I have to agree with DVO, bones heal quicker than ligaments. I have injuries to both knees and I ride with braces. I know that they have saved me some time off the bike, just slamming my right foot down hard without the braces leaves me limping for a week, swollen and sore. I ride without much pain with braces. As far as the bone versus ligament deat, Ihave not broken a leg bone, bit I did just break my hand. After four weeks in the cast the bone is healed and ready to go, the only part of the injury that is still bothersome is the finger i dilocated and partially tore a ligament in. I'm not a MD and my experience is all Ive got to base it on ,but I would say wear the braces.