Joint support apparatus and related methods

An ankle support comprising:

• (a) a flexible, elastically stretchable framework configured to generally surround a wearer's ankle when the support is worn, the framework comprising an integrally molded network of interconnected, elastomeric segments defining a plurality of permanent openings, one of the plurality of permanent openings comprising an alignment opening configured to receive an ankle joint of a wearer when the support is worn;
• (b) a tensioning anchor band configured to be secured about a lower portion of a wearer's leg, the anchor band including a fastening mechanism;
• and
• (c) a stiffening member;
• (d) wherein the framework includes an upper securement portion configured to be adjustably secured to the anchor band via the fastening mechanism of the anchor band;
• (e) wherein the ankle support is configured to allow a wearer of the ankle support to adjustably tension the ankle support by adjusting an extent of the securement portion of the framework passing through the fastening mechanism;
• (f) wherein the ankle support includes a stiffening member.

A method comprising:

• (a) equipping a wearer with an ankle support such that
• (i) an anchor band of the ankle support is secured about a lower portion of the wearer's leg, the anchor band including a fastening mechanism, and
• (ii) a flexible, elastically stretchable framework generally surrounds the wearer's ankle, the framework comprising an integrally molded network of interconnected, elastomeric segments defining a plurality of permanent openings, one of the plurality of permanent openings comprising an alignment opening receiving an ankle joint of the wearer,
• (iii) wherein the framework includes an upper securement portion adjustably secured to the anchor band via the fastening mechanism of the anchor band;
• and
• (b) adjusting a tension level of the framework by adjusting an extent of the securement portion of the framework passing through the fastening mechanism of the anchor band.