For most Americans, October means that autumn is cooling off the summer heat, apples are being mashed into apple cider, and Halloween is fast approaching.  For the sports-minded individuals, October means that the football season is going strong, the baseball playoffs are starting, the basketball season is soon beginning and the hockey season is ready to drop the puck.  This is the time to watch the sports channels and games on TV and also a fun time to go out and enjoy playing the sport of your choice.  Breathing in the fresh air, being around some friends, trying to relive the enjoyment of making a cut up the field for a long run, or going into the paint to grab a rebound, or maybe it's stretching a single into a double, or even shooting a one-timer through the 5-hole.

October is also the time to see what type of support brace will fit the best for the sports injury that occurred while trying yet again to be that gridiron hero or a hard-court star of bygone years.  If you are a professional or amateur athlete, or a weekend warrior athlete, it is common knowledge amongst all the competitors that playing sports will, sooner or later, cause injuries.  Rehabmart can help the injured sports hero mend quicker and more effectively by offering many braces, splints, and wraps.

The human knee is a wonderful device with it being one of the largest and most complex joints in the body.  It has tendons which connect the knee bones to the leg muscles while ligaments join the knee bones providing stability to the knee.  The knee helps the upper and lower body coordinate movement like a finely tuned instrument.  That is why knees hate to be involved in blind-siding tackles and roller skating parties.  Once a knee is injured, some sort of support is going to be needed.

 


The Mueller Hinged Wraparound Knee Brace is the type of brace for weakened or injured knees that are in need of maximum medial/lateral support without restricting mobility.  The strong, patented triaxial hinges allow an unrestricted and natural knee movement while the Patella buttress stabilizes and protects the kneecap.  Adjustable straps help provide a controlled compression for a custom fit and the wraparound design makes it easier for the user to put on and take off the brace.

 




The Procare KneeRanger II Universa l- Knee Brace Support is the type of brace to use following knee surgery that offers post-operative immobilization with a protected range-of-motion.  Medial/lateral plastic shells are riveted to hinge bars to provide additional support, and the dual axis polycentric hinge allows a convenient way to dial-in a flexion/extension adjustment.

  

One way to boost recovery from a wrist sports injury is using the Corpak Wrist Brace with Dual Comfort Pack.  With its ambidextrous design, it provides both an effective compression, and the Dual Comfort Pack can provide medically accepted "frost-free" cold therapy, completing two parts of the R.I.C.E treatment, ice and compression.   Using a ventilated elastic construction for cool comfort, it also has a removable and reshapable palmar spoon for some added support.

  
For the more serious sports-related wrist accident, the Wristoform Wrist Support can provide exceptional stability while immobilizing the wrist.  Made of Thermoprene material for optimal comfort and offering a thermoplastic insert that is heat moldable to individually shape the ortosis, this support combination enables a precise fit, maximum comfort and wrist support.  The Wristoform wrist support is ideal for post-scaphoid fractures, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and general instabilities or hyperextension problems of the wrist caused by a sports accident.

Another part of the body that seems to get hurt a lot during a sporting event is the back.  Between violent torso twists and jarring falls, the human back, with its spider web-like muscular design and boney vertebra protecting the spinal column, is a sports accident pain waiting to happen. 

  
The Solace Low Profile Back Brace Support can help with the lumbar pains and  strains by using a soft, breathable material and anterior/posterior ABS plastic inserts, giving a cool and comfortable fit while providing control and support.  The adjustable pulley-style closure system will make it easy and quick to secure while also providing maximum compression.  Plus, with its low profile and lightweight design, this Solace back brace can fit easily and unobtrusively under clothing.

 


For more chronic back pain or a post-operative rehabilitation, the Lumbosacral Orthoses Control Fit LSO   can work more effectively for you.  With its rigid thermoplastic kydex anterior and posterior panels with lateral polymer stays, it provides effective stabilization of the spine from the sacrum to T-9.  The back panel can be heat molded to individual needs and has a surgical opening to relieve pressure at the incision site.  Made of breathable spacer fabric and elastic side pulls that allow added circumferential support and compression, this brace is a cool and comfortable option that provides a lower profile contoured fit.

Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO