Which brace do i need

The short version boot is used for foot fractures or toe fractures. The tall standard boot can be used for foot issues, but it is also used for high ankle sprains and fractures. The short version boot is light, but it stabilizes the foot. You should only walk when necessary. Do not go on any big trips around the mall or on a hike. Sizing again is important. Boots typically go by shoe size, and the fit is the same on short and tall boots. Toes should not hang over the edge of the boot, where they might get blisters or be stubbed.

If the toes are too far back, you can easily trip on the extended edge of the boot, leading to another injury. When you put on a boot, push your heel into the back of the boot as far as possible. Fasten the strap closest to your ankle first to hold the heel in place. Then finish the foot strapping and work your way up your leg.

The liners of these boots come out, and you can wash them using hand wash or a gentle cycle setting on your washing machine with a small amount of soap. These pads are up against your skin constantly and can cause some irritation if not taken care of. We do recommend that you wear a tall sock when you wear a boot. Most of the boots we use allow you to add extra air to the boot to fill the space around the heel and ankle so the boot fits better.

These boots are called pneumatics. Your fitter can show you where the button is to add air to your boot. Take advantage of YouTube videos with detailed instructions from the vendor of your brace. Many of our braces have a QR code on them that you can scan with a smart phone for on-the-go fitting instructions.

Of course, you can always call or come back to the office if you are feeling uncomfortable or struggling with your brace. When wearing a boot, there will often be a little bit of a height difference between the leg wearing the boot and the leg not wearing the boot.

We recommend that you place a heel lift in your other shoe. The difference in height between your legs can hurt your knee, hip, shoulder, and neck. Yes, you can. In many cases, we have found that after insurance billing patients pay less out of pocket than if they bought the brace themselves. If the brace is pinching the back of your knee, you can wear a knee sleeve with cotton-lycra in it underneath the brace. You can purchase the sleeve or take a pair of leggings and cut the legs off to make inexpensive homemade sleeves.

If you just want to keep your knee going warm or if you have some swelling, the compression sleeve will offer some relief. However, if you have more severe arthritis or other issues with your knee, we recommend you use a knee brace with hinges for improved stabilization and protection. You may also wear a knee sleeve under the functional off-the-shelf hinged brace for compression.

Post-op sling This sling is used with a special pillow underneath it to hold your arm away from your body. The use of knee braces. Orthotic devices for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome. Systematic review of the quality of randomized controlled trials for patellofemoral pain syndrome. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. American Academy of Pediatrics: technical report: knee brace use in the young athlete.

The effect of bracing on patella alignment and patellofemoral joint contact area. Med Sci Sports Exerc. Effectiveness of patellar bracing for treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Clin J Sport Med. The role of the knee brace in the prevention of anterior knee pain syndrome. Am J Sports Med. Effect of bracing on the prevention of anterior knee pain—a prospective randomized study.

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. Recent advances in sports medicine. Med J Aust. Physiotherapy for anterior knee pain: a randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. Physical therapy for patellofemoral pain: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

Fulkerson JP. Diagnosis and treatment of patients with patellofemoral pain. Management of ankle sprains: a randomised controlled trial of the treatment of inversion injuries using an elastic support bandage or an Aircast ankle brace. Br J Sports Med. Efficacy of prophylactic ankle support: an experimental perspective. J Athl Train. Different functional treatment strategies for acute lateral ankle ligament injuries in adults.

Immobilisation and functional treatment for acute lateral ankle ligament injuries in adults. Interventions for preventing ankle ligament injuries. The prevention of ankle sprains in sports. A systematic review of the literature. Goodyear-Smith F, Arroll B. What can family physicians offer patients with carpal tunnel syndrome other than surgery? A systematic review of nonsurgical management.

Ann Fam Med. Non-surgical treatment other than steroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome. Splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: in search of the optimal angle. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Long-term effectiveness of steroid injections and splinting in mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.

Neurol Sci. Neutral wrist splinting in carpal tunnel syndrome: a comparison of night-only versus full-time wear instructions. Sailer SM. The role of splinting and rehabilitation in the treatment of carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes. Hand Clin. This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference.

This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP.

Contact afpserv aafp. Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Read the Issue. Sign Up Now. Next: Update on Helicobacter pylori Treatment. Feb 1, Issue. Braces and Splints for Musculoskeletal Conditions. Braces and splints can be useful for acute injuries, chronic conditions, and the prevention of injury. B 6 There is insufficient evidence to support or discourage the use of patellar bracing for patellofemoral pain syndrome. B 7 , 8 Functional treatment of acute ankle sprains with semirigid or soft, lace-up braces is recommended over immobilization.

A 21 A semirigid ankle brace worn during performance of high-risk sports such as soccer or basketball is an option to reduce the risk of future ankle sprains for patients with a history of ankle sprains. A 22 A neutral wrist splint improves symptoms of and function with carpal tunnel syndrome when used for at least four weeks. B 25 Wrist splints for carpal tunnel syndrome are most effective when they are worn full-time.

TABLE 1 Braces and Splints Recommended for Musculoskeletal Conditions Musculoskeletal condition Recommended brace or splint Medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee Unloader valgus knee brace Anterior knee pain patellofemoral pain syndrome Mixed results: consider no brace or knee sleeve with buttress Acute knee injury e. Unloader valgus knee brace for medial compartment osteoarthritis.

Figure 1. Figure 2. Knee immobilizer for acute knee injuries. Figure 3. Semirigid stirrup brace for ankle sprain. Figure 4. Lace-up ankle brace for ankle sprain. Figure 5. He or she can recommend what kind you should get and where you can get it. Simple knee sleeves and supports are usually available in pharmacies or medical supply stores. Some people order knee braces directly from manufacturers or on the internet. Your doctor is a good resource and may know of different places you can get the right brace.

He or she can help you choose a brace and get the correct size. Some knee braces cost hundreds of dollars. Sometimes medical insurance covers them. Knee braces should be used as directed by your doctor. Some are worn all the time. Some are only worn during sports, exercise, or physical activity.

Poorly positioned braces can do more harm than good. Knee braces often get damaged during normal use. You should inspect your brace often for wear and tear. Regular cleaning with soap and water is good for the brace fabric. You need the brace to work properly. If your brace is worn out, you should replace it. More durable materials may cost more, but the brace might last longer. Companies that make knee braces claim that their products work well.

Scientific studies have not completely agreed. Some doctors are afraid that knee braces may actually increase the number of knee injuries in athletes. But many people who wear knee braces feel that they help. Knee braces are the least important part of preventing knee injuries or healing after an injury.

Good strength and flexibility are much more important. You should focus on stretching the muscles around your knee, strengthening your leg, and improving your techniques.

Make changes in activity intensity or training schedules little by little, to limit knee stress. Work out an exercise plan with your doctor to get the best program for you. Knee braces help some people more than others. Remember, your doctor should determine whether you need a brace.