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Do you constantly roll your ankles?

Forever injuring your ankles in sport, or at work?

Do you find yourself hesitant to trust your ankle stability when exercising?

Darwin Podiatry are proud stockists of the Brace for Innovation EXO-L and EXO-L Up ankle bracing systems. The EXO-L ankle brace is an external ankle ligament. As Brace for Innovation explains, the brace acts as a seat belt to protect you at the moment you are about to roll your ankle – without compromising your range of motion. This innovative product has been used across Europe and is proven to prevent ankle sprains.

Benefits include no more need for strapping and taping prior to training and playing sport. As the brace system attaches onto the outside of the shoe, there is no need to change shoe sizes to accommodate bulky braces. The brace also allows for unrestricted movement of the ankle, compared to many bracing systems that force the ankle into a rigid position.

It is fast to put on and remove, comes in multiple colour options, and it 100% custom to your foot and ankle.

EXO-L Brace

The EXO-L acts as an external ankle ligament that tensions when lateral stability is compromised, effectively protecting you at the moment you are about to roll your ankle – without affecting your freedom of movement in other directions. 

A 3D digital scan is taken to produce a custom device, so you no longer have to compromise comfort for protection. No need for strapping, or bulky ankle braces, and can easily be used in conjunction with orthoses.  

A small patch is stitched to your footwear to anchor the brace. The cuff is easy to apply and only takes a few seconds to tension.   

The EXO-L is perfect for the prevention of lateral ankle injuries for avid bushwalkers, weekend warriors, elite athletes and can be considered as an alternative to surgery, or to help with post-surgical rehab.  

The EXO-L brace provides excellent protection for any sports that require lateral movement – e.g., netball, hockey, tennis, basketball* and soccer. At this stage, the EXO-L cannot be used during the competitive games of contact sports, such as AFL and Rugby, however it is suitable to use during non-contact training.  

*Not suitable for high top shoes 

EXO-L UP 

The EXO-L UP is a comfortable AFO (ankle foot orthotic) that can assist patients that have neurological disorders, such as foot drop or cerebral palsy.  

The lateral anchor patch is combined with a second patch on the top of the footwear, and two cords are attached to these patches, to prevent inversion and plantarflexion of the ankle to improve foot clearance during gait.  

Smaller and lighter than other AFOs, the EXO-L UP is easy to use and is low in profile.  

What is the Process? 

A 3D scan of the ankle is taken by your podiatrist at Darwin Podiatry. The scan is checked for suitability before being emailed to Belgium. The scan file is then used to engineer the brace for 3D, or additive printing, in Adelaide. The brace is robust and lightweight and inspected individually, guaranteeing the best quality product.  

Following the initial appointment, the patient is then directed to a local bootmaker in Darwin that we have partnered with to have the patches stitched to suitable footwear. The podiatrist will detail the footwear that is suitable for these patches to your in your appointment.  

A fitting appointment is made 4 weeks from the initial scan, and the podiatrist will ensure a perfect fit, and observe the gait following fitting.  

A 12-month review is recommended to assess the durability of the brace and its components (chord, EVA padding, footwear patch). Components can be replaced as required for an additional fee.  

If you think the EXO-L brace might just be answer to the ankle stability you’re lacking, call Darwin Podiatry on 8991 9955 to make an appointment with a Podiatrist for further information, or visit https://braceforinnovation.com.au/ for more.