The following is a continuation of health information regarding AFOs and also the 1st visit for patients at an orthotics company.

Some common questions a brace specialist will want to ask a patient are:

A.) Does your toe drag when you walk?
B.) Does your foot ever turn inward, due to your diagnosis?
C.) Do you quickly get tired due to your gait deviation?
D.) Do you have diabetes?
E.) Do you have a history of skin issues (sores, etc)?
F.) Does your knee ever snap back when you walk?
G.) Does your knee ever buckle when you walk?
H.) Have you ever fallen as a result of your gait deviation?

Manual Muscle Testing - An Important Part of The First Visit

Next the brace specialist will do some manual muscle testing to determine the patient's strength levels. The orthotist (brace specialist) will see how strong the patient's muscles are at the ankle and knee. Sometimes people struggle with just lifting their foot up. Other people will need more side to side stability or they have a problem at their knee because it buckles from time to time. The manual muscle testing process is very important. The patient need not be ashamed if you are having muscle weakness problems when they do
the manual muscle tests. Just do the best you can when the brace specialist works with you.

The Casting Process

After assessing your physical strengths and weaknesses the orthotist will take an impression of your leg and foot. This will be either done with plaster of paris or with fiberglass. Once the brace specialist has an impression of your foot, ankle and lower leg then they can make a custom brace for you. Don't worry, the casting process is painless and once it is complete, you will probably think that it is one of the more interesting things you would have done all day!

Your Second Visit - Fit and Delivery of Your New Ankle Foot Orthosis

When you come to the second visit, you will be delivered with the final product; your new AFO. The brace specialist will check and make sure that the fit is optimal, based off of the location of your boney landmarks. They will also check and make sure that you understand how to apply and remove the brace. Every brace specialist has a set of instructions that they give to the patient. Sometimes, along with verbal instructions the orthotist will provide you with a set of written instructions as well.

*Note: This is health information. Bracing scenarios can vary and medical advice regarding bracing for your needs should be delivered by your providing orthotist.

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Review - AirCast AirHeel

• Interconnecting aircell chambers provide compression while you walk to reduce swelling and enhance circulation.
• Lightweight, low profile design is easy to wear during most activities.
• AirHeel slips on easily and adjusts to fit with a hook-and-loop closure.
• Neoprene.
• Note: Do not use the AirHeel at high altitudes as the aircells may expand beyond their optimal level. Care: Hand wash. Air dry.

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Volleyball is an extremely popular sport that is enjoyed by both women and men. Not only is it played for fun by millions of people, it is also a serious sport with athletes competing all over the world for the top titles, including Olympic gold. Volleyball is a really fun and popular beach sport, and beach volleyball has even become an Olympic sport. Two teams consisting of six players each form on opposite sides of a net, and the object of the game is to keep the ball going back and forth over the net. The team to get the ball across and in bounds without it being hit back by the other team scores a point. Of course, this is a simple overview of the game at its most basic, and there are actually very extensive rules for this popular sport.

Volleyball Players are Susceptible to Knee Injuries

Because volleyball involves a lot of jumping and even a bit of running, the legs are going to receive a lot of impact on hard gymnasium floors. This can lead to numerous injuries, especially in the knees, which can be extremely painful and keep the injured person from playing the sport until healed. In order to avoid certain injuries, many volleyball players wear specialized knee braces, which help to protect their knees from impact. One popular knee brace for people who play volleyball is the DonJoy Spider Knee Pad, which at less than is a terrific way to avoid injury.

How the DonJoy Spider Knee Pad can Help Reduce Knee Strain and Injury

Although wearing a knee brace can help prevent a number of common volleyball injuries, many braces are cumbersome. They are heavy or uncomfortable, and are not the ideal braces for those who are active in sports such as volleyball. The DonJoy Spider Knee Pad is the ideal solution to this problem because it is a lightweight, comfortable sleeve that fits right over the knee. This knee pad contours to the knee, making it extremely wearable during all activities.

Some of the benefits that athletes and non-athletes alike find in the DonJoy Spider Knee Pad include it's low-profile and streamlined design, which is quite unlike other knee pads, and the fact that it is made from a high impact resistant foam that provides added protection and relief of knee pain for athletes. The DonJoy Spider Knee Pad is available in sizes from extra small to two X large, so it can be worn by just about everyone. It is easy to wear because it just slides on over the knee, and it has an opening in the back to prevent pinching of the skin. The honeycomb design protects and cushions your knees, while providing all the support you need to help avoid injury.

Do you feel like your ankle has become too weak to be reliable even when walking, much less when doing strenuous activities?

Do you feel like your ankle will give way when you are on rough or uneven terrain?

If you said yes to the above questions, then chances are high that you are suffering from ankle instability.

Ankle Instability and Its Causes

Chronic ankle instability does not only happen to athletes. Even if you are not engaged in sports and rigorous physical activity, you or any ordinary person may also suffer from this.

This medical problem develops mostly from ankle sprain that has not adequately healed or rehabilitated completely. Your ability to balance is affected if you are suffering from this. If you repeatedly get ankle sprain, it could put you at risk for suffering from chronic ankle instability.

Another cause is the repeated turning of the ankle, especially on uneven surfaces or when participating in sports.

Symptoms of Ankle Instability

Following are the symptoms of a chronically unstable ankle:
Persistent (chronic) discomfort and swelling of the ankle Pain or tenderness in the area The ankle feeling wobbly or unstableTreatment and the Use of Ankle Braces

Now what do you have to do to correct ankle instability and to relieve the pain it causes?

Besides resting and putting ice on your ankle you might consider using an ankle brace for extra support. A lot of people have tried it and took relief from it. Read their testimonials below:
Scott: "My ankle pain reduced dramatically and I had more confidence in walking with the braces on." Helen: "I do not worry making any awkward ankle movements when I wear ankle braces." Andy: "I get even more active in doing sports than I used to be after having ankle supports. These braces really changed my life."To sum it all, it is really you who have the choice. It is your choice to either have or not have ankle supports. We just do not want you to look back with regret because what seemed to be a little ankle problem turned out to be a chronic problem when you hurt your ankle again.

It is important, however, to seek for professional help if you think you have chronic ankle instability. This article is for health information and should not be seen as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional.

1.) Collateral Ligaments

The collateral ligaments stabilize your knee when you are making a side to side movement. When they have suffered a tear, it is usually because you have been struck from the side. For instance, football players, who get tackled from the side, are at a high risk of suffering from collateral ligament damage. The pain usually originates from the side of your knee, and will be tender to the touch. Swelling, pain and a weakness in the knee joint are common symptoms of collateral ligament damage.

There are three grades of collateral ligament damage. They are:

Grade 1

Grade 1 is a minor stretching of the ligament, and can be classified as a sprain.

Grade 2

The ligament is partially torn

Grade 3

The ligament has been completely torn

2.) Mechanism of Injury

Stepping in a hole, being hit while your foot is firmly planted on the ground or twisting your foot sharply to the side can all lead to collateral ligament damage. There are a number of things you can do to treat collateral ligament damage, and in some cases, you can help treat it yourself (speak with your physician about definitive treatment methods).

The first thing you must do is rest the knee. Do not engage in any activity that aggravates or strains your knee. Elevate it when possible, and apply ice to the area frequently. Ice will hasten the healing process, and bring down the swelling and inflammation that are the root of the problem.

3.) Knee Braces For Support

Bracing is also an effective means of helping to treat collateral ligament damage. A knee brace helps provide stability to the knee, which will help promote healing. It also can provide gentle compression to the area, and this has been know to stimulate nerve fibres, which makes the area feel better. It is similar to when you stub your finger. When you stub your finger, your first reaction is to grab hold of it, which makes you feel better. A knee brace will do this for your knee.

Often times people will refer to these knee braces as a football knee brace, basketball knee brace, or a running knee brace. Yes, you can use a knee brace for these sports, but it is wise to help concentrate on the injury level first and then the sport.

You can prevent collateral ligament damage by warming up before you do anything strenuous. You should also stretch properly. If the pain persists, you should consult a physician to make sure that there is not something else wrong with your knee.

Do you have a grade 1 ankle sprain? Are you wanting more information about what that really means?

1.) Grade I Ankle Sprain

This is the lowest level of ankle sprain. What you will see is that there is:

A.) Slight stretching of the ligament (which means that there is some damage to the fibers of the ligament that is sprained)
B.) There may be some (not much) tenderness and swelling in the ankle joint area.

2.) Treatment Options

After you have injured your ankle, and your physician might tell you about the following:

A.) Weight bearing as tolerated. - Meaning, take it easy and only push your ankle as far as it feels comfortable when walking or even sitting with weight on the joint.
B.) Isometric Exercises. - Full ROM (range of motion) and stretching/strengthening exercises as tolerated.
C.) Ankle Braces: The use of an ankle brace to help prevent further injury, while helping to reduce your pain and increase stability.

3.) Diagnosis

Self diagnosis is never recommended. It is important to seek the attention of your physician to clearly diagnosis what is going on. They might order some x-rays to make sure you do not have any broken bones in the ankle or foot. This is important because a broken bone might have similar symptoms of discomfort and swelling.

4.) Difficulty Walking

After you have sustained an ankle injury, such as a grade I ankle sprain, walking may be difficult because of the swelling and pain that may be present. You may need to consider using crutches to off load the ankle if you have pain in the joint. If the sprain is more mild, then swelling and pain will last approximately two to three days.

5.) Nonsurgical Treatment - Ankle Supports Can Help

Ankles supports come in many different styles and types. Often times these are low profile and can easily fit inside of a shoe. The extra support you get from one of these braces can really help to promote healing because they can at the very least remind you not to make certain movements that will bother you. - Many people with pain will tell us that the instant they put on a well made brace their discomfort will decrease dramatically and they can walk much better again.

* Please remember this is health information. It is important to speak with your physician about health advice regarding your particular ankle sprain.

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Review - AirCast Air-Stirrup Ankle Brace, Standard Left #02AL

• provides both support
• graduated compression
• efficient edema reduction
• accelerate rehabilitation

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Have you ever twisted your knee and hurt one of your knee ligaments?

Have you ever been in some sort of collision with an object, or another person and now you found that you injured one of your knee ligaments?

Introduction : It may have never happened to you in the past, but knee ligament injuries happen everyday. If you want to help prevent knee problems, or if you want to help stop one from getting worse, then you should seriously look into the idea of getting a well designed knee brace. They can help to provide the meaningful support you need, in a low profile design. This alone can be the one thing that helps you to recover from a ligament injury that is trying to keep you down!

Benefits of Knee Braces

A.) Support

One of the best things that a well designed knee brace can do for you, is to provide meaningful support. Why does this matter? - Excessive knee movements from side to side, or front to back, can really help to keep your knee and its internal structures injured. Excessive movements can actually cause a knee ligament injury, in the "right" circumstances. A well designed support can really help to control these painful movements that can really stop your knee from healing itself.

B.) Pain Reduction

Once you can help to control the movements that will hurt you, you knee discomfort can greatly reduce. Just ask anyone on the street why they are wearing a knee brace and they will probably tell you that their pain goes down when they wear it. - Not all braces are created equally, so you will need to get a good one, but this is one of the overwhelming responses we get from people who try on a support.

C.) Protection

If you need to preserve the integrity of the internal knee ligaments, then nothing will help in the same way as a knee brace. Sure, sometimes we need to have surgery and this will help repair some ligament damage.... but, if you want to help allow you knee ligaments to heal naturally, you should seriously look into a well designed brace. They will remember to help protect your knees when you forget you need to...

(*Please remember that this is health information. You should speak with your physician about medical advice, as we are not your doctor.)

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Review - Mueller 4566

• Mueller 4566

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Review - ASO Ankle Stabilizing Orthosis - Black - Small

• Stabilizing straps: form figure-eight to protect and support ankle
• Elastic cuff closure: enhances support from stabilizing straps and secures laces
• Low profile: will fit in any type of shoe. Each ankle brace is sold separately.
• Bilateral design: each size fits left or right foot. Ballistic nylon boot: provides tremendous strength and durability
• US manufacturing: higher quality control standards. When measuring your Ankle Circumference, please refer to the image

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Although back supports are designed to alleviate pain and prevent or heal back injuries, there are both pros and cons to all medical treatments and devices. Back braces and supports are not ideal for all situations, and so it is important to understand what situations they are appropriate for, and why. Self-diagnosis is not an intelligent way to determine the need for a back brace, as only a trained and licensed physician should make such a distinction. This is especially true when it is considered that there are more than 30 primary types of back braces, each serving different purposes. The wrong back brace or back support could cause more harm than healing, especially if worn improperly as well.

There are a variety of reasons for using spinal bracing or back supports. They are used to control pain, to prevent further injury, to promote healing of the spine, to compensate for weakness in the muscle and to address deformities. Spinal bracing can either prevent deformities or correct them when worn properly. Some spinal braces, like lumbar braces and corsets can work to compress the wearer's abdomen, increasing what is known as intra-abdominal pressure. In doing this, pressure normally placed on the vertebral column is unloaded, and relief is provided to the wearer as a result.

There are a variety of other reasons why it might benefit a patient to use back supports. For example, spinal bracing can help to insulate the skin, and this produces an increase in warmth that can in turn decrease pain sensation. The increased abdominal pressure that they provide is also capable of providing the wearer's back with hydraulic support. The decrease in the back's range of motion can relieve pain that is caused by stress caused to the pain generators and receptors located in and around the back. For each of these reasons, the right back support can be beneficial.

Just as there are numerous benefits to the use of back supports and braces, there are also potential drawbacks that must be considered. The effects of bracing may primarily be positive, but wearing a back support for a prolonged period of time may lead to a loss of function in some muscles, primarily due to inactivity. Bracing can also provide other issues, including quality of life concerns among wearers that cannot sit or stand without discomfort, or who cannot complete certain day-to-day tasks because the brace limits their natural range of motion.

A magnetic knee brace takes the concept of the magnetic wrist band further. A magnetic knee brace can be seen as another option in a long line of alternative therapy. It provides for a brace that is more comfortable to wear and more natural in terms of treatment. Apart from the compression that your injury needs, this brace will support knees and stimulate a sense of relaxation. Blood circulation is also helped by these braces.

Magnets have long been used for disparate healing purposes, in homeopathic medicine, in particular. A knee brace is yet another substitute. A magnetic knee brace is advised for certain damages to the knees. Some of these are:
1. due to sports
2. in severe arthritis
3. post knee surgery.

Other cases may be where a cartilage is torn or if you are suffering from a sprain.

A magnetic knee brace works by utilizing natural magnetic fields. The braces acquire heat from the user's body and preserves it. This heat relaxes the body. Also, they help in calming capillary walls of the legs, leading to better blood circulation. The knee gets more oxygen in this way, healing the injury quicker.

Increased oxygen supply helps reduce any swelling that might have formed due to the injury. There will be lesser stiffness in the knees which will ultimately decrease the pain from the injury. Muscles that are constricted will unravel and mend sooner. This is because the knee brace are elastic, they keep the knee stable. The heat also aids this.

As magnetic braces are elastic wraps in nature, they are easy to wear and even carry around. They can be easily worn under clothing. Since they are working constantly, it is best to wear them at all times for speedy recovery.

However, there are some things to keep in mind while buying and using a magnetic knee brace. Pregnant women should never use these braces. They should be used over a wound that is still open. Never keep your brace around electronic items, it will interfere with the natural magnetic fields. The brace might also affect skin and therefore, if you are prone to skin irritation or rashes, it is best to keep clear of them.

While choosing a brace, check for its fit. It should not slide too easily and must be a good fit. Knee braces, especially the good quality ones will not only cover your knee but also extend towards the thigh and ankle. The material is of importance here. since you will be wearing it for a long period of time, check whether the material is compatible with your skin and the kind of activity you are involved in on a daily basis.

There are different kinds of braces. Some have Velcro straps, while some use other kinds of fastening mechanisms. It is useful to try the brace on and off a few times to see what kind of style will suit your usual kind of clothing.

If you pick the right kind of brace, you can be certain of painless and quick healing of your knee.

Have you ever considered getting a brace but you were kind of on the fence about it?

Maybe you thought you might get one but you stopped for a second and thought to yourself, "what do these things really do for you anyways?"

Well, if you ever had questions about a knee brace then you have come to the right place, and we can provide some insight about the benefits of these supports.

Knee supports can help people who have suffered an ACL or MCL tear. You may have already heard about an ACL knee brace before, or a sports knee brace. - Basically, when you have injured one of these ligaments, your knee stability can go "out the window". Ok, maybe, your stability is still reasonable, but when you make certain movements you start to get concerned because you can not walk or move like you used too. Your discomfort can rise considerably as well, when you have injured one of these ligaments (remember to always speak to your physician about your knees too, self diagnosis is not recommended.)

So now what?

Well, as a result of talking to people who have gotten a knee brace we would also like to point out an important point for you to consider. One of the most interesting ideas is that not only do they feel more stable physically, but the confidence that a brace can help provide can be a great "extra". Now, when you are exercising or when you are doing your regular activities of daily living, you do not have that mental worry lurking around in the back of your head! - You do no have to be so concerned that it actually effects your day in a negative way. This is how a knee brace can help. - Many people will say that this mental benefit is bigger than the physical stability that they get from a support. Not only will the stability increase, but a person's pain can decrease as a result of wearing a well designed knee brace.

The bottom line is that the choice is yours. There are other knee treatment options out there such as rest and ice that can help you too. We are all about you finding what works for you the best. Hey, sometimes surgery is the only option for some people too. Either way, we hope you found this information helpful and would love to hear if you ever had any more ideas about treating knee pain and instability as well.

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Aircast A60 Review - Best Buy AirCast A60 Ankle Brace - Medium Right On Sale And Discount Price!

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Review - AirCast A60 Ankle Brace - Medium Right

• 60° Stabilizers guard against rollover and help prevent sprains
• Breath-O-Prene® fabric keeps wearer cool and dry.
• Sleek, anatomic design for a comfortable bulk-free fit.
• Lightweight, anatomic design for a comfortable bulk-free fit.

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As winter season is quickly approaching, we start to think about doing all of our favorite winter activities and all that we can do outdoors. One of the most common sports and recreational activities that a lot of us participate in each year is skiing. Most of us have enjoyed hitting the slopes and feeling our skis skate over the powder slopes and we can look forward to relishing your time in the cool winter air.

For some of us, skiing is a major pastime and we want to make sure that we are taking care of our bodies and doing what we can to make sure that we are going to be able to enjoy it for a long time to come. One of the reasons that some of us are unable to continue enjoying the sport of skiing is due to knee injuries that occur while we are on and off the slopes. One of the most common injuries that occur from skiing is damage to the knees.

Why is this such a common occurrence? For one, it happens to skiers of every ability, from novices to pros and the longer that a person skis, the more at risk they are for developing a knee injury. The high speed bending, twisting and turning can place a lot of stress on your knees.

There are different degrees of knee injuries that can occur while we are hitting the slopes. It can start out as a little bit of discomfort in the knee during your time on the slopes or afterwards when you are at the lodge. It can also progress quickly to an ACL tear, an MCL tear, or a meniscus tear.

What can you do to protect yourself from developing a knee injury?

Although some injuries to the knee can not be prevented, there are steps that you can take to help ensure that you are not going to develop an injury or that the pain you are feeling in your knee will not worsen. One of the easiest things that you can do is to purchase a skiing knee brace to wear while you are on the slopes. Knee braces for skiing are designed to allow for the maximum amount of movement that you need to make your moves on the slopes and navigate down the steep runs, all the while keeping your knees protected. They also help stop excessive movements that will be the ones that cause the painful knee injury, or worsen one that you might already have. If you spend a lot of time on the slopes and enjoy skiing, you should consider finding a good skiing knee brace to wear.