![Orthosis – application, types. Where to buy an orthosis? [WE EXPLAIN]](https://healthy-food-near-me.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/orthosis-application-types-where-to-buy-an-orthosis-we-explain-914x425.png)
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An orthosis is a type of orthopedic stabilizer, the task of which is to stabilize the injured knee joint and more. The orthosis is used when the joint needs total or only partial immobilization and is the best alternative to plaster scales. The use of an orthosis allows to minimize the risk of deepened damage to the joint, visibly reduces any swelling within it, allows for faster recovery after the injury while maintaining relatively normal activity.
An orthosis not only for the knee – types of orthoses
The orthosis is used in the treatment of many injuries, including the spine. For cervical ailments, we use an orthopedic collar. It is also recommended in the treatment of degeneration of the cervical spine and in diseases of the cervical muscles. In the case of injuries of the thoracic section, posture correctors are used, ie: figure-eight clavicle belt and a prosthetic holder. These types of orthoses are intended for people with injuries of the shoulder-clavicular joint.
People struggling with ailments in the lumbosacral spine should use stabilizing orthoses. They are recommended after vertebral fractures and in people with lumbar spine pain syndrome. These orthoses also support the treatment of osteoporosis.
Upper limb injuries can also be treated with the support of an orthosis. In the case of the shoulder joint, the orthosis stabilizes the arm in its anatomical position. Doctors recommend them after shoulder joint surgeries, ligament strains and tendon overloads. As a prophylaxis, these orthoses can be used by manual workers who are most exposed to injuries to the upper limbs.
The brace also supports the treatment of ailments of the elbow joint and forearm. Thanks to it, you can control and regulate the angle of flexion and extension of the elbow joint. Such an orthosis has the function of blocking the limb in extension. The orthosis is used in pain syndromes, which include golfer’s and tennis’s elbow.
Protective orthoses are perfect for injuries of wrists and hands, because they strengthen injured and weak wrists. They are recommended for people diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. This ailment most often affects cyclists, instrumentalists and people who write a lot on the computer.
The most popular in the orthopedic market are lower limb orthoses. In the case of the hip joint, they perform two key functions – immobilize and allow you to control movement. When we deal with injuries of the knee joint and lower leg, the orthosis supports the treatment of these ailments. Professional athletes can use it prophylactically.
In the case of ankle and foot injuries, it is worth using an orthosis, because it stabilizes and immobilizes, which protects the foot against further injuries. This part of the body is most prone to sprains and fractures as well as Achilles tendon injuries. The brace also supports the treatment of degeneration of the ankle joint.
- Read more: Achilles tendon rupture symptoms
Orthosis it is used to relieve the joint itself, ligaments, muscles and meniscus, thanks to which it significantly speeds up the process of returning to fitness. Knee braces they are recommended for dislocations, sprains, bruises and fractures. Due to their construction and lightness, they are often chosen by athletes. Knee braces are divided into: rigid, semi-rigid, flexible.
The knee is the largest and most complex joint in the human body, it has a hinge structure that connects the femur to the lower leg. Due to its location, complex structure and functions, the knee joint is particularly vulnerable to any injuries. On the one hand, the joint should be flexible enough to ensure full range of movements, and on the other hand, it should be resistant to overload.
The main criterion for choosing the right one knee braces is kind trauma. The decision to choose depends mainly on the attending physician. In addition, the reason for which it will be used is also important: prevention, correction or treatment. People who have suffered a serious knee injury require an individual orthosis adjustment.
There are three types of knee braces, the first one is orthosis with adjustable flexion angle, which is the so-called clock. This type of orthosis is recommended in the case of damage to the anterior and lateral cruciate ligaments, as well as after the surgical treatment of ligaments, patella or meniscus. Additionally, in case of kneecap injuries, a silicone-reinforced hole is used in clock knee braces to stabilize the kneecap.
The physiotherapist or orthopedist is responsible for changing the bend angle and its proper adjustment. Under no circumstances should you adjust the brace yourself as this may aggravate the injury.
The second example of knee braces is semi-rigid orthoses – it is a type of joint strengthening, used as a prophylaxis in physically active people in order to prevent the recurrence of an injury. The semi-rigid knee brace is a sleeve with splints sewn parallel to the joint, which stabilize the knee during activity. These types of orthoses are recommended in the case of damage to the ligaments and the articular capsule in the upper part of the ankle joint, in the case of light soft tissue injuries and acute pneumothorax. The semi-rigid brace supports people suffering from chronic instability of the ankle joint.
They are also available in medical stores flexible orthoses – used most often by athletes who are prone to mild knee injuries (such as volleyball players or tennis players). It is also recommended in the case of overload syndrome, moderate knee sprain and degeneration of the joint surface. Flexible orthosis can also be used by people who have problems with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic knee pain or swelling of the knee joint. Unfortunately, this type of orthosis does not contain any additional reinforcements.
When drawing knee braces it is also worth it try on – too large the brace will slip and will not provide proper stabilization, za little on the other hand, it will be oppressive, which can lead to the formation of wounds. When choosing the right orthosis, it is also worth paying attention to the material from which it was made.
The knee brace should be there made of lightweight materials – the stiffeners are most often made of carbon or glass fibers, and the flexible parts – of breathable knitted fabrics or neoprene. In addition, these materials do not cause abrasions, they let air through and remove liquids, thus ensuring free movement.
- What is the treatment of an ankle sprain? Read: Sprained ankle – symptoms, complications, rehabilitation
For people suffering from degenerative-rheumatic diseases or actively practicing sports, soft orthoses are a good solution. Why? Because they guarantee maximum wearing comfort. Soft orthoses, also known as a seamless band, protect the knees during intense physical exertion. They are usually made of nylon or Lycra, which guarantees thermal protection.
Soft orthoses are used in rehabilitation after various types of knee injuries and prophylactically by athletes. We also include soft orthoses mesh stabilizerswhich have self-adhesive tapes. Such protection protects the knee against overload, promotes its strengthening and quick regeneration.
- What does rehabilitation look like? Read: Rehabilitation – a way to return to fitness
Prices for knee braces starting from around PLN 80, ending up to 2–3 thousand zlotys. zloty. Why such a large discrepancy? The price of the orthosis depends on the materials it is made of, the type of orthosis and the functions it is to fulfill. Knee brace with a clock mechanism and fiberglass or carbon fiber reinforcements, it costs even about 3. zloty.
She went up orthosis, but with a steel reinforcement (so much heavier) – it can be even 70% cheaper. Semi-rigid orthosis, stiffened with carbon fiber, costs about PLN 1000 – stiffened with a steel rail – about PLN 300. However, they are the cheapest orthoses flexible – these can be purchased at most pharmacies, and their cost will not exceed PLN 100.
However, please note that knee bracerecommended by the attending physician, may be reimbursed from the National Health Fund. It is enough for the doctors to write the correct referral for the purchase of medical equipment. After the purchase is made, you should apply to the NFZ branch for a refund of the purchase costs. The refund can range from 10% to even 100% of the value orthoses.
- Also read: Online medical advice at the National Health Fund. Where to call to consult a doctor?
To obtain NFZ funding for an orthosis, several conditions must be met. The first is, of course, the diagnosis of a given limb dysfunction by a doctor who specializes in diseases of the locomotor system. The physician must conclude that the patient must wear an orthosis during treatment.
The document that entitles to financial support from the National Health Fund in the purchase of orthopedic devices and auxiliaries is the so-called order for the supply of medical devices. It is issued by a doctor in the form of a prescription. Recommendations are usually issued by specialists in orthopedic and traumatology, orthopedic or trauma-orthopedic surgery.
This prescription can also be issued by a neurologist, rheumatologist, cancer surgeon or a doctor specializing in general rehabilitation. The document should contain patient data and precise guidelines as to the type of equipment. Before submitting a document to the National Health Fund, it is worth checking if all the information is correct.
The next step is to confirm the order at the NHF branch to which we belong. We can do it by post, through an authorized person or in person at a branch. We pick up the orthosis in a designated place in Poland.
The implementation of orders for the implementation of an orthosis is handled by some online stores cooperating with the National Health Fund.
Knee braces are available in many places. We can find them in sports stores, pharmacies and even large supermarkets. When buying an orthosis, it is important to act effectively to help heal the injury. It is worth using the services of companies that specialize only in the production of orthoses. There are many online and stationary stores on the market, where we will surely find the right orthosis for ourselves.
- See more on: Traumatic injuries of the knee joint
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