Metal AFOs, Why You Can Benefit From One

1.) Reasons For Using A Metal ankle foot orthosis.

Many patients will turn to a metal AFO for one of two reasons:

A.) History of Edema

The patient who has fluctuating edema (swelling) can need to have room to expand and contract; with respect to volume of their limb. - A metal AFO (ankle foot orthosis) has medial and lateral uprights that go up and down the side of the leg (below the knee) and are attached to a shoe. These uprights are not directly in contact with the skin and this is done for a good reason. - This room on the sides of the leg allows a person with edema to still use the brace when their swelling goes up and down. If this swelling became much more controlled after the provision of this brace, the uprights of the brace could be recontoured and this space could be reduced if requested by the patient.

When you compare this to other thermoplastic AFOs, you will note that a traditional plastic AFO can not allow this same amount of room on the leg and still be effective for a patient. Yes, both thermoplastic and metal AFOs can be adjusted, but it is important to note that a plastic brace needs to be in more total contact with your leg to be effective.

B.) History of Using Metal AFOs

People will typically also turn to the use of a metal AFO when they have used one in the past. This is a second major reason for using a metal ankle foot orthosis. Many people have been burned in the past by trying something that they are unfamiliar with. The same person might also believe that if what they have used a metal AFO in the past and it works, then why change it?

2.) Where To Find A Metal AFO

It is very important to visit a licensed orthotist in your area to get a quality metal AFO. Why? - When you get one of these braces made for you (or one of your patients) then you will want to go with someone that has experience. This is typically an orthotist, aka a professional brace provider. - These braces (as described in this article) typically consist of a leather calf band which is attached to metal uprights. The uprights are connected to ankle joints (which are adjustable) and these ankle joints are connected to a stirrup within the shoe you will use with the brace. - Sounds simple, but if a professional does not make this brace for you, something is bound to go wrong.

3.) Benefits of Metal Ankle Foot Orthoses

These kinds of braces can help to provide needed support to someones ankle and foot. This is important when you have a problem with weakness or instability at the ankle joint. Moreover, it is also important to use a brace (whether metal or plastic) because this can help to provide indirect support at your knee. This can help to limit knee hyperextension or knee buckling.

If you have new Tennis Elbow pain or old, chronic Tennis Elbow, it is likely that your doctor will recommend that you wear an Elbow Tendonitis Brace.

The reasons for this fall into two categories:

1. To compress, and not to immobilize your elbow and reduce swelling

2. To support you while your arm is active

3. Protect your injury from further infection

Do the tennis elbow braces I see some people wear work?

Yes, they do seem to help people. I'm going to use some fancy words to attempt to explain why we think they work. Wearing a brace is technically called lateral counter-force bracing. Therapists believe that lateral counter-force bracing reduces the magnitude of muscle contraction. Reducing the amount of load ( force ) placed on the tendons reduces the amount of micro-trauma in the region of the muscular attachment.

A lateral counter force brace is basically an inelastic cuff that is worn around on the forearm near the elbow joint. For lateral epicondylitis the brace is placed against the forearm flexors. The forearm flexors are the muscles that pull the top of the hand back towards the elbow.

The brace seems to work to limit the amount of muscle expansion as the muscle contracts. Limiting the muscle expansion reduces the amount of force that is generated.

It is important to remember to NOT become dependent on a counter force brace. It is recommended to gradually use the brace less and less as you progress through your rehabilitation program. Counter force bracing should be thought of as a supplement too, not a replacement for a well structured rehabilitation program.

If you have been suffering from elbow pain for a while, this Tennis Elbow brace may be just the thing to break the cycle of trauma so that your elbow can heal on it's own.

Tennis elbow braces aren't just being worn for relief and protection. It also provides warmth on the injured part and it promotes healing. Wearing an elbow brace that are properly designed ensures quicker healing while undergoing healing treatment.

Tennis elbow is an injury wherein you feel pain in the outer part of your elbow, pain when trying to lift a cup of coffee, pain when trying to twist a door handle, pain when you shake your hands with someone, and pain when you're trying to flex or straighten your arm. This pain is the result of either an inflammation or degradation of the tendons in the outer part of the elbow. This happens because of overexertion, repetitive movements and stress.

When you undergo tennis elbow treatment, a brace is an important tool that health specialists are likely to recommend. The benefits of an elbow brace are quite important if you really want to prevent chronic injury and to permanently get rid of it. One faulty move while in a delicate condition may pose greater problems in the future. So must stop asking why injured people need to wear tennis elbow braces.

One benefit that you can get from wearing the support brace is the relief. When your muscles aren't at stress, they can get as much rest that they need. Having your elbow free from any unwanted movement will allow it to rest also.

Elbow braces also provide the warmth that your arm needs in order for the blood to circulate properly. Through this, the tendons will receive the enough oxygen and nutrients that they need to heal quickly.

You don't even have to bother yourself from protecting your elbow because the brace functions as a protection and a support as well. You will be able to avoid further injury and prevent your injury from becoming chronic.

Elbow braces are vital in promoting a quick healing process. Some of them have gel packs that can be heated or cooled or silicone inserts. It may have an air cell technology that focuses pressure on an injured part. Properly designed elbow braces will not cause impairment in blood circulation.

The benefits of an elbow support brace include relief, provides warmth, protection or support, and promotion of quick healing. They are being worn just below the elbow on the forearm. It is made to give ample pressure to focus on the inflamed tendons without restricting blood circulation. It is very helpful for you to be able to heal quicker and have the pain be eliminated.

Thus, you may be able to go back to your normal activities sooner. Elbow braces come in various types and may come from different lines of manufacturers. It is advised that you choose an elbow brace that was designed properly with lightweight and breathable material. You have to monitor the effectiveness of the brace and your injury's stage of healing so you can change it if necessary. So there's no more reason for you to refuse using tennis elbow braces.