ES2904902T3 - Sock to prevent ankle injuries - Google Patents

Abstract

A sock for preventing ankle injuries of a subject, comprising a sock body including a leg section and a foot section. wherein the leg section comprises a fastening band comprising a first zone of high compression (2a), configured to contour the transverse leg of the subject's body, characterized in that the foot section comprises a second zone (3) of high compression positioned to match the back of the subject's ankle and configured to minimize subject's adduction/abduction movements; and a third zone of high compression (2b, 2c) that delimits the leg section and the foot section of the subject with an X shape that begins at the fastening band and outlines the sole of the foot section and the upper part of the foot section, configured to restrict the plantar flexion movement of the subject, where the first zone and the second zone of high compression are joined by a vertical band (1) with moderate compression, where said vertical band laterally accompanies the subject's fibular alignment trajectory ending at the fixation band, wherein the remaining zones are zones of low compression, such that said low compression is less compression than said high compression, such that said moderate compression is between said low compression and tall.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Sock to prevent ankle injuries

technical field

The present description relates to a sock for preventing ankle injuries; a sock to provide additional protection for the ankle joint, reducing the need to wear an ankle brace. The sock of the present disclosure can be used in sports to prevent and reduce ankle sprain. DE 20 2011 105360 U1 is considered to be the closest state of the art.

Background

The importance of intervening in the prevention of ankle sprain is supported by studies that place this type of injury as the most frequent in several individual and team sports, representing 80 to 100% of all injuries in this anatomical region in some sports. 12.

Up to 650,000 ankle injuries may occur in a single country in Europe (the Netherlands), with incidence rates of 1.5-7 per 1,000 people per year in the general European population 3

It is also an injury with a high rate of recurrence, and in around 40% of cases it can lead to Chronic Ankle Instability 2-4

Its prevalence is worrying in Europe, but also in the rest of the world, regardless of age, sex and competitive level 25.

The socioeconomic impact on health systems is enormous, because each injury can reach values in the range of €360.60 to €10,949.00, which multiplied by the total number of injuries can exceed €234 million per year 36 .

The ankle sprain as a health problem has prevention as the best possible solution. Given that preventive policies better serve the interests of society in general, it is essential to focus on methods of simple application, transversal to the entire world population, that promote individual autonomy, encourage an active lifestyle and improve quality of life. .

In this way, the ease of implementation of this preventive method in sports communities and in the general population, regardless of age, level of physical activity or gender, makes this prevention method the perfect vehicle to benefit the greatest number of people in the world.

Because it is such a common injury, any effective injury risk reduction method will ultimately benefit thousands of people.

The fact that socks are an essential garment for practicing sports encourages adherence to the preventive program, since the user will hardly forget it. The same is not true of the other available methods (ankle bandages and ankle supports) which, as an “additional” part of sportswear, are often not added to the sports bag due to forgetfulness.

These new socks will allow the user to maintain the same levels of sensitivity and/or perception when in contact with the ball, a factor of extreme importance in sports such as soccer and futsal. On the other hand, the existing solutions, "conventional sock ankle bandages" or "conventional sock ankle braces", reduce this sensitivity and/or perception, impairing performance, that is, the assertiveness of the pass. When the athlete associates a preventive method with reduced performance, it often leads to poor adherence to that preventive method. With this new sock solution, this problem does not arise.

From the economic point of view, expressed in the costs of acquiring sports equipment by the athlete or club, this new solution is intended to be advantageous, since it is reusable (unlike functional bandages) and is part of the clothing of the user, not appearing as an additional piece to sportswear. In this way, the athlete/club would need to buy only one sock, instead of buying conventional socks and additionally ankle supports.

Aware of the urgent premise of avoiding waste and promoting reuse, these socks are a more environmentally friendly solution to the extent that they are a reusable prevention method. On the other hand, solutions such as functional bandages that do not allow their reuse and that use adhesives in their bands are completely disposable and non-transferable, which does not allow them to be an environmentally sustainable solution.

These new socks will help address the health and socioeconomic issues associated with this injury.

It is an innovative concept that will incorporate in a single garment (socks), the theoretical foundations and characteristics of two methods widely used in the prevention of this injury (Ankle Supports and Functional Bandages).

These facts are described for the purpose of illustrating the technical problem addressed by the present description.

General description

The present description relates to a sock capable of providing additional protection for an ankle joint, reducing the need to wear an ankle brace without reducing the performance/comfort of the subject.

Socks to prevent ankle injury, that is, sprains. The socks of the present description allow primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of ankle sprain, while at the same time improving sports performance 7-9

In one embodiment, the sock of the present description can have four versions:

knee high socks (Figure 1, 2, 3, 4, 5),

short socks up to the middle of the leg (Figure 7) and,

similar to the previous socks mentioned above but without the toe region (Figure 8).

In one embodiment, the sock of the present description may comprise a mixture of elastane (4-7%) and polyamide (93-96%) fibers with different orientations.

In one embodiment, the sock of the present disclosure may have external plantar adhesion areas (FIG. 5). However, in the same embodiments, the socks of the present description can be produced without this component.

The present description relates to a sock for preventing a subject's ankle injury, i.e. a sprain, comprising a sock body including a leg section and a foot section wherein the leg section comprises a band comprising a first zone of high compression, (band 2a Figure 1), preferably simple or double U-shaped, configured to contour the lower region of the triceps surae muscle, where the foot section comprises a second zone of high positioned compression; that is, U-shaped band (Band 3, figure 4), to coincide with the back of the subject's ankle and configured to minimize the adduction/abduction movements of the subject;

a third zone of high compression, preferably comprising two bands (2b and 2c, figure 2) that delimit the leg section and the foot section of the subject with an X shape that begins in the fixation band (2a) and outlines the sole of the foot and the top of the foot section, configured to restrict the subject's plantar flexion movement, i.e. eversion/inversion movements, where the first zone (i.e. high compression foot section) and the second high compression zone (that is, the high compression leg section) are joined by a vertical band, preferably with moderate compression, (band 1, figures 1 and 3), where said vertical band laterally accompanies the trajectory fibular alignment of the subject ending in the fixation band,

where the remaining zones are low compression zones,

such that said low compression is less compression than said high compression,

such that said moderate compression is between said low and high compression.

The sock of the present description has a heterogeneous compression, this heterogeneous compression prevents ankle injury without affecting the normal movement of the lower limb, these different compression zones also prevent the formation/evolution of edema after injury. Surprisingly, the sock of the present description could be used in sports, ie football, without affecting the performance of the player. The sock of the present disclosure also improves blood circulation.

In an embodiment for better results, the compression between the leg section and the foot section is heterogeneous.

In one embodiment for best results, the mean compression from foot to leg section is decreasing between sections [foot (more compression)/leg (less compression)] and is heterogeneous within each section.

In one embodiment for best results, the sock of the present description the reaming areas are low compression areas.

In an embodiment to obtain better results, another sock of the present description the zones identified by the letters A, B and C (zone A, Zone B and Zone C - Figure 9) present a decreasing average pressure from distal to proximal. In each zone, the regions with bands 1, 2a, 2b, 2c and 3 present greater compression compared to the rest of the surfaces of the zone in which they are inserted.

In one embodiment, for better results, the compression from the leg section to the foot section is heterogeneous, that is, the pressure between the malleolus and the Achilles tendon is different, in a different location, allowing a heterogeneous pressure drop in the lower limb avoiding a sprain and/or the extent of damage after ankle ischemia or sprain.

In one embodiment for best results, the high compression zone comprises at least 4 MPa (30 mmHg) compression, preferably at least 5.3 MPa (40 mmHg) (FIG. 9).

In one embodiment for best results, in the high compression zone the compression (Zone A) may vary between 2.93 to 4 MPa (22 to 30 mmHg) (FIG. 9).

Sock compression can be measured for different methodologies/devices, in the present description the pressure measurement device - MST MK V, from SwissLastic, Switzerland was used.

In one embodiment for best results, the compression of the moderate compression zone (Zone B) may vary between 2.4 to 2.93 MPa (18 to 22 mmHg) (FIG. 9).

In one embodiment for best results, the compression of the low compression zone (Zone A) may vary between 1.87 to 2.4 MPa (14 to 18 mmHg) (FIG. 9).

In an embodiment for best results, the sock of the present description may comprise two parallel vertical bands (Band 1, Figures 1 and 3).

In one embodiment for best results, the vertical leg band is lengthened to the sole of the foot. In an embodiment for better results, the sock of the present description where the vertical band connects to band 2b and 2c, near the plantar surface (Figures 1, 3 and 5).

In an embodiment to obtain better results, the sock of the present description may comprise an anti-slip area in the sole of the foot section (Figure 5).

In an embodiment for better results, the sock of the present description may comprise a resilient elastic material and a natural or synthetic fiber.

In an embodiment to obtain better results, the sock of the present description where the natural or synthetic fiber can be selected from cotton, wool, silk, microfiber, polyamide or combinations thereof. In one embodiment for best results, the resilient elastic material is selected from latex, a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, spandex, elastane, nylon, neoprene, lycra, polyester, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment for best results, the sock of the present description may comprise a blend of 4-7% (w/w) elastane and 93-96% polyamide fibers.

In an embodiment for best results, the sock of the present disclosure may comprise a toe section.

In one embodiment for best results, the sock of the present disclosure the leg section may extend to the knee.

In an embodiment to obtain better results, the sock of the present description may comprise at least 3 levels of compression:

Level I = low ^ 1.87 to 2.4 MPa (14 to 18 mmHg);

Level II = moderate ^ 2.4 to 2.93 MPa (18 to 22 mmHg);

Level III = high ^ 2.93 to 4 MPa (22 to 30 mmHg).

In an embodiment for better results, the sock of the present description can achieve several levels of prevention:

Primary Prevention - The sock of the present disclosure can prevent/eliminate an individual's exposure to a risk factor before they experience their first ankle sprain. On the other hand, bandages and supports, due to their discomfort and associated costs, are not normally seen as primary prevention measures.

Secondary prevention - the sock of the present description will allow the clinical evolution of individuals who have suffered an ankle sprain, with the advantage of favoring active control of the joint by the neuromuscular apparatus of the individual, which contrasts with predominantly passive stabilization of rigid ankle braces.

Tertiary Prevention - The sock of the present disclosure can reduce the social and economic costs of disease states in the population through early rehabilitation/reintegration and improvement of the remaining functional capacity of individuals. Because it is a stabilization method with heterogeneous compressive characteristics, with perimalleolar compression contours, the edema will be reduced in the regions of ligament injury. Existing methods do not show marked selectivity in the regions where they promote tissue compression, so these new socks also excel in this field.

The sock of the present description can also have several advantages related to sports performance:

Speed - These socks will allow an improvement in the speed of starting, braking and changes of direction, since they have areas of adherence to the sports shoe on the external plantar face, reducing the slippage of the foot in the shoe. The fact of having these areas of adhesion only on the outside of the stocking, guarantees the comfort of the individual. On the other hand, ankle and ankle bandages aim only at a protection objective, not meeting the needs of the athlete with respect to sports performance.

Resistance/endurance to fatigue - The fact that the entire sock is designed with compressive characteristics up to the knee region (in its longest version) favors venous return, helping the muscle pump of the triceps surae, and reducing, from this, mode, fatigue associated with the accumulation of metabolites due to exercise. On the other hand, ankle bandages and ankle braces present a too selective compression for the ankle region, not promoting the venous return associated with the muscular pumping of the triceps surae.

The sock of the present description can also present several advantages related to comfort: the sock of the present description presents superior comfort to market solutions, since unlike ankle bandages, they do not use adhesive material in contact with the leather, nor do they have rigid materials like some anklets. The fact of occupying only the space of a common sock inside the shoe, promotes greater comfort that contrasts with that experienced when other containment methods (bandages and ankle supports) are added to common socks.

The sock of the present description can also have several economic advantages:

Individual - the costs associated with purchasing these new socks will be less than buying normal sports socks, ankle wraps or compression shin guards to improve venous return.

Sports/competitive - The acquisition of this new preventive method by the clubs has an advantage, to the extent that it will save the money spent on the acquisition of non-reusable material, such as bandages. Encouraging a reduction in the number of injuries and their severity will reduce the cost with athletes out of competition, an impact of extreme importance mainly in professional clubs.

Health Systems - These socks will go a long way in effectively reducing the number of first and recurrent sprains, as well as reducing the severity of those that cannot be avoided. By preventing the injury from occurring or reducing its severity, we may be helping to avoid invasive surgical interventions (therapy used in 20% of the most severe cases)10. As a successful preventative method, it will reduce emergency care as well as costly and harmful diagnostic methods (X-rays and CT scans). Bandages and ankle braces are not as popular, and for that reason they will not have such a significant impact on health systems.

The sock of the present description can also have several social advantages:

Because socks are a commonly worn item of clothing they make them inconspicuous when worn for clinical purposes in a non-athletic context, promoting the psychological well-being of the wearer. Contrary to ankle supports or braces, which readily identify the individual as having a functional limitation, socks do not impose this negative psychological connotation on the wearer, thus promoting social inclusion.

The sock of the present description can also have several ecological advantages:

the sock of the present description is a solution that respects the environment to the extent that it is a reusable prevention method, avoiding glue. On the other hand, solutions such as functional bandages that do not allow their reuse and that use adhesives in their bands are completely disposable and non-transferable, which does not allow them to be an environmentally sustainable solution.

Brief description of the drawings

The following figures provide preferred embodiments to illustrate the description and should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Figure 1: Illustrates a side view of the socks according to an embodiment of the present description.

Figure 2: Illustrates an embodiment of a front view of the socks of the present description.

Figure 3: Illustrates one embodiment of a medial view of the socks of the present description.

Figure 4: Illustrates an embodiment of a rear view of the socks of the present description.

Figure 5: Illustrates an embodiment of a plantar view of the socks of the present description.

Figure 6: Illustrates one embodiment of an architecture of the stabilizing bands that are rectangular in shape of the present description.

Figure 7: illustrates an embodiment of a short socks of the present description.

Figure 8: Illustrates one embodiment of the toeless short socks of the present invention.

Figure 9: Illustrates an embodiment of the Pressure Zones with the different sizes of the architecture of the stabilization bands of the present invention, where:

(1) represents a U-shaped band that promotes supination/pronation control,

(2a) represents a double U-shaped band that secures band 1 and serves as an anchor for bands 2b and 2c.

(2b+2c) X-shaped band that promotes control of eversion (2b)/inversion (2c) and plantar flexion (2a 2b 2c),

(3) represents a U-shaped band that promotes adduction/abduction control,

(4) represents the area of least compression,

(5) represents the anti-slip area.

Detailed description

The present description relates to a sock capable of providing additional protection for the ankle joint by reducing the need to wear an ankle protector/brace.

This sock can be used to prevent and reduce ankle sprain.

Compared with socks, the sock of the present description has several advantages:

- An advantage of the sock of the present description is that it is reusable, it does not lose its elastic and containment properties throughout the activity, it does not require a qualified healthcare professional for its application and it can be used as many times as the user wishes, because they have finishes that give them comfort and durability during and between uses, thus avoiding areas of friction and aggression to the skin. On the other hand, functional adhesive bandages (existing solution) do not respond well to users' needs, since they are not reusable, they lose part of their stabilizing capacity during physical activity due to sweat, they need a health professional to application and cannot be used very frequently due to the possibility of skin damage from the adhesive material.

- Another advantage will be the high comfort of the sock of the present description, which contrasts with the discomfort described by athletes when using ankle braces (associated with greater stabilization and rigidity of the materials used in their manufacture).

- Prevention - Through a double stabilization (passive and active). Passive stabilization will be obtained by the specific orientation of the fibers that compose them, contrary to the mechanism of injury (inversion and/or supination). On the other hand, the active muscular stabilization will be obtained by the different pressures and elasticities of the material that will stimulate the specific sensory receptors of the skin, thus increasing the afferent information to the central nervous system, facilitating the intrinsic muscular activation of the main evertors - muscles that actively control the mechanism of injury;

- Performance - Through lines/areas of traction/adhesion on the plantar surface of the sock, fundamentally to improve the adherence of the sock to sports shoes, helping starting, braking and changes of direction 11.

In one embodiment, Figure 1 shows a side view of the socks of the present description. In the knee-high embodiment, the socks have a heterogeneous compression. The areas of greatest compression are identified with the numbers 1; 2a; 2b; 2c and 3. These are anatomical regions with important skin and joint receptors, which benefit from additional compression. Band 1 (represents the U-shaped longitudinal band), which laterally accompanies the alignment of the peroneal muscle, aims to create some resistance to pronosupination movements, so that on its medial side the lever arm is smaller (50% of the total size of the band 1 - external side), ending in an anchor/fixation band 2a. On the other hand, band 3 (represents the transverse U-shaped band) is intended to minimize adduction/abduction movements, as is the case with functional bandages. In addition, bands 2b and 2c (represents the X-shaped band) together restrict plantar flexion movement as well as eversion/inversion, similar to ankle braces, it is very important to note that the outer width of band 2c is thinner than band 2b by about 20% (figures 1, 3 and 5), in order to create greater resistance to the inversion movement. Regions numbered 4 are regions of lower compression compared to those described above. In one embodiment, Figure 2 shows an anterior view of the socks of the fuller version (up to the knee), the socks will have a heterogeneous compression. The areas of greatest compression are identified with the numbers 1; 2a; 2b; 2c and 3, and 4 an area of less compression. Band 1 (represents the U-shaped longitudinal band), which laterally accompanies the peroneal alignment trajectory, intends to create some resistance to pronosupination movements, for which reason the lever arm is smaller on its medial side (50 % of total band size 1 - external side) ending in an anchor/fixation band 2a. In addition, bands 2b and 2c (represents the X-shaped band) together restrict plantar flexion movement as well as eversion/inversion, similar to ankle braces, it is very important to note that the internal width of band 2b is longer than its external component 2c by about 20%. Regions numbered 4 are regions of lower compression compared to those described above, avoiding too much compression in this region.

In one embodiment, Figure 3 shows a medial view of the fuller version socks (knee length), the socks will have heterogeneous compression. The areas of greatest compression are identified with the numbers 1; 2a; 2b; 2c and 3 and 4 an area of less compression. These are anatomical regions with important skin and joint receptors, which benefit from additional compression. Band 1 (represents the longitudinal U-shaped band), on its medial side the lever arm is smaller (50% of the total size of band 1 - external side), ending in an anchor/fixation band 2a and intended to create some resistance to pronosupination movements. On the other hand, band 3 (representing the transverse U-shaped band) is intended to minimize adduction/abduction movements, as is the case with functional bandages. In addition, bands 2b and 2c (represents the X-shaped band) together restrict plantar flexion movement as well as eversion/inversion, similar to ankle braces, it is very important to note that the internal width of band 2b is longer than its external component 2c by about 20%, it also has an advantage of protecting the internal plantar arch. Regions numbered 4 are regions of lower compression compared to those described above, avoiding too much compression in this region.

In one embodiment, Figure 4 shows a rear view of the socks of the fuller version (up to the knee), the socks will have a heterogeneous compression. The areas of greatest compression are identified with the numbers 1; 2a; 2b; 2c and 3 and 4 an area of less compression. These are anatomical regions with important skin and joint receptors, which benefit from additional compression. Band 1 (represents the U-shaped longitudinal band), which laterally accompanies the peroneal alignment trajectory, intends to create some resistance to pronosupination movements, so that on its medial side the lever arm is smaller (50% of the total size of the band 1 - external side), ending in an anchorage/fixation band 2a, passing through the sole of the foot. On the other hand, band 3 (represents the transverse U-shaped band) is intended to minimize adduction/abduction movements, as is the case with functional bandages. In addition, bands 2b and 2c (represents the X-shaped band) together restrict plantar flexion movement as well as eversion/inversion, similar to ankle braces, it is very important to note that the internal width of band 2b is longer than its external component by about 20%, it also has the advantage of protecting the internal plantar arch. Regions numbered 4 are regions of lower compression compared to those described above, avoiding too much compression in this region.

In one embodiment, Figure 5 shows a plantar view of the socks. The number 5 represents the zones of greater adhesion of the plantar region to the shoe, a key factor for optimizing performance. However, they can be produced without this component.

In one embodiment, Figure 6 shows an architecture of the stabilizing bands in a rectangular shape. To provide the protective function, a different rectangular-shaped textile architecture was created, to be able to introduce the desired selective resistance, and at the same time provide the fundamental flexibility for the movement of the foot. This architecture allows to induce different tensions in the bands according to their dimensions and their functions, in certain specific places it was decided to reduce the size and in others to increase it (figure 9).

In one embodiment, Figure 7 shows a version of short socks. The sock of the present description can have a smaller version, structurally the only difference between the long socks and their shorter version is the length of the band 1 (lateral side) which will be reduced, thereby ending in the fixing band 2a .

In one embodiment, Figure 8 shows short socks without a view of the toes. The sock of the present description can have a smaller version without fingers, structurally the two differences between the long socks and their shorter version is the length of the band 1 (lateral side) which will be reduced, thereby ending in the band of fixation 2a and is not closed at the toes. The option of being produced without the covering of the fingers has the ultimate objective of responding to the needs and preferences of the user.

In one embodiment, the sock of the present disclosure has a decreasing compression (from distal to proximal) that will promote venous return, reducing fatigue, a predisposing factor for traumatic ligament injuries such as ankle sprains or overuse/overuse injuries. excessive muscles.

In one embodiment, the sock of the present description can have a smaller version (Figure 7) and can be further produced with or without the toe covering (Figure 8).

In one embodiment, structurally the only difference between the long socks and their shorter version is the length of the band 1 (lateral side) which will be reduced, thereby ending in the fastening band 2a. The option of being produced without the covering of the fingers has the ultimate objective of responding to the needs and preferences of the user.

In one embodiment, the sock of the present description can have a heterogeneous compression in the different Zones (A, B, C Figure 9) where the highest compression is identified with the numbers 1; 2a; 2b; 2c and 3. These are anatomical regions with important skin and joint receptors, which benefit from additional compression:

Band 1, which laterally accompanies the peroneal alignment trajectory, is capable of creating resistance to pronosupination movements, so on its medial side the lever arm is smaller (50% of the total size of band 1 - right side). external) an increase in the size of the textile architecture, ending in an anchoring/fixation band 2a.

This fixing band 2a can be incorporated in a double U-shape. Band 3 is configured to minimize adduction/abduction movements, as is the case with functional bandages (figure 4).

In addition, bands 2a and 2c together restrict plantar flexion movement as well as eversion/inversion, similar to ankle braces (Figures 2 and 4).

Regions numbered 4 are regions of lower compression compared to those described above, avoiding too much compression in this region. Finally, number 5 represents the areas of greatest adherence of the plantar region to the shoe, a key factor for optimizing performance.

In one embodiment, in the "knee-high" version of the sock, the sock will have a heterogeneous compression. The areas of greatest compression are identified with the numbers 1; 2a; 2b; 2c and 3. These are anatomical regions with important skin and joint receptors, which benefit from additional compression. Band 1, which accompanies the peroneal alignment trajectory laterally, aims to create some resistance to pronosupination movements, so the lever arm is smaller on its medial side, ending in an anchoring/fixation band 2a. On the other hand, band 3 is intended to minimize adduction/abduction movements, as is the case with functional bandages (figure 4). In addition, bands 2a and 2c together restrict plantar flexion movement as well as eversion/inversion, similar to ankle braces (Figure 4). The regions with the number 4 are regions of lower compression compared to those described above, being important, for example, to maintain a correct blood flow to the Achilles tendon, avoiding too much compression in this region. Finally, number 5 represents the areas of greatest adhesion of the plantar region to the shoe, a key factor for optimizing performance.

In one embodiment for better results, the sock of the present disclosure has a decreasing compression (from distal to proximal) that will promote venous return, reducing fatigue, a predisposing factor for traumatic ligament injuries such as ankle sprains or injuries. due to overload/excessive use of muscles.

In one embodiment, the sock of the present description can have a smaller version (Figure 7) and can be further produced with or without the toe covering (Figure 8).

In one embodiment, structurally the only difference between the long socks and their shorter version is the length of the band 1 (lateral side) which will be reduced, thereby ending in the fastening band 2a. The option of being produced without the covering of the fingers has the ultimate objective of responding to the needs and preferences of the user.

In one embodiment, the sock of the present disclosure may comprise external plantar adhesion areas. However, they can be produced without this component.

In one embodiment, expense at risk of injury or personal preference, these socks of the present disclosure may comprise 3 compression zones: low, moderate, or high (1.87-2.4 MPa (14-18 mmHg), 2, 4-2.93 MPa (18 22 mmHg), 2.93-4 MPa (22-30 mmHg) respectively) (Figure 9).

The term "comprising", whenever used herein, is intended to indicate the presence of features, integers, steps, components set forth, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

The description should in no way be viewed as restricted to the described embodiments and a person of ordinary skill in the art will envision many possibilities for modifications thereto. The embodiments described above are combinable. The following claims further set forth particular embodiments of the description.

References

1- Yeung MS, Chan KM, So MPhil CH, Yuan WY. An epidemiological survey on ankle sprain. British Journal of Sports Medicine 1994;28(2):112-6.

2 - Fong DT, Hong Y, Chan LK, Yung PS, Chan KM. A systematic review on ankle injury and ankle sprain in sports. Sports Medicine 2007;37(1):73-94.

3 - Kemler E, Krist MR, van de Port I GI, Hoes AW, de Wit GA, Backx FJG. Economic Evaluation of a Soft Ankle Brace Compared to Tape in Acute Lateral Ankle Ligamentous Sprains. Clinical Research on Foot & Ankle 2016;04(04).

4 - Pourkazemi F, Hiller CE, Raymond J, Nightingale EJ, Refshauge KM. Predictors of chronic ankle instability after an index lateral ankle sprain: a systematic review. J Sci Med Sport 2014;17(6):568-73.

5 - Doherty C, Delahunt E, Caulfield B, Hertel J, Ryan J, Bleakley C. The incidence and prevalence of ankle sprain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective epidemiological studies. Sports Med 2014;44(1):123-40.

6 - Boer ASD, Schepers T, Panneman M, JM, Beeck EFV, Lieshout EMV. Health care consumption and costs due to foot and ankle injuries in the Netherlands, 1986-2010. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2014;15(128):1-10.

7 - Karlsson J, Verhagen E, Beynnon BD, Amendola A. Preventing ankle injuries. In: Engebretsen L, editor. Handbook of sports Medicine and Science, Sports injury Prevention. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing; 2009. p. 30-48. 8 - Dizon JM, Reyes JJB. A systematic review on the effectiveness of external ankle supports in the prevention of inversion ankle sprains among elite and recreational players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 2010;13:309-17.

9 - Evans LJ, Clough A. Prevention of ankle sprain: A systematic review. International Musculoskeletal Medicine 2013;34(4):146-58.

10 - Baumhauer JF, O'Brien T. Surgical Considerations in the Treatment of Ankle Instability. Journal of Athletic Training 2002;37(4):458-62.

11 - Silva DCF, Santos R, Vilas-Boas JP, Macedo R, Montes A, Sousa ASP. Influence of cleats-surface interaction on the performance and risk of injury in soccer: a systematic review. Applied Bionics and Biomechanics Inpress.

Claims (15)

Claims 1. A sock for preventing ankle injuries of a subject, comprising a sock body including a leg section and a foot section. wherein the leg section comprises a fastening band comprising a first high compression zone (2a), configured to contour the transverse leg of the subject's body, characterized in that the foot section comprises a second high compression zone (3) positioned to coincide with the back of the subject's ankle and configured to minimize adduction/abduction movements of the subject; Y a third zone of high compression (2b, 2c) that delimits the leg section and the foot section of the subject with an X shape that begins at the fastening band and outlines the sole of the foot section and the upper part of the the foot section, configured to restrict the subject's plantar flexion movement, where the first zone and the second zone of high compression are joined by a vertical band (1) with moderate compression, where said vertical band laterally accompanies the trajectory of fibular alignment of the subject ending in the fixation band, where the remaining zones are low compression zones, such that said low compression is less compression than said high compression, such that said moderate compression is between said low and high compression. 2. The sock according to the preceding claim, wherein the compression between the leg section and the foot section is heterogeneous. 3. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression of the high compression zone is at least 4 MPa (30 mm Hg). 4. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression of the high compression zone varies between 2.93 to 4 MPa (22 to 30 mm Hg). 5. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression of the moderate compression ranges from 2.4 to 2.93 MPa (18 to 22 mmHg). 6. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compression of the low compression ranges from 1.87 to 2.4 MPa (14 to 18 mmHg). 7. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims comprising two parallel vertical bands. 8. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical band extends to the sole of the foot. 9. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a non-slip area on the sole of the foot section. 10. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a resilient elastic material and a natural or synthetic fiber. 11. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the natural or synthetic fiber is selected from: cotton, wool, silk, microfiber, polyamide or combinations thereof. 12. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient elastic material is selected from: natural latex, a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, spandex, elastane, nylon, neoprene, lycra, polyester or combinations thereof. 13. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a mixture of 4-7% (w/w) elastane and 93-96% polyamide fibers. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a toe section. 15. The sock according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the leg section extends to the knee.