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.
