Inflammation of the joints is a consequence of osteoarthritis (OA). This inflammation may restrict your mobility. The most common type of arthritis is knee arthritis, but it can also occur in the ankle, neck, shoulder, and wrist. You can reduce it by using braces.
When first diagnosed, you may be recommended nonsurgical treatments to ease the discomfort and disability associated with arthritis. This may include wearing a brace. Wearing a brace can reduce joint pain in a variety of ways, having:
Enhanced stability: The brace helps to redirect weight away from the injured joint area, thus reducing pain and discomfort.
Reduced swelling: Arthritis patients can benefit from the compression of some braces by reducing the swelling following physical activity.
Reduced pressure: A brace with a cut-out area can relieve discomfort and reduce stress on weak joints underneath your kneecap or ankle bone.
Increased confidence: Wearing a brace and knowing that you have additional support can make you feel more confident in your daily activities.
What types of braces work for pain prevention?
A brace for osteoarthritis may be made from plastic, metal, or similar material. Padded with synthetic rubber, foam, or other soft material, they can be highly comfortable. There are several places where you can find braces for osteoarthritis, such as pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online stores.
For those with osteoarthritis, there are several types of braces available. There are four main categories: You can use prophylactic braces to protect yourself from injury in sports. You need supportive or functional braces if you have already injured a joint.
The purpose of rehabilitative braces is to limit a joint's motion so that it can heal. Usually, these are used after one has undergone surgery or had a standard set. The most common knee brace used by people with arthritis is the unloader or offloader brace since it reduces pressure on crucial areas.
For OA, functional braces and unloaders are the most popular types. Furthermore, braces vary according to where they are needed:
Ankles
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), you should wear a lace-up ankle brace if you suffer mild to moderate foot and ankle pain. Nevertheless, if you suffer moderate to severe ankle pain, AAOS recommends a custom-made ankle brace made of plastic or leather.
Back
A brace or corset can reduce the pain associated with arthritis of the spine and disks. Usually, corsets are made from stretchy fabrics that are adjustable. They generally have molded metal back braces. OA may lead to vertebral fractures so a brace may be more beneficial than a corset.
Knees
Several brace types are available for people with knee osteoarthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis. There is also the option of custom knee braces, but they are more expensive.
Unloader brace
Made of molded plastic and foam padding, unloader braces are designed to support the vehicle. The steel struts prevent the knees from wobbling. It is typically a custom knee brace that you can adjust to relieve pressure on the inner or outer portions of the knee. Such braces can be pretty bulky.
Hinged knee brace
These braces feature straps above and below your kneecap to provide stability and a hole for your kneecap. Both sides of your kneecap have a "hinge" portion that allows you to move and walk. Such braces are often available over the counter and used in knee instability cases.
Drop-lock hinged brace: It is often worn after an accident or surgery since its hinges are adjustable. By locking this hinge, your knee won't be able to extend or flex excessively.
Neoprene sleeve brace
These braces can feature a kneecap area cut out. Often, the mount is pulled over the knee. Because of its low profile, most people wear underpants. While it may provide some support, it may not be as strong as the previously mentioned braces.
Shoulders
OA shoulder braces offer lightweight support but can restrict movement. Your arm's upper portion is compressed by them crossing over your shoulder. The upper back is also supported in shoulder braces crossing over your upper body.
Wrists
Splints, braces, and gloves are among the device options for arthritis of the wrist. Your wrist is immobilized with slings, which relieves arthritis pain. These braces work similarly to very snug gloves in reducing swelling.
In some wrist wraps, your thumb can be left open, and you may also find that your hand is supported by metal. Also, you can get an elbow mobilizer to relieve the pain. You can use these if you type on a computer, garden a lot, or play tennis. As well as providing compression, arthritis gloves can create body heat, thereby decreasing inflammation.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a custom-fit brace?
If you wear the brace for a long time (typically for those with OA), you may want to consider a custom-fitted brace. Your physician will prescribe you a brace and be referred to an orthopedist. Some specialists will take numerous measurements of your joints and movement patterns to create a custom-fit brace.
Because custom-made braces are made specifically for you, they are the most comfortable and practical type of brace. The cost can sometimes reach $1,500, but they are generally costly. An insurance policy may cover some of the costs. It may also take some time to create this type of brace. It may be necessary to wear a temporary brace while the person waits for their custom brace to be made.
What are the limitations of using a brace for treatment?
Not every person with OA needs a brace. A brace's effectiveness is often based on how OA has caused much damage and instability. A brace would be helpful if you damaged the medial compartment in your knee, as it would place more support on your outer knee. You may need surgery to stabilize your knee after tearing or injuring your anterior collateral ligament.
As a result, braces aren't as effective as they should be since people won't wear them. Among the reasons people stopped wearing braces were:
Discomfort: Since the weight has increased, it might feel bulky and heavy.
Skin breakdown: When wearing a brace, you may experience chafing the skin. You may also experience redness and irritation when the brace does not fit properly. A brace can reduce swelling but may also cause swelling in some people.
A knee brace may not be as effective as other methods of relieving arthritis pain due to these and other considerations. Efforts to reduce stiffness can include weight loss to relieve joint pressure and exercise to reduce swelling.
What to expect while wearing a splint or a brace?
To determine the cause of your pain, your doctor may order a series of imaging tests. A splint or brace may be prescribed after your doctor identifies the underlying condition. Generally, braces are available in various sizes and are adjustable as swelling decreases. In addition to helping with your day-to-day activities, braces are used for longer-term treatments.
You may be limited in your activities if you are prescribed a splint. Make sure the sling does not get wet. The doctor will generally recommend wearing a brace or splint, anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and physical therapy, as part of a treatment plan. If you are searching for braces, sleeves, or splints, consider Sky Medical Supplies as your ultimate choice. Many mounts and sleeves are found on their website or local store near Denver.