Sports injuries are common, and one might think to go to an over-the-counter brace. But these inexpensive solutions may do more harm than good. Wearing a brace for more than a day or two can seriously weaken the surrounding muscles. As our muscles adjust to having the support of a brace they get lazy, and stop working making them more susceptible to injury.
One alternative to bracing is RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
If you just must were a brace, remember that more than a couple of days with a brace can lead to weakened tendons, ligaments, and muscles leaving you more vulnerable to injury.