For arthritis, arthrosis, diseases of the tibia and ankle fractures, doctors recommend using an ankle orthosis. It fixes the leg, allows you to redistribute the load. Reducing pressure on the damaged area has a beneficial effect on its recovery, preventing possible relapse.
What is an ankle brace?
Ankle brace is an orthopedic device that fixes the ankle in various injuries. It perfectly follows the shape of the injured area to be applied. In appearance, ankle orthoses can be compared to a toe or a boot, but the toes remain open while wearing it. It is fastened with lacing, fasteners, Velcro and straps, and is made of fabric, metal and plastic.
According to their purpose, orthoses are divided into preventive, rehabilitation and functional. The first type is rarely used, it prevents damage to the ankle. Rehabilitation devices are worn for injuries and illnesses to speed up recovery. The latter are used to ensure normal movement in cases where major changes have occurred. Such devices must be worn practically without removing.
Types of orthoses
Since orthoses are used for different purposes, they are different. What type of ankle brace stiffness should I choose? You need to proceed from the nature of the injury or pathology. For example, for the prevention of ankle injuries, a soft orthosis is used, and for a bruise, fracture or functional disorder of the musculoskeletal system, a semi-rigid and hard one is prescribed.
Soft
In appearance, it is similar to a removable fabric bandage. Such a device for ankle injury is prescribed exclusively by a doctor, since self-medication is dangerous to health. These products have sizes, special fastening and lacing technology. They are easy to carry and care for. Subject to all the rules of operation, the orthopedic device has no contraindications. This type of orthopedic device has an undeniable number of advantages. For example, they can be easily worn in everyday shoes, no help is needed when putting on. It is easy to wash and can be removed overnight.
Semi-rigid
This type of product has straps or laces that replace the elastic bandage. In addition, they can be fitted with silicone, metal or plastic inserts for greater rigidity. This allows for better ankle support. Such a fixator is prescribed for bruises, injuries during the entire rehabilitation period. These orthopedic devices provide a secure fit for the leg, and lacing or straps allow you to adjust the pressure on it.
Plaster can be replaced with a medium fixation product. The semi-rigid orthosis completely repeats the anatomy, it does not rub the leg when worn, despite a fairly strong fixation. It can be taken off at night and can even be worn in shoes as it is very durable. Perhaps at first the patient will notice the retainer, but then the slight discomfort will go away.
Hard
It must have plastic inserts, elastic tires. A special device of this type allows you to reliably fix the joint and the foot itself. Such devices are prescribed for fracture or irreversible disorders in the joints. Rigid ankle braces provide full support for the leg. They can easily replace a cast in case of ankle fracture. Thanks to the fixators, the pain syndrome is quickly reduced, the leg joint is relieved. Adjustable pressure makes use more comfortable.
Currently, there are many varieties of rigid retainers. This allows you to choose the most suitable model in terms of size and other parameters.
With proper operation, the device will not cause any harm to the leg, and the redistribution of the load will allow you to maintain almost the same rhythm of life. Of course, you cannot wear a rigid foot orthosis in shoes, but you can walk in it just like that, due to the unique thick sole.
Indications for the use of the orthosis
To effectively treat injuries or diseases of the ankle, it is necessary to provide the diseased joint with complete rest. Therefore, it is recommended to wear an ankle orthosis:
- with arthritis and arthrosis;
- with ligament injuries;
- with fractures of the foot, lower leg or ankle;
- with various ankle anomalies in children;
- with a load on the ankle caused by excess weight, flat feet and other reasons;
- in the postoperative period;
- as a prevention of fracture for athletes and those who are engaged in physical labor.
What is better than a modern fixative or plaster?
Ankle brace has been developed recently. Today it is a good alternative to plaster. The previous method of immobilization completely blocked access to the joint and made treatment difficult. In addition, gypsum is also bad in that its rigidity does not change as it recovers. The ankle brace can be adjusted, its mobility increases as the ankle heals.
A very important factor is that the patient can lead an active lifestyle, in contrast to the situation when a plaster cast is used. Due to the special sole, the weight is not concentrated in one point, but redistributes the load.
Thanks to the use of ankle braces, the speed of recovery is noticeably increased.
Pros and cons
But it is not possible to use an ankle orthosis in all cases. It should not be applied on open fractures, especially if the wound is bleeding. Even if the fracture is closed, it is better to first apply a plaster cast, and use the foot orthosis after the bones have healed.
The question of whether it is possible to replace the plaster cast with an ankle orthosis must be decided by the doctor in each case.
Another important point concerns the statement that this device leads to muscle atrophy. This raises the question - is it possible to remove such an orthosis at night? If the fracture is not complex, without displacement, then it is possible and even necessary. Otherwise, the doctor will simply apply a cast. As for the harm to the muscles, the fixative, on the contrary, strengthens them. The main thing is that the device is correctly chosen. It can even be custom made if needed.
Is it possible to make a fixator for a joint with your own hands? Yes, if you are a doctor and a qualified technician at the same time, and also have the necessary equipment and material on hand. Otherwise, choose and wear the retainer only as directed by your doctor.
The ankle is the part of the body that is most vulnerable to all kinds of injuries. Serious loads fall on the ankle, because its task is to evenly distribute the weight, to help a person keep balance. Ankles are injured both in everyday life and in sports. After the fracture is treated, a special ankle support device, an orthosis, is used. However, today orthoses are used not only in the recovery period, but also instead of plaster cast to fix the ankle.
Orthosis instead of plaster
Orthopedic ankle support
These products are designed to support the ankle joint in case of injury or illness. When folded, they look like a sock or a boot, their task is to reliably fix the injured joint in the desired position.
An orthosis, like a plaster cast, stabilizes the work of the articular joint, excludes its overload during the recovery period. In the event of an injury or fracture, it restricts mobility and immobilizes the articular joint, which helps the injured tissue to recover effectively.
Based on the type of injury and its complexity, the doctor chooses the most appropriate orthosis model, which will provide the tissues and bones with a speedy recovery.
A special model has been developed for each orthopedic task. Do not try to select the retainer yourself.
Material and designs
Plastic bandage for fixing the foot
Orthoses are most often made from elastic fabrics in combination with medical plastic, approved by Rospotrebnadzor for use in traumatology and surgery. This combination of materials in the construction of the bandage helps to fix the joints, eliminate pain,.
Plastic bandages effectively immobilize injured bone and articular joints after complex fractures, and ensure proper bone fusion. We also need products made from only one elastic material, they provide medium fixation, which is important at the final stage of recovery or after removing the metal fixation elements.
Usually the clips are equipped with external gel pads, silicone or metal inserts, Velcro straps, lacing. With such additions, the bandage "fits" better to the ankle, provides comfort, and warms the legs.
Excellent air permeability, absence of allergenic materials make the use comfortable and safe.
Models for children are designed for leg height and are equipped with special braces. You can wear the bandage only by adjusting the tension of the belts and mounts.
The cost of different models depends on the complexity of the design of the bandage.
Orthoses: pros and cons
Indications for the use of bandages are fractures, injuries and diseases of the ankle area.
- minor ankle injuries;
- the development of puffiness in the damaged area during rehabilitation;
- the formation of ankle instability after injuries;
- chronic diseases;
- removal of plaster.
When choosing an ankle orthosis after a fracture, the surgeon takes into account the severity of the injury. It is prescribed to wear such a device for minor injuries or for prevention purposes. In this case, elastic models are selected. For serious injuries, a plastic bandage is needed to securely fix the limb.
Such models are used for comfortable distribution of the load, this promotes tissue regeneration and reduces the risk of complications.
There are no contraindications to the use of a bandage. However, only a specialist can recommend it. According to traumatologists, with closed fractures and joint displacements, wearing orthopedic braces gives a good effect.
The advantages of an immobilization orthosis:
- the ability to regularly examine the injured leg;
- as the injury heals, the stiffness can be changed, which is important for the healing process;
- the skin "breathes" well in the hygroscopic material of the bandage, you can treat the skin with drugs when the orthosis is removed to examine the leg.
Such possibilities are not provided by a plaster cast.
You need to walk in a leg bandage as long as it takes until the fracture is completely healed.
Choosing an ankle brace
Choosing an ankle brace after a fracture should be as careful as choosing a quality shoe. When buying an orthosis, you need to choose a model and size so that the product fits the leg as tightly as possible and fixes the damaged joint.
Orthopedic salons provide the ability to replace the bandage model as the injury heals. It is also recommended here to choose an orthopedic insole for wearing in ordinary shoes.
When determining the size of the orthopedic product, it is important to know the basic data about the injured leg:
- the circumference of the ankle, which is measured at the lowest point of the bone;
- shin circumference, which is measured midway between the ankle and the knee;
- the full circumference of the ankle, which is measured at the narrowest point of the lower leg;
- the victim's actual shoe size.
Taking these indicators into account, the orthopedist of the salon will select the model with the greatest accuracy.
When to put on a brace after an ankle fracture
If a person is ready to load the leg after an injury and does not feel severe pain during loading, the plaster cast can be replaced with an orthosis. The model is selected individually: the doctor recommends elastic to one person, plastic to another, if significant fixation of the damaged joint is still required.
It is necessary to get used to the bandage gradually, first wearing it for 1-1.5 hours a day, gradually increasing the time and load. At first, in the first half hour, pain may worsen, as the injured ankle takes time to get used to.
Slight hyperemia of the skin in the places where the belts are attached is also allowed, since an important condition for wearing an orthosis is a reliable fixation of the injury site.
To eliminate redness and pain, additional adjustment of the level of fixation of belts and anchorages will help.
The orthopedic ankle brace is not worn on an open skin area; it is recommended to use cotton socks that are several centimeters longer than the top of the bandage. This is especially useful when wearing plastic models. Without the use of socks, rubbing, irritation, rash and redness appear.
If the model is selected correctly and the patient followed all the doctor's recommendations, after 2-3 weeks the rigid retainer can be changed to an elastic one.
An active lifestyle, wearing high-heeled shoes, and the individual characteristics of the articular apparatus lead to frequent injury. The modern approach to treatment suggests using an orthosis instead of a plaster cast on the ankle. This is an innovative breakthrough in medicine and allows you to successfully restore the affected functions with the greatest comfort for the patient.
Description and principle of operation
The orthosis is a kind of construction that resembles a boot or a sock. With its help, complete or partial fixation of the affected joint is achieved.
In the process of recovery, the degree of contraction may change, and the motor function is, if possible, carried out in sufficient volume.
The patient's recovery occurs earlier compared to the use of plaster, the possibility of complications is reduced.
Product classification
Depending on the purpose for which the wearing of an orthosis is prescribed, orthopedic devices are divided into:
- preventive (necessary for physical activity, a tendency to instability in the ankle);
- functional (intended for patients with joint changes that cannot be corrected);
- medical and rehabilitation (needed for the treatment of traumatic damage to bones (fractures), ligaments and muscles, as well as in the recovery period).
Orthoses differ in the quality of the material, the degree of fixation of the affected joint and the structure.
Material
A high quality fixing device should:
- do not cause an allergic reaction;
- be breathable.
Leg orthoses that meet these requirements are made from:
- soft elastic fabric;
- medical plastic.
Additional elements can consist of metal, wood, silicone.
Fixation degree
On this basis of the classification, semi-rigid and rigid orthoses are distinguished. The bandage of medium hardness is made of elastic material and has various inserts, overlays, cords. This device is necessary for joint instability, inflammatory and degenerative processes, traumatic damage to the ligaments.
A rigid orthosis is a product made of medical plastic or metal with soft inserts inside, the degree of fixation of which is provided by various devices. Designed for the treatment of complex fractures. Such an orthosis instead of a plaster cast in case of ankle fractures reliably fixes the ankle.
The most reliable rigid fixation is provided by the splint. This is a special boot made of plastic material with soft inserts inside, which is necessary for the complete immobilization of the ankle in case of complex displaced fractures. The use of the splint is also shown for restorative measures after surgical interventions.
The soft ankle brace and ankle braces made of elastic material are intended mainly for preventive purposes.
Design
A brace that replaces the ankle plaster usually includes elements that provide comfort and the necessary degree of fixation:
- pads based on a special gel;
- silicone or metal inserts;
- belts;
- cords.
The required degree of fixation can only be determined by a doctor. Self-adjustment can lead to impaired blood circulation in the tissues or insufficient fixation of the joint in the event of a fracture, which will make it difficult for the damaged surfaces to heal.
Manufacturing process
Depending on where the orthosis is made, there are:
- serial (can be bought at a pharmacy);
- modular (assembled by an orthopedist, taking into account the specific characteristics of the patient);
- individual (made on the basis of a plaster cast of the leg).
The highest price is for custom-made orthopedic structures, but for complex fractures for reliable fixation, it is preferable to use them.
Indications for use
Orthoses are a worthy and modern replacement for a plaster cast for injuries to the ankle, ankle or ankle. A patient needs an orthopedic device for:
- fractures of varying degrees of complexity;
- the appearance of swelling of the soft tissues of the foot after trauma;
- stretching and tears of the ligamentous apparatus of the ankle joint.
For minor injuries, orthoses made of elastic material can be used. Fractures will require more rigid plastic structures that achieve full fixation.
Shown for use in the following diseases of the musculoskeletal system:
- joint instability due to flat feet, excess weight, foot deformities;
- inflammatory, degenerative, or dysplastic changes in the joint;
- the consequences of the transferred rickets;
- paralysis or paresis (complete or partial impairment of movement) after a stroke.
In case of fractures, constant wearing of an orthopedic device will be required, this condition alone will ensure the fusion of damaged bone structures. If the orthosis is prescribed for diseases, you need to wear it all day, and rest your leg at night. Otherwise, with constant wearing, the development of atrophic changes in the muscles is possible.
Contraindications
A ban on the use of orthopedic products is an open fracture with damage to the soft tissues of the leg. Bleeding resulting from such an injury prevents the structure from being worn.
How to choose an orthosis
To choose the right orthopedic product, you need to focus on the size of your feet. If you have to choose between two fixtures, the smaller size should be preferred. To achieve the required immobilization, the orthosis must be tailored exactly to the patient's individual parameters.
Be sure to measure:
- ankle volume;
- ankle circumference (half the distance between the ankle bone and knee);
- the volume of the girth of the bootleg.
While wearing the orthosis, discomfort and pain are possible. Small reddish spots may appear on the surface of the skin. Normally, these complaints should disappear within 30 minutes. If the patient continues to experience discomfort, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist. Only a properly selected orthosis will ensure the patient's recovery.
Adjustment and selection of the device should be carried out only by a doctor! Independent interventions can lead to complications in the form of an incorrectly fused fracture and circulatory disorders. The duration of wearing is also agreed with the specialist.
Advantages and disadvantages
The use of orthoses has a number of serious advantages in comparison with the imposition of plaster casts and bandaging. Plaster of Paris for fractures makes it difficult for a specialist to examine the affected limb. It is also impossible to regulate the degree of fixation, which leads to disruption of trophic processes in tissues.
Applying a bandage does not provide the necessary fixation and has little therapeutic efficacy.
The main advantages of orthoses are:
- significant reduction or complete elimination of pain and swelling of the foot;
- improvement of metabolic processes in ligaments, muscles and tendons;
- immobilization and mechanical unloading of the joint;
- the ability to expand the motor regime during the recovery period;
- regulation of the degree of contraction depending on the stage of the pathological process;
- patient comfort.
The disadvantages of this method of treatment include the impossibility of using it for open fractures of the ankle and ankle, with bleeding from the vessels of the injured lower limb and the presence of wound surfaces.
If it is possible to use an orthosis, this method of orthopedic correction should be given unconditional preference over traditional methods.
Injuries to the musculoskeletal system are not uncommon. Quite often, the lower leg is injured. In this case, an ankle orthosis may be required.
Features of the structure of the ankle joint
The ankle joint accounts for most of the load, since it is involved in walking, and the entire weight of a person presses on the foot. The articulation consists of bone joints and ligaments, provides the ability to move the foot. The ankle ligaments connect the bones of the foot and ankle, which gives the joint a stable position.
The most common injuries to the ankle are as follows:
- sprain, tear or tear of the ligaments;
- fracture;
- dislocation;
- injury.
Each of these types of damage has its own diagnostic and treatment methods. An ankle injury can permanently knock a person out of the rhythm of life and even lead to chronic problems with the foot if the bones are not properly joined together. If the ankle is injured, it is necessary to immediately contact a traumatologist or surgeon to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Sprained ligaments
Swelling and cyanosis are signs of stretching
The most common injury is ankle sprain. This injury occurs mainly when the leg is twisted. There can be several reasons for sprains.
- Inadvertent fall in which the leg rolls inward. This happens especially often in winter. Also, similar injuries are observed in women who walk in heels.
- A sharp inaccurate turn of the foot to the side, for example, while walking or running on a surface with holes, bumps.
- Accidentally hitting the lower leg, causing the foot to buckle. This mainly occurs when playing football, when the opponent, instead of the ball, can touch your foot.
- During exercise, fitness, tennis, or other movement-related sports.
- From birth, weakened ligaments of the foot, prone to injury.
Indirect factors leading to stretching of the leg ligaments include:
- constant slight twisting of the foot when walking in high-heeled or wedge-heeled shoes, using uncomfortable shoes;
- sports factor - when athletes, pumping all the main muscle groups, do not attach importance to the joints of the foot;
- medical diseases associated with muscle damage and decreased nerve conduction.
In reality, the ligaments cannot be stretched, since they are composed of collagen fibers, which are quite elastic in structure. They can only be torn. But the degree of rupture of the ligaments already determines the severity of the damage. During the so-called stretching, a small amount of fibers are torn.
Stretching symptoms and treatments
Possible joint damage options
Symptoms by which you can determine the stretch:
- severe joint pain, inability to move the leg;
- swelling at the site of the alleged ligament rupture;
- hemorrhage in and around the damaged area.
When contacting a doctor with complaints of pain in the ankle, signs of rupture are determined visually, as well as by probing the problem area and determining the possibility of foot movement. The trauma specialist should send you for an X-ray of the injured part of your leg to make sure there is no fracture.
There are several degrees of damage to the ligaments:
- the first (the so-called stretching) - a small number of fibers are torn, while moderate pain is felt, but the ability to move is preserved;
- the second (tearing of the ligaments) - the pain becomes strong enough and the movement is limited for about 3 days;
- the third (ligament rupture) - there is severe pain in the joint and inability to move the leg.
Treatment of ligament injuries should be prompt. After injury, it is necessary to apply a pressure bandage and a compress of ice to the sore spot for 15 minutes, this will help relieve the swelling. Then the injured leg needs warmth, warm baths, compresses, which activate local blood circulation and will contribute to the rapid healing of the ligaments. According to the doctor's prescription, various warming ointments are used. The leg needs complete rest, there is no need to lean on it or move it during treatment.
Ankle brace application
An important point in the treatment of joint ligaments is its complete immobilization and fixation. For this purpose, use a special splint. A more modern means of fixation is the ankle orthosis. A regular bandage that is used to secure the leg in a certain position is not reliable because it can become loose over time. The joint will be able to move, which will cause pain and can lead to deformation.
The arguments in favor of using an orthosis for an injured ankle are quite weighty:
- when using the retainer, the leg is rigidly fixed in a certain position;
- the ligaments grow together faster, the treatment time for the injured leg is halved;
- the availability of the orthosis and ease of use.
The orthosis is made according to modern technologies. In its production, durable, but sufficiently elastic materials are used. In its shape, the orthosis is not bulky, it can look like a sock, golf or boots. Fastening methods are different: fasteners, lacing, Velcro, belts and other elements.
The brace can have different stiffness. The soft retainer is made of plastic fabrics and looks like a bandage. The semi-rigid ankle brace is equipped with fasteners and is used instead of an elastic bandage. It can have additional rigid inserts in the form of plates. The rigid retainer must contain plastic inserts and special elastic splints.
The choice of the degree of rigidity of the ankle brace depends on the type of joint injury. In order to prevent foot injuries, soft devices are used. For more serious injuries, semi-rigid and rigid retainers are used.
The main purpose of the ankle brace is to provide complete rest for the affected leg. When using such a device, the treatment of diseases has a positive effect. In addition to accelerating the processes of tissue healing and ligament fusion, wearing an orthopedic product for the ankle has the following consequences:
- fixation of the joint in order to avoid loosening it, which results in the correct fusion of the ligaments;
- by stabilizing the ankle, ligaments and tendons are strengthened;
- due to the constant wearing of the orthosis, the swelling of the tissues of the leg decreases and the painful sensations disappear;
- limb mobility is often fully restored.
Experts do not recommend that their patients wear ankle braces all the time, because this leads to atrophy of the muscles of the foot and lower leg. In case of injuries, on the contrary, wearing a retainer is shown, in this case the muscles are strengthened, the ligaments grow together correctly.
Features of the treatment of ankle fracture
Fracture is another common ankle injury. This injury usually affects either the outer bone of the foot or the back of the joint. Ankle fracture occurs in the following cases:
- a sharp dislocation of the leg when twisting on a slippery surface or in uncomfortable high-heeled shoes;
- big exercise stress on the joint while jumping, running;
- movement on uneven surfaces.
Signs of a joint fracture (one of them is in the photo) are similar to the symptoms of a sprain and are as follows:
- there is a pronounced swelling of the site of damage;
- there is a clear deformation of the joint itself;
- there is very severe pain in the area of \ u200b \ u200bbending the foot;
- inability to move the foot, pain if you step on it.
To determine the fracture, an X-ray is taken, which shows the extent of bone damage.
The fracture can be with or without displacement. With a fracture without displacement, the treatment is simple, the joint performance is almost always restored. If there is bias, more serious therapy is required. It is important to properly reassemble the fractured bone so that it heals properly. It is from the high-quality and timely connection of the parts of the bone of the joint that its further performance and the usefulness of the patient's lifestyle depend.
In some cases, with a fracture of the ankle joint, an operation is required to implant special medical screws or plates in order to ensure the most correct bone fusion. Unlike sprains, orthoses are highly discouraged for fractures. They can only be used after the bones have healed. Of course, in this case, a rigid calf and foot brace is used.
In case of bruises and minor dislocations of the ankle, the leg must be kept calm, using tight bandages or an orthosis. It is recommended to do warm baths, iodine net or use warming ointments. If the pain syndrome does not go away within a few days, you need to see a doctor.
The ankle joint provides free mobility to the entire leg, therefore, its integrity must be protected. If the ankle is injured, you should immediately go to the hospital and strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. To prevent the occurrence of injuries, it is useful to do small kneading exercises, and wear soft orthoses at increased loads.
The ankle is one of the most vulnerable parts of our body, and the ankle carries enormous loads, distributing weight and helping to maintain balance. Ankle injuries occur both as a result of household bruises and fractures, and during sports training (there are special bandages for sports) or when a person performs professional duties. To alleviate the condition during the recovery period, an ankle orthosis is used. What types of products can you find? How do they work? And are there any contraindications to wearing this type of product?
What is an orthosis
Ankle brace is an orthopedic device in the form of a sock or boot that allows you to fix the injured area in the desired position. With its help, the work of the joint is stabilized, its further damage or disruption in the work of tissues is excluded. The brace helps to restrict or completely immobilize the joint, which favorably affects the course of recovery from a fracture or other injury.
The orthopedic industry produces a huge number of ankle braces, but which one is right for you, only your doctor will tell you. His diagnosis will be based on the extent of the fracture and the ability of tissues and bones to heal.
Let's list the most popular classifications of orthoses for ankle fractures.
Material and degree of fixation
For the manufacture of orthoses, most often, preference is given to elastic fabrics or medical plastic. The former are used to fix joints, reduce or eliminate pain and swelling.
Plastic orthoses are prescribed after serious fractures when absolute immobility is required for proper bone healing.
Orthoses made of elastic material usually provide a medium degree of fixation, while plastic ones - high.
Design
The orthosis design can be supplemented with soft gel pads, silicone or metal inserts, straps, lacing. These devices make it possible to better "fit" the device to the foot, provide comfort while wearing, and often create a thermal effect. One of the parameters of the ankle joint is good air permeability and hypoallergenicity.
There are also children's models that “grow” with the leg. They are supplied complete with special clips.
Indications and contraindications for use
Except for fractures different types, the orthosis can be prescribed:
- with minor damage to the ankle;
- in the event of swelling of the extremities during the rehabilitation period;
- with stretching of muscles and ligaments;
- with instability of the ankle joint after injuries, including in chronic cases.
When choosing an orthosis, the doctor will certainly take into account the degree of damage. For minor trauma or for prophylaxis, the choice is likely to be made in favor of the elastic model.... In case of serious fractures, when the injured place needs complete immobility - plastic. A plastic orthosis is also used because, in most cases, weight cannot be transferred to an injured or recovering leg from a fracture while walking.
There are no direct contraindications to wearing an orthosis after an ankle fracture. However, recommendations for its use should be given by a specialist.
It is clear that in cases with open fractures and bleeding wounds, we are not talking about the use of orthoses.
How to choose an ankle brace
Choosing a brace for a leg whose ankle has survived a fracture should be as careful as choosing a quality shoe. But if, when choosing shoes or boots, we always give preference to a larger size in the absence of ours, then when buying an orthosis, you need to do exactly the opposite. If your size is between the two figures shown on the size bar, choose a smaller orthosis.
A properly fitted orthosis fits snugly around the ankle and provides the correct level of contraction.
To determine the size, the main parameters of the limb should be recorded:
- shoe size;
- ankle circumference - the narrowest part of the leg;
- shin circumference - midpoint between knee and ankle;
- ankle circumference - a point below the bone.
When can you wear an orthosis for ankle fracture?
There is no unequivocal answer to this question, because each organism is individual, like each case of a fracture. One patient, after removing the plaster, may be assigned an elastic orthosis, while the other will have to walk with a plastic one. Only a doctor's recommendation will help determine when to use an ankle brace.
The same can be said for the wearing time. One thing is clear that during rehabilitation after a fracture, you need to gradually get used to the orthotic, starting to wear it for an hour a day and avoiding active loads on the injured leg and gradually increasing both the time and the load on the ankle.
Do not be alarmed if in the first 20-30 minutes of the field, putting on a miraculous sock, you experience pain. A broken ankle will take a while to get used to.
Reddish dots on the ankle are considered acceptable, which should pass after 10-15 minutes.
If the pain increases or lasts more than half an hour, and the red spots do not go away after removing the orthosis, you should stop wearing it and consult a doctor as soon as possible. It is possible that the orthosis was chosen incorrectly or additional adjustment of the degree of fixation is required.
It is imperative to wear cotton socks under the orthosis the edges of which exceed the upper edge of the band by several centimeters. This is especially important with plastic models. Otherwise, irritation, rashes may occur, or you will simply rub off your leg.
Today, many orthopedists are inclined to replace in some cases a plaster cast with an immobilization orthosis. The plaster cast completely covers the joint and prevents careful visual examinations. In addition, it is impossible to change the rigidity of gypsum, which must be done in the process of recovery. The orthosis is devoid of all these disadvantages.