Suppose you
are an athlete or physically active person who likes to play sports, run, or
simply someone who easily slips on stairs and injures yourself; the doctor can
recommend a form of support depending on the severity. If you have a foot,
ankle, or lower leg injury, walking boots can help provide stability to joints.
Broken bones, tendon injuries, severe sprains, and shin injuries may require
the patient to wear walking boots. The doctor may recommend boots, depending on
severity. It may come in three forms:
·
Full
·
Partial
·
Non-Weight Bearing
The boot
helps to protect the patient’s injured area. It allows the foot to be stable
and in the proper position so that it can heal properly. Most walking boots
have two to five adjustable straps that hold the boot in place over the injured
leg. How long you must wear the boot depends on your injury and severity. You
must keep the boot clean by using a damp cloth on the frame, and if the doctor
allows you to clean it from inside, you may do it with a mild detergent and
allow some time to dry before wearing them again.
Braces – Braces help support and promote
proper function and movement to prevent further damage to an injured or
vulnerable area, such as the ankle, knee, elbow, wrist, thumb, or even back.
Usually, knees support the whole-body weight, and knee braces are commonly used
for those in sports or people with strenuous jobs that put a lot of strain on
the knees. People can use a brace for pain and prevent any further injury. With
mild sprain or strain, wear an ankle brace to support weak ankles and restrict
your range of motion.
If you get
an injury after your elbow is pushed beyond limits, the brace can help.
Cast – They are used to protect fractured
or injured bones or joints. They help immobilize the area to keep the bone in
place until it fully heals. Made from materials like plaster or fiberglass, it can
be molded to the shape of the injured arm or leg. It can be applied following
surgery or immediately after the injury. Many use it due to swelling, but the
cast must be replaced once it comes down. Cover casts during the shower and use
a hair dryer if it becomes wet. Do not apply lotion or put anything inside the
cast. Always keep it dry and call the doctor immediately if it smells.
Splint – A supportive device that protects
against broken bones or injury. Some are flexible while others are rigid, but
it keeps your injured area still to help it recover. They are also called
half-casts, as sometimes they may be used before casts and other times alone. It
can help treat different injuries; broken bones, sprains, carpal tunnel
syndrome, dislocated bones, strains, and tendon ruptures. If you are using a
removable splint, follow your doctor’s instructions.
Shoulder
Sling – If your
shoulder, elbow, or wrist is injured, you might need to wear a sling while it
heals. If there is a fracture, it is essential to limit movement and allow it
to heal. You may also wear a shoulder sling if you have a shoulder injury so
that the muscles don’t contract too hard. A stroke can cause paralysis, and if
your shoulder isn’t moving correctly, it may become painful and hang on your
side. In that case, you must wear a shoulder sling for support. Do not wear it
too loose or tight, just the right way, as the goal is to heal.