Off the Shelf Knee Ligament Bracing

When it comes to torn knee ligaments, there are a lot of things that are inconvenient, but proper ligament bracing doesn’t have to be one of them. There are a number of off-the-shelf options that provide state-of-the-art engineering at great prices, and you can even order them from the comfort of your home. The following is a quick checklist of important features and benefits to consider when selecting a a medical knee brace.

• What type of ligament bracing do you require? Many quality braces can support several different ligament instabilities, such as ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL, rotary and even combination instabilities. If you have multiple instabilities consider a brace with a cage frame that will provide multiple points of leverage and support.


• What activity level do you require? There are braces for low, medium, high and extreme impact. Select a brace level to meet your athletic needs. If you are strategically delaying surgery or plan to playing “at risk” sports, you should look for a brace specifically constructed for sports.


• Is the brace comfortable? You will be wearing the brace for extended periods of time so it needs to be comfortable. This means a product constructed with padding, adjustment features and a design that does not rub, chafe or slip. A cheap brace is more likely to slip, cause heat rash and blisters and just be a general pain. Also, if you are recovering from reconstructive surgery, select a brace that will not make contact with any of the points of incision.


• Is it a respected brand? When it comes to stabilizing ligaments, quality counts. Look for quality products comprised of non-corrosive materials. Respected medical knee brace brands recognized for quality craftsmanship and innovative design include BREG, OSSUR and Bledsoe.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a premier supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of braces and supports. To find a quality specialty orthopedic braces and support, such as a hinged knee brace or high quality lumbar brace, please visit MMAR Medical online.

Knee Injury 101: Cartilage Tears and Strains

This article has moved!!

Visit https://www.mmarmedical.com/acl-knee-injury-guide-s/1422.htm

Treatments for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease and degenerative arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. It involves the breakdown of cartilage in the joints and is primarily found in older adults. Symptoms include aching, soreness, pain, bony enlargements in the center of a joint, and joint swelling. Osteoarthritis is most commonly experienced in weight bearing joints such as the knees and hips. It is typically the result of aging, but can be intensified by other factors such as heredity, injury, obesity, joint overuse, and stress. While there is no cure for Osteoarthritis, there are helpful treatments that and lessen the pain, increase mobility, and enhance the individual’s quality of life. The type of treatment an Osteoarthritis patient receives will vary depending on a myriad of factors. If you suspect you are experiencing Osteoarthritis, it is critical that you discuss your symptoms and treatment options with your personal physician to ensure you are getting the right treatment for your particular needs.

Most common treatments include:

• Physical therapy and exercise. A licensed physical therapist can advise you on specific muscle strengthening exercises that will help support ligaments and tendons and help alleviate pain.


• Supportive devices. Supportive devices increase mobility, prevent falls, and are great for pain relief. A hinged knee brace, can be used to stabilize ligaments and tendons which will significantly decrease pain, while devices like crutches or canes can lessen the direct stress on joints. When selecting a device, make sure it is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to adjust for a precise fit.


• Medication (oral or injected). Your doctor may prescribe you pain-relieving and/or anti-inflammatory medications which can help with Osteoarthritis management.


• Weight Control. Keeping your weight in a healthy range will reduce the stress on your joints.


• Hot or cold therapy. Hot or cold compresses can be administered to reduce pain and swelling.


• Removal of fluid. If excess fluid surrounds the joints, your physician may choose to drain that fluid manually in order to alleviate pressure on the joint.


• Alternative treatments. Some medical research concludes that glucosamine and chondrotin can rebuild cartilage, especially in the knee. There are also other (currently unproven) supplements that are also associated with Osteoarthritis treatment. Likewise, some people swear that acupuncture and bio-electric therapy alleviates pain, though there have not yet been any conclusive studies to support these claims.


• Surgery. If less invasive treatments prove ineffective, your doctor may recommend corrective surgery.



Note: This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a leading diabetic shoe supplier. They also offer socks for diabetics as well as a full line of orthotic insoles.