It is recommended after an injury to your foot or ankle, you wear a brace to relieve tension, minimize discomfort, and reduce inflammation. An orthotics brace, also known as a foot brace, restricts your movement to prevent further injury as well as assists with movement, and reduces weight-bearing impulses.
A foot brace is used to support weak limbs, compensate for weakness, relieve pressure from arthritis, help injury recovery, correct a foot drop, and control the motion of the foot/ankle.
When selecting a foot brace, there are two key factors to consider to ensure that you choose the right brace for your needs:
- Type of injury: The type of foot brace you need will depend on the type of injury you have. For example, if you have a sprained ankle, you may need a brace that provides support and stability to the ankle joint.
- Level of support: Foot braces can provide different levels of support depending on your needs. Some braces offer mild support, while others provide maximum support and protection.
Foot Braces for Different Conditions
1. Bunion Brace
Bunions can be a very painful condition that is caused by the bone at the base of the big toe becoming enlarged or swollen. Finding relief for the condition is possible
Using bunion braces can help relieve pain and reduce friction between your toes. Bunion Corrector and Protector Sleeves keep the big toe in place.
The following is a brief overview of popular bunion splints and braces that treat mild to moderate bunions preventively, and in advanced cases, post-operatively.
2. Plantar fasciitis brace
Plantar Fasciitis is a common athletic foot injury. While runners are most likely to suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, any athlete whose sport involves intensive use of the feet may be vulnerable.
The risk of this injury increases in athletes who have a particularly high arch, or uneven leg length, though improper biomechanics of the athlete’s gait and simple overuse tend to be the primary culprits.
One way of soothing this pain is by using a plantar fasciitis brace at night.
3. Cuboid Syndrome Brace
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, most commonly occurs in athletes.
While it can happen to anyone, its prevalence in the athletic population is much higher than that of the general population.
One way of relieving pain in the foot is by using a brace. These braces are used to keep hold the cuboid bone in place. Learn more about cuboid braces.
4. Ankle braces
Ankle braces are a great way to provide support and help prevent further injury.
If your ankle is throbbing with pain and you feel unstable when you walk, the extra support from a brace can prove to be immeasurable.
It’s true that injuries to the ankle typically happen out of the blue, and most unexpectedly. Most injuries occur when you suddenly find yourself out of balance or if you happen to roll accidentally onto your foot.
These actions cause you to shift the additional body weight onto your ankle which in turn stresses the joints. The result is often excruciating pain and instability. Select an ankle brace to prevent further injuries.
5. Knee brace
There are numerous knee braces available in the market nowadays, depending on the needs of a person.
There are knee sleeves that are slid over the knee to provide minimal protection and warmth in the area.
Knee braces, on the other hand, are specially designed to support the wearer for a painful or injured knee, or to prevent injuries to happen. They are designed to help the wearer continue his daily routine and functions even with an injured knee.
Most knee braces greatly help a person who has suffered severe injuries into doing regular chores and activities. This is because knee braces are specially made to directly address the part or parts of a knee that has been traumatized.
6. Drop foot Brace
Foot drop, sometimes called drop foot, is a general term for difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. If you have a foot drop, you may drag the front of your foot on the ground when you walk.
If you have foot drop, you may need to wear a brace on your ankle and foot to hold your foot in a normal position.
Fortunately, there are many treatment options, ranging from braces to physical therapy to surgery. They may not completely restore a normal gait, but they can often reduce the symptoms significantly and make walking easier. Get more on our drop foot brace buyers guide.
What Conditions Require a Foot Brace?
If you are suffering from foot drop, shin splints, heel spurs, sprained ankle, or Achilles tendonitis, you do not have to be immobile.
You can still have the option of walking naturally easy and painlessly, with complete and safe flexibility and mobility. The lightweight braces are perfect for wearing day and night.
If you have injured your foot or ankle and walking is a consistent pain, extra support could save you from hours of agony. It is recommended if you are suffering from foot pain that you should stay off your feet.
Unfortunately, not all of us have the luxury of having our feet up all day. If you need to be on your feet for work, taking care of kids, sports, etc. then a foot brace is an alternative to being completely off of your foot.
How A Foot Brace Can Help
The foot brace offers quality support, ankle adjustment, easy application, and durability, and works well with or without shoes. Once you have tried on this foot brace and experienced its comfort, support, and lightweight, you will not want to take it off.
Furthermore, it reduces significant pressure on the rear of the foot, and the forefoot. You will still have great balance, and vigorous stabilization without adding pressure or pain to the foot, and lets you walk easily.
You will experience more ankle stability, and prevention of abnormal ankle inversion, while still allowing natural ankle flexibility and control.
Choosing the right brace for your foot
There are a large variety of braces to choose from. The right choice depends on your purpose, injury, and style. If you have arch or heel pain then you are probably in the market for an air cast or a brace that offers significant arch support.
These are generally easy to be worn with shoes and slippers. For more significant pain you may need to invest in a walking support brace. These are great for diabetics, those who need limited movement and flexibility to their foot and ankle but still have mobility.
In order to have a healthy and quick recovery, it is important that you take proper care of your injuries and joints adequately and carefully.
Conclusion
It is believed by orthopedics that foot/ankle problems can lead to further issues in our spine, hips, and knees. It is critical that you have properly fitting orthopedic footwear to avoid further complications.
If you are experiencing general pain from an injury, health issues, or drop foot but still want to have your freedom and mobility a foot brace is a great option for your healing.
