How To Know if You’re a Highly Sensitive Person—and Why It’s Different From Being an Empath

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  These two personality types are often mistaken for each other, but the distinctions are important to know. By   Jessica Migala     Updated on December 6, 2022   Medically reviewed by   Anju Goel, MD, MPH  Share  Tweet  Pin  Email × 00:00 00:05 Do the people in your life tell you how genuine and compassionate you are? And that you're extremely emotionally in tune with those around you? Then you might be a "highly sensitive person" (HSP), a personality type sometimes mistaken for an empath because they share a sense of true empathy for others. Here's what it means to be a highly sensitive person, how to know if you are one, and why being an empath is actually a different thing, according to experts. GETTY IMAGES What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? Those who are highly sensitive "are really kind, caring, compassionate, empathetic, genuine people who want to help others and the world," said sensitivity expert and psychotherapist ...

The 6 Best Ankle Braces That'll Help Alleviate Pain and Swelling, According to Podiatrists

 

An estimated 25,000 ankle injuries occur in the U.S. every day — these supportive picks can help anyone through recovery.

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Whether you're taking a leisurely hike or playing a fast-paced game of tennis, there's nothing worse than rolling or straining your ankle. But it's a common occurrence: About 25,000 people report an ankle sprain per day, according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Luckily, an ankle brace may be able to help.

"An ankle brace, when worn after an injury, would help support the ankle and foot by providing an external layer of support to help facilitate healing the injured internal structures (ligaments and muscle tendons)," says Chanel Perkins, DPM, an assistant professor of podiatry at University of Texas Medical Branch. She tells Health that wearing an ankle brace can prevent excessive foot movements or "abnormal biomechanics" that could potentially cause discomfort and inflammation.

The Best Ankle Braces on Amazon, According to Podiatrists

How To Use One

Contrary to popular belief, Maryland-based podiatrist Priya Parthasarathy, DPM says it's best to wait until after an injury occurs to wear an ankle brace, rather than using one consistently as a preventative measure. Even if you're accident-prone or have been diagnosed with chronic ankle instability by a podiatrist, a foot brace is really for "occasional use, such as a hike on uneven ground or sports with a lot of lateral movement," according to Dr. Parthasarathy. That means you can wear an ankle brace to reduce your risk of injury — but should do so sparingly.

Otherwise, an ankle brace can do more harm than good. "The continued support will prevent the surrounding muscles from strengthening and can actually weaken the joint," she adds.

Choosing an Ankle Brace

The best thing you can do following an injury is to contact your podiatrist for an evaluation. Understanding your injury and its severity helps you better choose the right ankle brace, especially if the pain is severe or chronic.

However, for mild discomfort, we asked our experts for recommendations for the best ankle braces on Amazon, including selections for better stabilization, compression, and physical activity. Browse their picks below for some much-needed support and relief—and put your best foot forward again.

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