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Ankle brace (“orthosis” is an abbreviation of the words “orthopedic” and “prosthesis”) is an orthopedic apparatus that stabilizes the joints or part of the body. It is an alternative to a plaster cast.
Ankle brace – indications
Ankle brace is designed to immobilize the foot joint that has been sprained, dislocated or has torn tendons. Its purpose is to enable faster recovery. This type of orthosis is made of a skin-friendly material and does not disturb the skin trophies (it is a set of physiological processes that ensure proper functioning and preservation of biological properties by the tissues through the nervous system). An additional advantage may be the antibacterial properties of the fabric, which protect the place of twisting and possible injuries from germs.
The ankle brace not only immobilizes the foot joint, but also strengthens it and acts prophylactically. The heat generated by the orthosis increases blood circulation, which accelerates healing and relieves pain. It is also recommended for rheumatic pains in the joints – it warms them up internally.
The brace can be used even in the case of a completely healthy ankle joint – when worn in this way, it serves as a protection against ankle sprain and twisting, and also protects against tendons tear.
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Ankle brace – types
Due to the type of execution, stabilizers can be found seamless, neoprene and mesh models:
- seamless – they are in the form of a band that maintains appropriate thermal conditions around the pond; they are made of flexible material;
- neoprene – they have mesh openings or fragments to ensure proper ventilation of the foot;
- mesh – they guarantee air supply to the skin of the foot, are used for large swelling and pain in a sprained / sprained ankle joint. They are used during rehabilitation after a fracture or weakening of ligaments.
In addition, there are also models on the market that differ from each other in terms of stiffness. We distinguish models:
- stiff – they are intended mostly for athletes after an injury, but they are also used by people with sprains and sprains;
- semi-rigid – intended for people in the final stage of treatment;
- soft – intended mainly for seniors.
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Ankle brace – when to use?
In the case of the ankle joint, it is most often sprained (often referred to as spraining the ankle). In other words, an ankle sprain is damage to the joint capsule and the joint ligaments that strengthen it. Ankle sprain is divided into three degrees:
- First degree – in this case, only the joint ligaments are stretched, and there is also a slight swelling and hematoma (bruise); a little pain is also felt;
- Second degree – to this extent, we are already dealing with torn ligaments, and the symptoms are similar to those in the first degree, although more noticeable;
- Third degree – this is the case when the articular ligaments are torn, the joint is very unstable and the pain is very much felt; in addition, we are dealing with a large swelling and an equally large hematoma.
The ankle joint can also be dislocated. In such a situation, we are dealing with an abnormal displacement of bones and other surfaces that make up the ankle joint, and then the joint capsule and ligaments are torn. Symptoms accompanying an ankle sprain include swelling, pain, hematoma, and limited mobility in the joint.
The last of the ankle injuries is an ankle fracture. It occurs when one of the shin bones of the ankle is broken, or one of the ankles of the ankle (usually the lateral ankle) breaks. Symptoms of ankle fracture are: severe pain and lack of mobility in the joint.
However, it should be noted that the ankle brace does not only need to be used in the event of an injury, but also when we are an active person and / or when we are afraid of suffering an injury. However, it should be noted that when a serious injury occurs, the ankle brace may not be enough and we will have to use plaster.
Ankle brace – how to choose?
When talking about choosing the right ankle orthosis, it should be noted at the very beginning that you should not do it yourself. This should be done by a qualified person, i.e. an orthopedic surgeon, physiotherapist or a dealer in a medical shop who has the appropriate education.
Although each of these people can take care of the choice The orthopedic doctor decides about wearing the orthosis. This is very important because a poorly selected ankle brace can cause unnecessary pain and difficulties in recovery. Choosing an orthosis, the doctor takes into account the results of X-ray images of the ankle joint. It is also the doctor who decides how much the patient will wear such an orthosis.
When we know that they will have to wear such an orthosis, we should go to a medical store specializing in the sale of orthopedic products. The sellers working there will be able to help us find the right orthosis model. Anyway, it is good if we could check several different models. As a result, we will be able to choose an ankle orthosis that will not cause us discomfort while wearing, and our gait will be as close to natural as possible.
When choosing an ankle orthosis, our weight is also importantbecause the more we weigh, the more durable our future orthosis will have to be. In order to choose an orthosis correctly, it is worth putting it on and checking it in various situations. The point is to walk a few meters in it, e.g. on gravel, sloping surface or going up and down stairs without holding onto a handrail.
The last but equally important aspect when choosing an ankle brace is whether we will use it on a daily basis or maybe we need it during sports. In the latter case, she will have to endure much greater overload, while at the same time providing us with more mobility.
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Ankle brace – an alternative to plaster
Sometimes, in serious injuries, the doctor may decide to use a plaster instead of an ankle brace, however, the brace has many advantages that put it higher than the mentioned plaster. First of all, the ankle brace is much lighter, thanks to which the wearer does not feel discomfort, but more importantly, the brace does not press too much on the bone, which is of great importance in the final stage of treatment when too much pressure can prevent bone fusion. In addition, the ankle brace does not put pressure on the muscles and nerves, thus avoiding numbness in the limbs and gradual muscle wasting.
Secondly the brace still allows the skin to breathe while worn. This is important because wearing the plaster for a long time may cause maceration of the skin, i.e. its moisture and loosening, which in turn leads to the skin flaking off.
Thirdly, the ankle orthosis, by stabilizing our joint, constantly maintains its constant temperature, which has a positive effect on blood circulation and prevents the formation of necrosis foci. Besides, the orthosis can always be removed, which cannot be said about the cast. There is another significant feature of the orthosis as it facilitates the hygiene of the diseased limb.
Ankle brace – price
The price for an ankle brace depends on its type and additional functions, such as the aforementioned antibacterial material or the medical technologies used. The cheapest prostheses cost less than PLN 100, the most expensive – even several hundred. Insured persons do not have to spend the entire amount – ankle brace is reimbursed by the National Health Fund. Its degree is determined by the relevant regulations – it is worth checking them before you decide to buy an orthosis!
If the refund reaches 100%, we will receive a permanent orthosis. In a situation where we decide to use it temporarily, it is necessary to pay an additional 30 percent. price, but you are entitled to a new one every 3 years. The grant application must be issued by a specialist doctor (orthopedist, surgeon, rheumatologist).
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Ankle brace – reviews
Which ankle brace has the best reviews? You can check this by visiting forums on the Internet, where users of orthoses share their opinions about them. One thing is certain – it is a much more convenient solution than the classic plaster on the foot.
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