Braces and Supports
Braces and Supports
Braces can help with various orthopaedic conditions like arthritis and acute pain like wrist injuries. They are also helpful for reducing the risk of outcome of sporting injuries and managing ongoing conditions by providing support, stability, and pain relief. The specific benefits of braces depend on the type of brace and the condition being treated.
Do I need a brace?
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an orthopaedic specialist or physical therapist, to determine the most appropriate type of brace and to ensure it is used correctly. Proper sizing, fitting, and usage are essential for the brace to be effective and safe.
Braced are used for different purposes, including:
- Injury Rehabilitation: Joint braces are often used during the recovery process from injuries, such as sprains, strains, or ligament tears. These braces help stabilise the joint, protect it from further damage, and promote healing.
- Arthritis Management: Braces can be used to alleviate pain and reduce the strain on joints affected by arthritis, such as knee or wrist braces for osteoarthritis.
- Post-Surgery Support: Following joint surgery, braces may be used to protect the surgical site, restrict unwanted movement, and assist with the healing process.
- Sports and Athletic Activities: Athletes frequently use joint braces to reduce the risk of injuries, offer support during high-impact activities like rugby, netball and tennis. Can can also help to manage existing conditions like ankle instability while playing sports.
- Pain Relief: Joint braces can help relieve pain associated with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or plantar fasciitis by providing support and reducing strain on the affected joint.
- Alignment Correction: Some joint braces are designed to correct joint alignment issues, such as orthopaedic braces for scoliosis.
New advancements in brace technology
More recently, some braces have been designed with the intention of reducing the pressure acting on part or all of arthritic joints which can be a significant source of pain for sufferers of arthritis.
Also referred to as “unloader” knee braces, these braces are often used when the arthritis affects one side of the knee joint, resulting in a bow-legged or varus deformity. Medial offloading braces work through several mechanisms:
- Unloading and Redistribution: The primary function of these braces is to "unload" or redistribute the weight and pressure away from the affected medial (inner) compartment of the knee joint, where the arthritis is typically most severe. By applying force to the outside of the knee, they help shift the load more evenly across the joint.
- Pain Relief: By reducing the pressure on the damaged part of the knee joint, medial offloading braces can effectively reduce pain and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis.
- Enhanced Function: Many individuals with knee osteoarthritis find that medial offloading braces allow them to engage in activities with greater comfort and mobility.
- Delay Surgery: For some people, these braces can delay or even eliminate the need for knee surgery, such as a partial or total knee replacement.
Chews Health’s Top Tip
Braces and supports can be extremely helpful for all sorts of conditions from lower limb arthritis to acute wrist pain. However, it’s important not to rely solely on braces and supports to manage your symptoms, they are not a good substitute for tailored rehabilitation and individualised conditioning.
Always make sure you have received a thorough assessment from a trustworthy physiotherapist or licensed health care professional.
