Orthopedic braces are medical devices that support and protect different parts of the body, especially the musculoskeletal system, and keep them stable. This equipment helps in rehabilitation and recovery after injuries, management of chronic diseases and prevention of further injury. What is an orthopedic brace? An orthopedic brace, sometimes called an orthosis, is a device with various medical functions. Modifying the shape of the body, helping the movement of different body parts or limiting their movement, and reducing the effects of bearing weight on the body or preventing joint or organ movement in certain directions are their applications. Orthopedic braces come in a wide variety of materials, from elastic and neoprene—a synthetic rubber that's also used in wetsuits and laptop bags—to harder materials, such as metal or hard plastic. The most common use of the term "orthopedic brace" is a device that is placed on joints such as knees or elbows to correct the shape of the body and provides the necessary support to keep the joint in proper alignment. With the use of orthoses, the muscles will be able to adjust themselves to the new alignment created by the orthoses without having to take constant care to adjust themselves. The ultimate goal of using such a brace is to adapt the muscles and joints to such an extent that they are able to maintain proper alignment without any external help. Although the function of braces is to correct the shape of the body in any case, they are usually used to correct the leg. They are often placed in shoes in the form of a flexible insole, to correct sagging arches, leg length differences and other foot problems. ### Can anyone wear braces? Keep in mind that orthopedic braces can only be used after the recommendation and approval of a doctor or orthopedic specialist. It is the doctors who are responsible for prescribing, ordering and checking orthopedic braces. The difference between a splint and a brace Although both may be used to treat chronic diseases and acute injuries, the form and application of splints and braces are different. In general, braces are designed for long-term use and to correct or support an injured limb or part of the trunk, while a splint is usually used in emergency situations to immobilize an injured body part. Splints are usually used for broken bones, but they are also used to help treat sprains. Conversely, braces are commonly used for sprains and strains and sometimes for rehabilitation after broken bones. In general, splints and braces are both used in emergency situations and first aid. However, splints are more commonly used than braces in these situations. The job of a splint or splint is to help immobilize a patient while being transported to a medical facility and prevent sharp bone fragments from damaging blood vessels, nerves, organs, or skin. Sometimes splints are also used in rehabilitation. In general, their main purpose in this context is to keep the joints in a fixed position or their minimal movement. Application of orthopedic brace Orthopedic braces are checked and tested in the doctor's office, and their use is usually for use at night. In some cases, the patient must use orthopedic braces during the day. It is very important to strictly follow the instructions given by the orthopedic specialist. Patients often initially wear a brace that is small enough to fit over the head or around the shoulders. This type of brace is called a headband. The headband prevents the brace from moving around while providing enough support to keep it in place. After installing the headband, you need to adjust it so that it fits snugly but comfortably against the skin. Braces can be adjusted using an elastic bandage or using a device that applies pressure to the skin. The braces are then attached to each side of the body using Velcro straps or clips. These straps are usually tied at each end of the brace and placed on both sides of the body, especially if the person has a disability. Orthopedic braces are used in different ways depending on the patient's injury. Doctors prescribe orthoses to prevent movement or some specific parts of the body or joints, to be used for a certain period. This method is very useful and is done with the aim of speeding up proper healing, supporting the damaged areas of the body and putting them in the right position during the healing process. Thermoskin braces are often recommended to limit and help with overall movement of injured areas and take weight off of areas that are still healing, especially around joints and muscles. They provide adequate support to these areas, which in turn reduces the patient's pain while improving mobility. In cases of bone fractures, it is always recommended to use these braces because it speeds up the healing process. Read more: Correction of posture disorders in Shiraz Advantages of orthopedic braces The benefits of braces and splints are the same for chronic and acute diseases. They can also be used to prevent injury. There is a lot of scientific evidence to confirm the positive effects of using braces and splints. ### Unloader knee brace An unloader (valgus) knee brace is often used to reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis on the inside of the knee. These braces are designed to apply external force to reduce the load on the inner (central) part of the knee. By reducing the pressure of the weight on the knee, the pain will also decrease. Improving joint proprioception also helps relieve pain. In a study conducted on 120 patients with knee osteoarthritis and varus deformity, researchers found that a knee unloader brace helped relieve knee pain and improve knee function. The advantages of this brace compared to the hinged brace were also determined. ### patella brace In cases of patellar knee pain syndrome, a patellar brace is used to relieve pain in the front of the knee. This brace is made for cases of patellofemoral joint disharmony. A patellar brace is made of neoprene or other elastic material and has straps to support the patella. Its support part is often circular, but it may also be C or J-shaped. This form of support keeps the patella in the femoral groove as the knee moves. In two systematic reviews, researchers found that this brace is somewhat beneficial for patellofemoral pain syndrome, but should only be used short-term. A small study of military soldiers showed a reduction in anterior knee pain after using a patellar brace. ### Knee immobilizer A knee immobilizer brace is used for many traumatic knee injuries. Complete immobilization of the knee should not be for long periods of time, as it will cause stiffness, muscle atrophy, and chronic pain. The knee immobilizer is useful for quadriceps tears, medial collateral ligament tears, and patellar tendon tears. Knee injury prevention immobilizers are used to reduce the likelihood and prevent knee injuries. Read more: What is an orthosis or brace? ### Neutral wrist splint Full-time use of a neutral wrist splint improves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a pressure neuropathy. Based on the results of an extensive review of studies conducted in this field, the use of a neutral wrist splint improves wrist symptoms and function after four weeks. In another randomized study, researchers found at a six-week follow-up that a wrist splint made significant improvements in the group that used it consistently. There are several options for using Split Match. Some people prefer to wear it only at night, while others use it all the time. Custom splints are also available that provide greater comfort to the wearer. Neutral wrist splints have a volar or volar part where pieces of metal or thermoplastic are placed. The mold is often made of prefabricated metal, and when installing the splint, the doctor determines the need to tighten or loosen the splint by checking the position of the wrist. Splint users can adjust the angle to a neutral position if necessary. ### Functional wristband A functional ankle brace is recommended for immobilization and treatment of acute ankle sprains. These ankle braces reduce the chance of ankle sprains in the future for patients with a history of ankle sprains. Rigid braces immobilize the entire ankle, but functional ankle braces allow some flexion in the sole and back of the ankle. However, a brace can support the medial and lateral ankle bones. The material of these braces is often tarpaulin, and due to their effect in increasing proprioception, they can reduce the possibility of ankle sprains. In a systematic review on the treatment of acute ankle sprains, researchers found that the use of functional ankle braces improves outcomes and shortens the time to outcome. Patients reported greater overall satisfaction, less swelling, greater stability, and a faster return to work. Another study found that these braces improved joint function after a moderate to severe inversion injury. **To receive an orthopedic brace or orthosis in Shiraz by a doctor specializing in orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, call the following phone numbers.**