Information About Orthopedic Devices

Orthopedic devices are supports, braces or splints that are worn over a sore, weakened, painful or injured area. Supports are also worn to prevent injury while playing sports or when lifting heavy objects.

There are two main categories of orthopedic devices:

Prophylactic braces are designed to protect limbs from injuries during contact sports like football and soccer. They also protect against injury during a fall, for instance, while rollerblading or skating or while performing repetitive movements, such as racquetball or tennis. The supports offer additional injury protection while making lateral movements during a game of basketball, tennis or when running or hiking. Another type of prophylactic brace is the industrial belt back support, which is designed to reduce the potential of work-related injuries and is used to help prevent injury when lifting heavy objects.
Rehabilitative, or functional supports give support to limbs or limit movements that may be harmful while an area is healing after an injury or surgery. Abdominal binders are typically worn to support an area and provide compression, which helps reduce inflammation and muscle swelling after abdominal surgery or liposuction. Binders also help support weakened abdominal muscles post-pregnancy. Wrist braces are typically worn to help soothe the pain of arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome by limiting the range of motion of the wrist or by providing compression, warmth and comfort to the painful area. Other braces help maintain the proper alignment of the knee, ankle or elbow by supporting the muscles, joints and tendons.

Most injuries can be classified into either acute injuries or overuse injuries. Both injuries may include damage to the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) and bones.

Acute injuries are a result of sudden trauma to the body. There are three common acute injuries: contusion (soft-tissue bruise), strain (a partial or complete tear of a tendon or muscle) and fracture (broken bone)
Overuse injuries involve a series of smaller injuries that can cause minor fractures, muscle tears, or progressive bone deformities. Other overuse injuries involve the heel and the knee, usually at the joints where the tendons attach to the bone

When applying protective gear before playing sports, be sure to fasten straps, tapes or contact closures. Check the placement of the support during activities to make sure that it hasn't moved. Poorly positioned supports can hurt rather than help. To work well, a knee, ankle, wrist or elbow brace should be worn during all sports activities that put you at risk of injury. It is helpful to warm up properly before beginning any athletic activity.

Wearing a brace while running, hiking or bicycling may help support a previously injured area. Even while wearing an orthopedic support during a sporting activity, it is still possible to get injured. You can limit the possibility by incorporating stretching, strengthening and technique improvement into your routine.

After an injury, try to make minor changes in intensity or training schedules, to limit stress on the injured area. Good strength and flexibility may help limit or reduce pain and injury or re-injury.

Many orthopedic supports are constructed from neoprene, which is an excellent fabric because it provides compression to relieve discomfort associated with a muscular injury, enhances proprioceptive training (the body's ability to react appropriately to external forces) and supplies therapeutic warmth to the injured area. The neoprene used in our products is covered on both sides with soft nylon which assists in the easy application of the support, enhances comfort, reduces skin irritation and dries quickly.

Orthopedic braces often get damaged during normal use. Inspect your brace often for wear and tear. A worn-out brace should be replaced for maximum benefit.

Laundering Instructions:

Close any hook and loop closures and take out any removable stays prior to washing. Hand wash with mild soap in cool water. Wrap support in towel to remove excess water (do not twist or wring). Air dry away from heat or direct sunlight. Do not place the support in the dryer.