Joint braces

The joints are part of the musculoskeletal system, and are a movable articulation of several bones. Due to the presence of joints in the human skeleton, it is not only a solid frame for the entire body, but also has a certain flexibility, due to which a person is able to walk and move.

In total, there are about 360 joints in the bone structure of the human body, counting the vertebral cartilages. The largest and most loaded are the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, ankle joints. Every day they undergo powerful loads, participating in the implementation by a person of any motor actions.

How joints are arranged, what functions they perform

Joints are complex structural formations that connect bones to each other, ensuring their mobility in relation to each other. In fact, they act as hinges, due to which the bones can move and slide smoothly, without contacting directly with each other. The articular apparatus provides the possibility of movement of the bones, preventing them from rubbing against each other, which could lead to the gradual destruction of the bones from the head.

Joints perform three main functions in the human body. Firstly, they contribute to the acquisition and maintenance of a certain position and position, secondly, they take part in the process of changing the position of individual parts of the body in relation to one another, and thirdly, the joints are the organs of human movement in space.

Joints can be motionless, limited mobility or fully mobile, that is, true. The fixed ones are located in the axial skeleton, and ensure the safety of the internal organs. Limited mobility, or semi-mobility, in fact, perform similar functions, and their main task is not to ensure the mobility of parts of the human skeleton. Mobile, true joints are located in those parts of the body that need to be as flexible and mobile as possible – mainly in the limbs.

True joints have a large number of elements in their structure, they can be simple, complex or complex, but all of them are united by the presence of several common constituent parts.

So, in any true joint there are:

• articular surfaces, the role of which is performed by the heads of the bones;
• articular capsule;
• articular cavity.

Simple joints unite only two articular surfaces, for example, interphalangeal. Complex ones, like the elbow, have several simpler joints, and there are more than two articular surfaces in them. A complex joint is characterized by the presence of articular cartilage and two chambers.

The articular surface consists of fibrous or hyaline cartilage, which, in turn, is represented by a tissue filled with fluid. The surface of the cartilage has good hygroscopicity, high elasticity, it is even, smooth and strong. The cartilage is less than 0,5 mm thick.

The capsule is made up of connective tissue. Its functional purpose is to bend around the ends of the bone that make up the articulation. On the articular surfaces, the capsule passes into the periosteum. Outside, the capsule is surrounded by a fibrinous fibrous membrane – a membrane, inside the membrane is lined with a thin synovial layer that produces synovial fluid into the joint cavity. The capsule is strengthened by tendons and ligaments, which also provide movement of the joint in different directions.

Auxiliary elements of the articular apparatus – discs, menisci, cartilage, intracapsular ligaments, lips. In addition, there is an arterial and nervous network in the joint.

Injury and diseases of the joints

Like any other part of the human body, the joints can be subject to a variety of injuries and pathological processes that are formed against the background of injury or the development of diseases.

All types of joint diseases can be divided into several groups:

• inflammatory and infectious lesions;
• degenerative processes;
• congenital malformations and pathologies;
• diseases of the periarticular tissues.

Regardless of the nature of the disease, the functional result of its progression is always the same – loss of joint mobility, pain.

Injuries to the articular apparatus are damage to the bone structure or soft tissues. Such lesions appear due to a sharp, sudden, powerful mechanical impact, for example, a blow, a fall, lifting a weight, twisting a limb and giving it an unnatural position.

The general classification of all types of joint injuries is represented by the following categories:

• bruises;
• ligament injuries: sprains, ruptures;
• intra-articular fractures;
• dislocations;
• periarticular fractures;
• dislocation fractures.

Symptoms of joint lesions, treatment and use of fixators

It is possible to determine the presence of a lesion in the joint by characteristic manifestations, first of all, by the presence of pain, by the presence of extraneous noises and sounds, for example, clicks during the implementation of a motor function.

Clicking or crackling in the joints, of course, is not always a symptom of the development of disorders in it, however, in combination with pain, limited mobility, the appearance of swelling or redness, it is a sufficient reason to see a doctor. In cases of acute injuries, such as dislocations or fractures, the pain that accompanies the condition is so severe that it immediately leads the patient to doctors for help. In addition, a strong dislocation can sometimes be determined even visually, by violation of the line of the limb, its unnatural position. On palpation, the doctor can feel, for example, the exit of the head from the articular cavity.

In addition to the initial examination, a patient with suspected joint damage is prescribed radiography, computed tomography, ultrasound, arthroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment of injured articular elements can include both conservative methods, such as drug therapy, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, wearing fixators and orthoses, as well as surgery and prosthetics.

The use of orthoses and articular fixators is prescribed to the affected person in order to strengthen the weakened elements of the articular apparatus, in order to partially replace damaged or removed components, as well as to prevent dislocations, fractures and injuries, for example, during intense sports activities. Thanks to the wearing of fixators, the patient can carry out motor activities at the usual level, without risking the health of the joints.

Articular fixators: purpose and main classifications

First of all, the division of all existing fixators into groups is due to the fact that they are intended for different joints.

The most commonly used fasteners are:

• ankle;
• elbow;
• shoulder;
• hip;
• knee;
• wrist;
• digital, for example, for the joint of the thumb.

The main function performed by the fixative orthosis is clear from the name – it fixes the joint, for example, in case of a fracture, sprain, contracture, if damage has already appeared, and also protects the joints from injury during intensive sports or in the rehabilitation process.

Depending on the case in which the fixative is used, it can provide:

• complete immobilization;
• partial immobilization.

Depending on the hardness and degree of immobilization of the joint, fixators are:

• supportive;
• semi-hard, or medium hard;
• hard;
• articulated.

The main functional types of clamps, depending on their device and principle of operation:

• rims;
• tutor;
• reclinators;
• langetki.

Bandage. Bandages can be used for the upper and lower extremities, for example, for the knee, ankle, big toe, lower leg, shoulder or elbow joint, foot. Its main difference is that it is made of fabric and does not have a solid base. For this, cotton, knitwear, synthetic materials, as well as animal hair can be used to provide a therapeutic effect. Wearing a bandage is relevant for mild injuries, as well as during sports to prevent injury.

Bandages can be:

• fixing;
• corrective;
• medicinal;
• protective;
• suffocating.

Elastic bandages help to fight pain, reduce swelling, hematoma of intra- and periarticular tissues. Specially selected children’s bandages of the appropriate size are effective for the correction of congenital disorders of the joint structure, as well as during rehabilitation after operations and injuries.

Tutor. It is an orthopedic structure, the use of which is relevant in orthopedics and traumatology. It is used to exclude passive and active movements in the joint, to fix the limb in the correct position. Such a device allows to reduce the period of rehabilitation of a patient with joint injuries. The splint is made of a soft multi-layered material that stretches slightly. The base is a material with side cutouts and straps, stiffening ribs in the form of metal flexible plates, and buckles, which are located in pockets sewn to the edges and center of the splint base in pairs.

Between the extreme and middle pockets, the device is equipped with flat-spiral springs located along the height of the base. Above and below the springs, the base is made of an extensible material. Inside, where the splint is in contact with the limb, its surface is treated with a soft cloth made of natural fibers.

Individual regulation of the length of the product on the leg is possible due to the presence of additional panels – modeled tires on the back surface of the brace and on the sides. Reliable fixation of the splint on the limb is ensured by special tapes with Velcro. Thus, the design provides constant adjustable compression of the injured limb to achieve the natural curvature of its surface, as well as the restoration of the correct axis of the limb.

Indications for wearing an orthopedic splint:

• acute injuries of the patella and knee;
• articular fracture;
• bursitis of the knee joint;
• postoperative recovery after knee arthroplasty;
• knee arthrosis with manifestations of arthritis;
• acute damage to the capsular-ligamentous structure of the joint;
• hemarthrosis;
• fractures without displacement of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia, fractures of the tuberosity of the tibia;
• degenerative osteoarthritis;
• rupture and operations on the medial ligament.

In addition, wearing a splint can be prescribed as an element of treatment requiring immobilization of the knee joint, sometimes used as a splint in the process of preparing the victim for transportation, as an alternative to a plaster cast.

Reclinators. Orthopedic reclinator is a means of additional fixation of the joints and bone apparatus of the thoracic spine. Its wearing is prescribed for posture correction by balancing the load in the shoulder girdle.

Different models may differ slightly from each other, but the general principle of operation of this device is the same – a rigid or semi-rigid base in combination with fixation straps ensures the correct redistribution of the load in the thoracic region. At the same time, the materials, width and design of the hinges, the presence or absence of a soft back and couplings clearly differentiate different types of reclinators from each other.

In general, all types of devices are divided into:

• prophylactic;
• medicinal.

Prophylactic reclinators have a less rigid back, and wearing them is intended to form the habit of keeping your back straight and your shoulders back. Medical devices are necessary for the treatment of scoliosis, osteochondrosis, stoop, any vertebral disorders. Thoracic lumbar correctors are indicated for severe deformities of the spine, and are worn only for medicinal purposes.

A strong degree of fixation of the orthopedic reclinator is achieved due to the presence of two metal stiffeners.

Such a retainer is worn:

• for the treatment of kyphosis, scoliosis, stoop;
• during rehabilitation and recovery of the spine after injuries;
• for the formation of posture in children;
• as a prevention of curvature of the spine with a sedentary lifestyle;
• to consolidate the effect obtained after therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.

For children, if there is no appointment from a doctor to wear hard corrective models, it is better to choose children’s models with soft sleeves and wide straps.

Langettes. This type of joint braces is an alternative to plaster casts. They are applied for fractures, sprains and severe bruises.

A splint is a plaster device reinforced with a medical bandage. It is applied to the damaged part of the limb, which it successfully hides and immobilizes. A splint can fix bones, joints, tissues. Unlike plaster, it is removable, making it easier to apply, and in the future, the splint is easier to wear. Splints are also called splints applied to the limbs to immobilize fractures, sprains, and also to reduce congenital deformities of the limbs.

Gypsum splint can be prepared independently, with your own hands and at home.

This will require:

• bandages;
• gypsum powder;
• water.

A gypsum mixture is prepared from water and powder, taken in equal proportions. The resulting mixture is applied with a thin layer on a piece of bandage about 3 meters long, and about eight layers are applied in total. Evenly from both ends to the middle, the layers are folded, after which they are soaked and smoothed with the palms.

Ankle braces: what are they, why are they used

The ankle joint is one of the most loaded bone joints, located above the foot. It performs the functions of shock absorption under loads, stabilization of the position of the body in space, direction of the motion vector.

Daily stress, intense sports, or, conversely, the lack of a sufficient level of physical fitness – all this can cause damage to the ankle joint. Injuries in this zone of the limbs are dangerous not only for athletes, every person is subject to them. Many, for example, are familiar with the state of dislocation, especially women who prefer to wear high heels.

Wearing an ankle brace is indicated:

• in the process of rehabilitation after surgery;
• for recovery after removal of gypsum;
• in case of damage to the ligamentous-tendon apparatus or muscles;
• in the treatment of arthritis, chronic pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
• with arthrosis;
• to stabilize the articular zone in the presence of functional disorders;
• for the treatment of congenital pathologies and abnormalities;
• to prevent injury.

Ankle orthoses can be:

• elastic;
• hard;
• semi-rigid.

Elastic fixators include elastic bandages and bandages for the foot. Elastic ankles are used if the injury is minor, for example, with bruises, dislocations, sprains. They are also worn during sports for preventive purposes.

Usually bandages and bandages are made from elastic hypoallergenic materials.

Medicinal (medical) bandages are impregnated with medications (solutions, ointments, serums) to speed up the recovery process.

Corrective ones are relevant for children with congenital anomalies and developmental deformities, they are designed to fix the foot joint in a physiological position.

A protective bandage is used to protect wounds from infection and contamination. If antiseptics are used at the same time, such a bandage contributes to the disinfection of the wound surface.

A pressure device applied to the limb helps stop bleeding.

Immediately after the injury, before the victim can receive medical assistance, an immobilizing bandage is applied to the damaged area.

Semi-rigid and rigid ankle orthoses are designed for more severe injuries and injuries. Semi-rigid retainers consist of an elastic material as a base, in which there are metal or plastic inserts. Rigid orthoses are essential in the treatment of ankle fractures. Allow to achieve rigid fixation of the damaged area. The devices have frame-type inserts, and together with the rigid base material, they completely exclude movement in the ankle. In addition, orthoses of this type are equipped with straps and fasteners. A typical representative of this group of retainers on the market is Lab 201 from Orlett.

The appointment of orthoses and fixators remains entirely within the competence of the attending physician. It is unacceptable to pick up and wear devices on your own, as an improperly selected retainer can aggravate the injury and slow down the recovery process.

How to choose an ankle brace? First of all, you need to determine the degree of injury, since each type of damage requires a device of varying degrees of rigidity.

In the selection process, you need to focus on several criteria:

• features of the anatomical structure of the joint;
• the presence of convenient fasteners and fasteners;
• the quality of the base material and rigid frame;
• the presence or absence of allergies in the patient.

The orthosis should be selected based on the size of the foot, ankle, ankle, shin.

Splints for the ankle joint perform several functions, first of all, they fix the limb to ensure its speedy recovery.

Devices can be dynamic or unloaded: the first type is designed to be worn during the day, the second type is worn at night.

Wearing splints is indicated for rehabilitation after spinal cord injuries, strokes, with cerebral palsy, after operations, with congenital clubfoot.

Children’s ankle orthoses are worn in the presence of cerebral palsy, as well as congenital anomalies in the development of the limbs.

Elbow orthoses: types and purpose

The elbow joint is one of the most mobile in the human body. It is often subject to trauma, fractures and damage, especially in athletes. Elbow braces are designed for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation after injuries.

In what cases is the use of these devices indicated? Most often, it is associated with professional sports, for example, boxing, basketball, volleyball, weightlifting, power sports. In the process of sports training, the clamps perform the function of additional stabilization, prevention of injuries, reduction and proper distribution of the load.

Another group of people for whom wearing an elbow brace is indicated are those who have a predisposition to the occurrence of diseases due to their professional activities: seamstresses, loaders, auto mechanics, and all those who often perform flexion or circular movements in the joint.

In addition, orthoses should be worn by those who have previously suffered injuries and inflammatory lesions of the joint.

Wearing a retainer significantly reduces pain, swelling, and also limits motor activity to avoid exacerbation of an existing injury.

Orthoses-elbow pads differ from each other in their functions, purpose, degree of rigidity.

Bandages, as well as calipers, are made of knitted fabric, knitwear, elastic bandages, if you need to achieve a stronger fixation, the device is supplemented with metal inserts. The main task of such a latch is to ensure the immobility of the elbow, for which it fits tightly around the arm. At the same time, the caliper, unlike the bandage, is supplemented with special silicone inserts.

The Dezo bandage is used in case of extensive trauma to the collarbone, shoulder, elbow, scapula. It looks like a clutch with two straps and a belt. When worn, it provides complete immobility of the limb, fixed to the body in a bent form.

Elbow and upper limb restraints may have additional designs, such as an abduction cushion. Their wearing is indicated in the treatment of complex fractures, bruises, partial damage to the ligaments.

Elbow brace is a complex product that is equipped with knitting needles, straps and hinges. Due to their wearing, it is possible to ensure complete or partial immobility of the limb. An orthosis or brace is worn in case of dislocation, subluxation or articular fracture.

The difficulty in choosing an elbow brace lies in the fact that the market for these products offers a huge range, with a variety of inserts, additions and functional features. It should be noted that self-selection of a latch can be not only difficult, but also dangerous if the device is chosen incorrectly.

According to the degree of fixation, elbow orthoses, like other types of fixators, can be:

• soft (elastic);
• semi-rigid;
• hard.

Weak fixation is achieved by applying an elastic bandage, which is made from the appropriate fabric material. It is used for the prevention of injuries and diseases, with bruises or slight sprains, as a rehabilitation therapy after a dislocation or rupture of the ligaments. This type of orthoses can be selected independently, they do not completely limit the mobility of the joint.

The average type of fixation is recommended in cases where the joint has undergone dislocation, moderate sprain, chronic and inflammatory diseases. Devices are made of dense elastic fabric, which is complemented by a frame of metal or plastic knitting needles.

The main functions are the stabilization of the limb at the site of the lesion, the reduction of pain, the normalization of blood circulation.

Rigid orthoses are designed for complete immobilization of the elbow joint. Such products are worn for fractures, complex dislocations, rupture of intra-articular ligaments, in the postoperative period of recovery. Rigid fixation orthoses are made of elastic fabric materials, to which hinges, spokes, and a frame are attached. The hinges can also be located over the bandage applied to the limb.

Sports braces are special devices worn by athletes during training. The most important is the correct selection of such an “accessory” for tennis, handball, volleyball and basketball players.

What are shoulder braces

The main task of such a device is the immobilization of the damaged shoulder joint. What is special about the shoulder straps?

The fact is that when you get a shoulder injury, it may not always be enough to immobilize only the injured area – it is often also necessary to immobilize the arm and the thoracic spine.

A properly selected orthosis or bandage allows you to achieve additional unloading of the muscles of the upper limbs, so it is also used as a preventive measure.

The use of shoulder orthoses and bandages is relevant for professional athletes, as it helps to avoid injury and damage.

In addition, the indications for wearing the device are:

• bruises;
• dislocations;
• fractures;
• stretching;
• arthritis;
• arthrotic lesions;
• polyarthritis.

The most common and popular types of shoulder braces are:

• orthoses;
• bandage;
• kerchief bandage;
• hard;
• elastic fasteners.

The orthosis is made of woven fabric combined with metal and plastic inserts. Due to its wearing, it is possible to fix the arm at the required angle, completely immobilize it, and relieve the load from the muscles, joints and ligaments. A bandage is a product made of a soft elastic material that fits snugly to the limb and the area of ​​​​the bone joint, achieving their immobility.

Gusset bandages can be applied for simple fractures, while ensuring the position of the arm with the elbow joint bent at a right angle. In this case, the limb should be tightly pressed to the body. The kerchief bandage, in fact, is a canvas of soft, dense cotton fabric. This type of bandage belongs to the soft-type fixators, so sometimes doctors recommend wearing it even at night.

Rigid fixation of the joint is indicated for complex fractures, ruptures and severe sprains, fractures of the radius, injuries and injuries of the clavicle. Such products are supplied with metal knitting needles as a frame, and also have angle and range of motion regulators. Only a doctor can prescribe a rigid shoulder brace. In some cases, you have to wear them both day and night. Fabric pads can be washed, and metal elements can be wiped with a damp cloth or cloth.

Elastic retainers are most often used for preventive purposes in order to prevent improper distribution of the load, and, as a result, injury. Such devices are made of special elastic materials.

The selection of any type of clamps should be entrusted to a professional, and not to engage in independent selection.

How to choose a hip brace, what they are

The hip joint is the largest joint in the human body. It connects the lower limbs to the trunk. In cases where this part of the musculoskeletal system is injured or develops diseases, wearing an orthosis or fixator can help the victim in the process of treatment and recovery.

Injuries and lesions of the hip joints heal for a long time and difficult, because:

• cartilage tissue grows poorly;
• the area is easily re-injured;
• damage covers a significant part of the body.

Hip fixators are devices that, due to their design features, provide partial or complete immobilization of the joint, and in some cases also of the lower extremities. Naturally, clamps, depending on their purpose, can be of various types and shapes.

Due to the fact that the hip joint is characterized by the complexity of the anatomical structure and large size, fixing it with a simple splint, splint or plaster is very difficult, sometimes even impractical. Therefore, bandages, splints and orthoses are most often used to immobilize the TZB joint.

The hip bandage is made from a fabric elastic fabric, worn as a preventive measure, as well as to facilitate the recovery process after injuries and illnesses. The fabric bandage allows you to unload the joint, works as an additional support, and helps to eliminate pain.

Splints and orthoses are more rigid products with plastic or metal elements.

The wearing of such products is indicated for fractures of the femoral neck instead of gypsum, as well as after operations, when it is necessary to completely immobilize the limb for recovery.

In fact, a bandage is a piece of fabric with sewn-in Velcro and a belt to which they are attached. The soft elastic fabric of the bandage is wound around the affected joint. Orthoses are products with a rigid base, with laces and straps for fixation. In turn, the splints are also equipped with hinges. They are worn for fractures and serious pathologies of the joint.

Bandages for the hip joint are:

• one-sided: worn on one side of the thigh, looks like a tape fixed on the affected area with Velcro fasteners;
• bilateral: they look like a one-piece tights, put on both joints at once.

Hip bandages, splints and orthoses are worn by:

• after major injuries, operations;
• for the prevention of complications and relapses of the lesion;
• during the treatment of soft tissue injuries, bruises and sprains;
• with congenital injuries and developmental anomalies;
• in the early stages of coxarthrosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis;
• during active professional sports;
• with dysplasia of the TBD joint in a child;
• with chronic destruction of the hip cartilage.

Knee braces, knee pads, knee bandages: what are they for?

A knee orthosis or knee brace is a special design designed to immobilize a joint in case of its diseases or injuries.

Knee pads of various types are perhaps the most popular type of articular fixators, since the knees are very vulnerable and especially prone to dislocations and fractures, not only among athletes, but also among ordinary people who are far from sports.

When might a knee brace be needed? Indications for wearing different types of retainers are:

• arthritis;
• arthrosis;
• dislocations and subluxations;
• rehabilitation period after surgery;
• stretching and rupture of ligaments;
• rheumatic diseases;
• knee instability after previous injuries.

Knee braces may not be articulated, or may be articulated.

Articulated orthoses are made of fabric, plastic or metal, with the obligatory presence of a solid frame. The parts of the device are interconnected by hinges and special tires. The peculiarity of articulated products is that, firstly, they leave a person the opportunity to move the leg and bend the knee, and secondly, they maintain and maintain the anatomically correct position of the knee joint and all its elements. Wearing this type of braces is allowed even at night. A popular model of the articulated knee orthosis is f 1293 from Fosta.

Articulated knee orthoses can perform various functions:

• corrective;
• compensating if any of its elements are missing in the joint;
• fixing;
• unloading function of the knee joint.

Alternative devices are elastic orthoses, or bandages. They are used for easy fixation of the knee. The bandage is usually a sheet of fabric or neoprene material, with Velcro or fasteners. Popular models of this type are f 1102, f 1258, f 1259 from Fosta.

Sports knee pads are often used by professionals and amateur athletes. They are worn to prevent injury, for example, during strength exercises, weight lifting, during team games. In addition, wearing sports knee pads is mandatory for those who have already experienced injuries before. These devices securely fix the elements of the joint, protecting a person from dislocation, sprain, ligament rupture.

If a person already has an acute and complex knee injury, for example, a fracture, for him, wearing a rigid knee brace is an indispensable element of medical therapy. Such products usually have a rigid frame, sewn-in metal knitting needles, ribs, laces, belts.

Types and features of wrist clamps

The human hand is, in fact, its main working tool in everyday work, while it is the wrist joint (wrist) that accounts for most of the entire load. Therefore, the hand, of course, is at risk for injury and the formation of various types of degenerative processes in the joint.

Wrist fixators are also called carpal orthoses – they are a special orthopedic product that fixes the wrist, completely or partially immobilizing it, thereby saving the hand from injury and from making high-amplitude movements that provoke dislocations, ruptures and fractures. For people who have already injured their wrists, wearing wrist braces makes it possible to provide the affected joint with peace and immobility for a faster healing process.

Who should wear a wrist brace? First of all, it is worth buying a wrist orthosis for professional weightlifters, volleyball players, basketball players, tennis players, skiers, rhythmic gymnasts. All these sports contribute to a constantly increased load on the hand, as a result of which the joint wears out and collapses over time.

The second risk group is people whose professional activities are associated with constant overload of the hand joint:

• loaders and builders;
• drivers;
• seamstresses;
• writers, artists;
• pianists;
• lathe.

In addition, wearing an orthosis or bandage on the hand is mandatory for those who have previously suffered injuries of any kind in the wrist area, since this fact contributes to the development of arthrosis.

Hand injury treatment also involves wearing wrist braces to speed up the recovery process. Some models fix not only the wrist itself, but also cover the metacarpophalangeal joints of one or more fingers – they are designed for cases where rigid immobilization of the hand alone is not enough. Such fixators are indicated, for example, after surgical interventions, because thanks to their use it is possible to limit unnecessary motor activity, shorten the rehabilitation period, and protect the joint from re-injury.

The main types of clamps on the wrist:

• maximum rigidity, completely limiting motor activity: orthoses used instead of plaster casts;
• medium degree of rigidity, which limit only a certain type of movement, while not completely restricting the functionality of the brush;
• means of basic stabilization, to support and protect the joint as a preventive measure: for this, elastic bandages are used;
• elastic bandages.

When choosing a product, first of all, it is necessary to correctly determine the required size, for which you need to measure the circumference of your wrist. Before buying, be sure to try it on the hand on which it will be worn. You also need to pay attention to the materials, the manufacturer, the availability of a warranty service period.

When is it necessary to wear a finger joint brace?

This type of joint braces is often referred to as a splint. The most popular fixator for the big toe – wearing it as a treatment is usually prescribed for hallux valgus curvature of the joint of the big toe, that is, when the so-called “bone” appears.

Big toe fixators can be in the form of gel interdigital devices, spacers, bandages, splints made of special foam.

Of course, hallux valgus is not the only indication for wearing the device. Wearing finger fixators on the arms and legs is prescribed as a preventive measure for those people who have previously encountered injuries: joint fractures, dislocations of the fingers, ruptures and sprains. In addition, wearing finger fixators is also advisable in the process of rehabilitation after operations, as well as during the treatment of injuries and diseases of the joints.

Popular manufacturers of articular fixators

OPPO Medical Inc. is a medical company that manufactures orthopedic products. On the market for such products, it represents a variety of types of fixators – wrist, elbow, knee, neck, shoulder, ankle, hip, orthoses, splints, compression products from various materials.

Medi represents the German segment of orthopedic goods on the world market. Was founded in 1920. Their assortment includes compression devices, orthopedic insoles, bandages, rigid and semi-rigid fixators for all types of joints, shoes and special clothing for sports.

Otto Bock is also based in Germany.

A distinctive feature of their products is the use of a special material “thermoprene”, which is characterized as durable, resistant to repeated washing, retaining elasticity for a long time.

Orlett is considered one of the most popular brands in the orthopedic goods market in Russia and Ukraine. Engaged in the production of professional orthoses for any type of joints, with any level of rigidity.

Fosta is another US-based orthopedic manufacturer. Their products are relevant for rehabilitation after injuries, for the correction of congenital pathologies and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, in the process of treating injuries, dislocations, and fractures. Fosta offers bandages, corsets, posture correctors and joint braces in various stiffnesses.

The Mueller brand was founded in the USA in 1961, and since then has become one of the most sought-after products on the market for sports, for the protection and prevention of injuries, for the correction, rehabilitation and treatment of traumatic conditions. In the manufacture of goods, neoprene material is used, as well as special kinesiology tapes for taping.

Joint braces are devices, the wearing of which is designed to make life easier for all people who have ever encountered damage to the musculoskeletal system. The use of orthoses, elastic bandages, splints, splints made of various artificial and natural materials makes it possible to completely or partially fix the joint, and in some cases, the entire limb.

Today, fixators and orthoses are used for treatment, during rehabilitation, and for the prevention of damage to the joints and their elements.