Thursday, September 23, 2010

Orthopedic Leg Braces 101

Orthopedic leg braces are medical equipment that are fastened to the legs and are employed for various reasons. It is worn around the knee and functions by reducing the pressure off around it. As a result the orthopedic leg braces give support to the knees and offer stability as well for the various requirements of vigorous daily activities.

The orthopedic leg braces have three main functions. It is mainly used by people who are experiencing knee joint problems such as arthritis and ortheoarthritis to assist in relieving the painful symptoms of these chronic diseases. It can also be used by athletes to support their knees when training or playing to help reduce the risk of injuries. It can also be employed by people who are getting well from injuries to help immobilize the knee so that it can repair itself properly. In addition, they are also utilized to adjust knee alignment.

There are four types of orthopedic leg braces that correspond to different functions.

The first kind is called prophylactic braces that are usually used by athletes who engage in injury-prone contact sports. They are neoprene braces that are worn to prevent injuries. They provide support to the structure of the knees by preventing it from rotating. The bring support to the knee structure by stopping it from turning.

On more type of orthopedic leg braces is the rehabilitation braces. This kind of braces are used by people who have experienced serious knee injury or surgery. As it is utilized to stop the movement of recovering knees, these braces are usually larger than other braces.

Meanwhile, functional braces are used by people who are recovering from a knee injury as well as those who are in pain due to an arthritic condition.

On the other hand, functional braces are utilized by people who are healing from a knee injury as well as those who are suffering from pain because of an arthritic condition. Like prophylactic braces, these kinds of orthopedic leg braces provide support and stability to the knees and helps prevent rotation. In addition it lessens the chance for knee hyper extension and promotes energy and agility of the knees as well. They are also the cheapest forms of leg braces.

Last but not the least form of orthopedic leg braces is the unloader braces.

They are prescribed to individuals who are experiencing pain because of arthritis or due to incorrect alignment They are typically composed of metal reinforcements that can provide stability when standing, walking, or when doing physical therapy exercises. They are also useful in alleviating the pain by carrying away the weight from the side of the knee.

 
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