The field of orthopedics can seem complicated and intimidating when uninitiated. For unusual or specific cases, there are orthopedic specialists out there that can offer tailor made solutions. But what about the most common conditions? The world of over-the-counter orthoses can rapidly become daunting and heavy if not guided by a well-informed expert. Word to the wise: it is always a good idea to have your doctor or physiotherapist evaluate your needs or injury before launching yourself in your shopping. Your healthcare provider is best equipped to determine what condition ails you and guide you toward the proper treatment plan. A second piece of advice: your healthcare professional will be able to guide you towards the right type of orthopedic product to help you, but a renowned orthosis and splint expert will be able to guide you through the myriad of seemingly identical products.
That being said, there are a few generalities and tips we would like to share with you to help you through the process. Choosing the right orthosis or splint can be the difference between a speedy recovery or a surprise complication.
Key takeaways
- See a doctor or physiotherapist first: they identify the condition and the type of orthosis you need.
- Prosthesis, orthosis, splint: a prosthesis replaces a limb, an orthosis assists a movement, a splint immobilizes.
- The painful area isn’t always the one to treat: wrist pain can come from the elbow.
- Follow the recommendations: wearing an orthosis too long can weaken the muscle.
The Right Support, a Question of Terminology
Orthosis, prosthesis, splint… They’re all the same, right? Wrong. A prosthesis replaces a missing limb or body part. Orthoses can wear many hats. To simplify the definition, they are generally used to assist or facilitate limb function and motion that has become difficult, painful or deficient. Think physiotherapy. And a splint? Well, that’s just a type of orthosis used to immobilize an injured or painful limb. A sling holding a broken arm in place is a good example. Here are a few more examples to help you understand:
A breast form? We’re talking about a prosthesis here. 
A mechanical foot? Also a prosthesis. 
A back support belt? Bingo! The belt promotes proper posture and flexion during physical activities to insure adequate function and limit risks of injury. By supporting and assisting proper body function, the support belt falls under the umbrella of orthoses. 
A profiled stabilizing sling? If you remember correctly, it is an orthosis although more specifically called a sling.
Orthopedic braces and splints are usually paired with physiotherapy exercises, stretching and even neurostimulation treatments on occasion. These exercises are essential for recovery or to strengthen a weakened, possibly aging, articulation. This helps promote healing and recovery, as well as limiting the chances of further injury or complication.
Wearable Therapy
What about usage? As already established, orthoses are usually meant to stabilize or assist limb function and articulations. How this is achieved will depend on the situation and the needs of the user. For a hernia, a support truss will apply sufficient pressure to maintain everything in place. This will help alleviate pain while waiting for an operation. Are you pregnant or do you lift heavy loads regularly? A lumbar or maternity support belt will maintain correct posture and limit the risks of injuring yourself. Is it tendinitis or rhizarthrosis? A wrist or thumb stabilizing brace can help reduce pain due to over usage of your thumb or wrist while limiting damaging motions of the limb. You have a bum knee or an ankle sprain? A wraparound knee brace or ankle stabilizer (or even a walking boot) will help support your weight. And don’t forget, all of this is generally matched with stretching, exercises or physiotherapy.
As you can see, there is a veritable myriad of possible equipment and solutions out there. As stated above, it is good practice to check with your healthcare professional to ensure that your needs are met, and to have an informed specialist assist you in choosing the right product for you.
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
So, if a limb is painful, you just have to brace it right? Not quite. Depending on the condition, the part of the body to treat and support might be different than where the pain originates. A painful wrist might in fact be a pinched nerve in your neck or shoulder. Your caregiver will be able to diagnose what the situation is, and from there the correct type of orthosis will be determined. There is an orthosis, brace or splint for almost every body part and their associated conditions. Making a complete and detailed list would be a daunting affair that would only serve to further confuse a potential shopper. They can be grouped in 5 general anatomical regions to simplify the categorization: the neck and shoulders, the arms (elbow, wrist, hand), the abdomen and back, and legs (hips, knees, ankles, feet).
But remember: the painful region might not be the area to support. A painful and tingling wrist or fingers could be tennis/golfer elbow. In this case, the orthosis will be worn on the elbow and not the wrist or fingers themselves. Furthermore, if an orthosis is worn for extended periods or in an improper fashion it might have the inverse effect of atrophying the muscle instead of restrengthening it. It is of the utmost importance to follow the guidelines and exercises prescribed by your caregiver to avoid further aggravating the problem.
As you can see, the world of orthopedic braces and splints can be quite the affair. Whether you need ongoing support for a specific condition or temporarily for recovery, orthoses can help you find your Mobility, Comfort and Liberty once again. Whether it be a sling for a broken arm or a hernia truss, we can help you find the correct tool for your needs.
At Equipement adaptés MCL, we hold a wide variety of over-the-counter orthoses to cover a range of conditions and situations. Our experts can and will gladly help guide you towards the proper equipment. But we can’t stress this enough: your healthcare specialist will determine if an orthosis is the proper solution, and our experts can guide you towards the proper model for your needs. Happy recovery!
