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So I haven't ridden in over a week due to a high ankle sprain when going for a run last Monday.  The swelling has gone down and I can hobble about without much pain and I don't have to wear my walking boot anymore (technically).  I was told by the physical therapist to get a level 3, lace up ankle brace since the walking boot caused more pain with it on than off.

I need the joint to heal stronger because of a line of work change that is coming and being in shape is a must, so I am by no means looking to skimp on my therapy process.  Plus riding is my way of commuting and getting a 2 1/2 year old, and 9 month old up each morning and loaded into the car so my wife can drive me ends up being a bad deal for her for most of the day.  Loads of grumpy pants for her to deal with.

I will obviously wait to get cleared to ride again (was originally told 2-3 weeks probably) but has anyone found an ankle brace that works well to support the joint and allow flexibility to ride?  

Side note:  If you've never had a sprain like this, your ankle turns fantastic shades of purple, green, yellow, and black!  And it includes your whole foot and shin!

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Ouch! Sorry to hear that!! Hope you are able to get better and get back on the bike quickly.

I have a chronically sprained ankle (gymnastics/inline skating overuse when I was younger). I don't know about having an ankle brace - I haven't done that. I did benefit from going to a physical therapist - they worked on strengthening supporting muscles so that less stress was on my ankles, causing less swelling. 

I don't know your experience with your current physical therapist but I had a really good experience by going to one that is also a cyclist and works with a lot of the racers. There was a lot of focus given to getting me back on the bike. 

I've done this - not fun.  The combo that's worked well for me is using a brace something like this one under a regular sock with a hiking boot.  Last summer when I was recovering from an ankle fracture, that combo helped me to transition back into riding. 

http://www.braceplanet.com/SAI-Figure-8-Ankle-Support.html?gclid=CO...

I severely sprained my ankle in early January (with the fun colors, foot/lower leg swelling & all!). I started riding 2 1/2 weeks after the injury date. Similar to Anne Alt, I've been riding with a brace and hiking boots. The ankle brace I wear when I ride has plastic inserts along the sides.

Walking was a struggle for a while and stairs still so, but I've had zero issues riding.

Hope you have a smooth, fast recovery!

I agree with Yasmeen. Although I have not had your injury, a physical therapist can work wonders; mine was a pinched sciatic nerve. Your primary care physician can write you a prescription for a physical therapist (then it is covereed by insurance), and you can choose your own. I went to Athletico, and they zeroed in on my problem, and it healed quickly.

If you're able to get a physical therapy Rx and insurance approval to cover most of the cost, that can make a HUGE difference.

When I was recovering (even when I was still in a huge orthopedic boot), I found it much easier to ride than to walk.  My brother went through the same thing after spraining his ankle in college and had similar results.  His bike was a lifesaver on his commute to/from classes.

Thanks for the reply all, I am going to get a brace tonight.  Yesterday was my first PT appointment and the person helping me didn't seem to want to get me healed quickly, or at least that's the impression I got.  I mentioned I need to get my ankle to a point I can ride to work (only 4.3 miles one way luckily) and she said it could be 2 months, when I pressed the issue she mentioned getting a lace up brace and seeing where I am in about a week.  I had a sigh of relief....this one car thing is sucky to the max!

I will see a fellow therapist on my next visit, and I am hoping I am progressing well.  Amazingly I have lost weight since I hurt myself so it isn't all that bad since I had plateaued before that and wasn't dropping weight!

Lace-up braces are great for lateral stability but aren't comfortably compatible with all shoes. At the very least, you can wear one around the house with slippers. If you have a pair of shoes that will accommodate one (low flexible sides), that's great.  You may find that it works okay for riding but not as much for walking.  This varies a LOT by shoe type.

It might not work with hiking boots, or with most footwear suitable for winter conditions. Just my experience.... Your mileage may vary.

Thanks for the further input Anne!

Good luck! I hope you heal well.

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