Ankle Monitors: Do They Cause Pain?

Ankle monitors are electronic devices that are placed on an individual's leg to enforce compliance with a set of rules, such as a curfew. While they are often associated with shame, changing one's mindset can help make the experience of wearing one more positive. However, there are also physical challenges to wearing an ankle monitor. They can cause pain, discomfort, and even permanent damage to the ankle. The weight of the device can make it difficult to find comfortable clothing that will accommodate the monitor, and the constant need to keep it charged can be inconvenient and stressful.

Ankle monitors can cause pain and discomfort

The bulge of the monitor is visible under clothing, which can be embarrassing for the wearer. This can limit their clothing choices, as they may feel they need to cover it up. Some people have reported that they have to alternate between a few pairs of pants to accommodate the device. The monitor can also make it difficult to sleep, as it needs to be charged for 12 hours a day. This means the wearer has to stand next to an outlet for that time, which can be inconvenient and uncomfortable.

Some people have found ways to make the monitor more comfortable, such as by placing a sock or a wrist sweatband between the monitor and their skin to provide cushioning. Others have suggested wearing a crew sock under the monitor and then putting another sock over it to keep it in place and prevent it from rattling.

In some cases, ankle monitors have been reported to cause permanent damage. One person reported that they had a very unsightly mark on their ankle and experienced pain, even after turning the monitor. Despite mentioning this to their parole officer, they were ignored and told to "take care of that ankle".

They can cause unsightly marks and injuries

Ankle monitors can cause unsightly marks and injuries. A person wearing an ankle monitor has shared that they have to wake up an hour early to charge the device, and if they don't, they risk being sent back to prison. They also worry about the bulge being noticed at work and by friends. They try to push it up into their jeans, but the higher up it goes, the more it hurts, and their feet go numb. Throughout the day, the device becomes heavier and more painful, causing bleeding. They push it down to let their blood circulate, but then the pain becomes unbearable.

Another person shares that they have had an ankle monitor for about six months as part of their bail conditions. They mention that they have to keep it covered and hidden by wearing pants. They also have to charge it for about two hours every day. They wear long socks that go over the monitor to cushion their ankle and keep it in place.

A person on interstate parole mentions that they have had a GPS monitor on for six months, and it has created an unsightly mark and causes pain. They have mentioned this to their parole officer, but they were ignored. They were advised to get medical treatment to create a record showing that the injury was caused by the monitor.

Some people have shared suggestions for making ankle monitors more comfortable, such as using tennis-type wristbands underneath to save the ankle bones and keep the monitor from sliding downwards. Others have suggested wearing long socks or crew socks to hide the monitor and prevent it from sliding down.

They can limit clothing choices

Ankle monitors can be a source of embarrassment and shame for those who have to wear them. As a result, many people try to conceal them by wearing specific types of clothing. For example, one person who has to wear an ankle monitor reports that they can no longer wear shorts and have to stick to wearing three pairs of pants that can accommodate the device. They also mention that they stand out at work as they have to wear jeans, while their colleagues wear dress slacks.

Another person reports that they have to wear bulkier ankle monitors and, as a result, they have several pairs of pants that they can no longer wear because they cannot keep the device covered. They also mention that they have to wear long socks that can be folded over the monitor to cushion their ankle.

Some people also try to use clothing to make their ankle monitors more comfortable. For example, one person mentions that they use tennis wristbands underneath the monitor to cushion their ankle bones and keep it from sliding down. Another person mentions that they cut old long crew socks and use the ankle section to hide the monitor, keep it in place, and prevent it from sliding down.

While clothing can be used to try to conceal and cushion ankle monitors, it can also cause issues. For example, one person mentions that when they sit down, their pants hike up, making the monitor more visible. Additionally, another person mentions that they have to push their monitor up into their jeans when they go to school or work, which can be painful and cause their feet to go numb.

They can be embarrassing and cause shame

Ankle monitors can be a source of embarrassment and shame for those who have to wear them. The stigma associated with ankle monitors can cause people to feel ashamed and self-conscious about their situation. This can lead to social isolation and a sense of being defined by one's mistake. The constant visibility of the monitor can serve as a reminder of this, making it difficult to move on from past mistakes.

In the case of M.M., a 22-year-old who spent time in prison, the ankle monitor he has to wear as part of his parole conditions has caused him significant distress. He worries about people at work and school noticing the bulge of the device and tries to conceal it by pushing it up into his jeans, which often results in numbness and pain in his feet. He also mentions having to alternate between three pairs of pants to accommodate the device and feeling out of place among his coworkers due to his restricted clothing choices.

The social implications of wearing an ankle monitor can be significant. M.M. mentions missing out on social events and activities due to his curfew and the embarrassment of visiting public places like the beach while wearing the monitor. The constant presence of the device can be a reminder of one's past mistakes and can affect how others perceive them. This can lead to feelings of isolation and a sense of being defined solely by one's criminal record.

Additionally, the physical discomfort and pain caused by the ankle monitor can further contribute to the embarrassment and shame associated with it. M.M. describes how the device becomes heavier and more painful throughout the day, causing him to push it down on his ankle to relieve the pressure, only to experience even more unbearable pain. The physical discomfort serves as a constant reminder of the monitor's presence and can further impact the mental health and well-being of the wearer.

They can be heavy and cumbersome

Ankle monitors can be heavy and cumbersome, and their weight can cause pain and discomfort. The weight of the device can cause the wearer's feet to become numb, and the longer it is worn, the heavier and more painful it can become. This can lead to bleeding and difficulty in walking or planting the feet on the ground. The weight of the ankle monitor can also make it difficult to find clothing that fits comfortably over it, limiting the wearer's wardrobe options.

The weight of the ankle monitor can be a constant reminder of the wearer's past mistakes and the restrictions they are living with. It can be a source of shame and humiliation, impacting their social life and self-esteem. The bulkiness of the device can make it challenging to hide, and the wearer may feel self-conscious about the bulge it creates under their clothing. This can lead to anxiety and worry about being judged or stigmatized by others.

To manage the weight and discomfort of the ankle monitor, some people have shared strategies such as using socks or wristbands to cushion the device and prevent it from sliding down. Others have suggested wearing specific types of pants or using ankle gaiters to hide the monitor more effectively. Additionally, keeping the device charged can be a concern, as it requires regular charging and access to an outlet, which can impact daily routines and activities.

The weight and bulkiness of ankle monitors can significantly impact the wearer's physical and mental well-being. It can cause pain, restrict movement, and serve as a constant reminder of their surveillance and loss of freedom. The challenge of finding comfortable and discreet ways to wear the device further adds to the burden of those under monitoring, affecting their self-image and social interactions.

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