Rare Diseases

Get involved for EDS Awareness Month!

23 Signs You Grew Up With EDS – The Mighty

Patient Support – The Ehlers-Danlos Society

TREATMENT

Rest:

Try to stay off your feet for a while. The less stress you put on your ankle, the better. With most pain and injury, giving your body a break and a little TLC is all it needs to heal. For more serious injuries or ongoing pain, you may want to look into daily or weekly regimens to help manage and treat your pain.

Ice and Elevation:

At the end of the day or when you have the time, prop your ankle up above heart level with pillows or on the back of the couch. Putting ice on your ankle for about 20-30 minutes a few times a day will help reduce the swelling and pain. For an injury, the swelling should go down in a couple of days and depending on the severity, the pain should subside within a week or two at the most.

Ankle Braces:

If you are experiencing pain, it is important not to push yourself. The more stress you put on your ankle, the longer it will take to heal and you will increase your chances of it becoming a more serious complication. It is important to support your ankle with an ankle brace or wrap to help it heal, prevent injury and get relief.

MalleoTrain Ankle Brace by Bauerfeind

To reduce ankle pain and swelling, try out the MalleoTrain ankle brace. It has won several awards for design and functionality.

This knit brace has two cushions on the inner and outer ankle bones that massages the ankle joint as you walk and helps to support and stabilize your ankle.

If you are injured, have osteoarthritis or recently had surgery, this brace will help you get relief. The MalleoTrain ankle brace is available in three different colors and is great for everyday wear.

PREVENTION

Make sure you are wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, especially when you are exercising or plan on doing a lot of walking.  If you notice tenderness in your ankle or you have been more active than usual, take a couple of minutes to stretch.

If you have suffered from an ankle injury in the past, it is extremely important to make sure your ankle is supported. If you are exercising, try wearing a foot sleeve or an ankle brace to protect and prevent injury.

If you’re looking for a foot sleeve to wear everyday or while exercising that isn’t bulky, check out the Medi Protect Seamless Ankle Support. It can be worn under your normal socks or shoes and is safe to wear overnight. It is made from a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric and helps to relieve symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, swollen feet, heel spurs and chronic arch or heel pain.

If you have tried numerous remedies to reduce the pain and swelling and have had no luck, make sure you see a doctor immediately, especially if you can’t put much weight on your ankle.

BROWSE ANKLE BRACES AND WRAPS

If you have tips on relieving ankle pain or have questions about prevention or treatment, comment below!