What to Know about a Leg Brace

Whether you've had surgery, been in an accident or suffered from sports injury, a doctor may suggest a leg brace to help torn muscles, bones and ligaments to heal. A leg brace does not substitute for a leg cast, but is designed to stabilize a fracture site or surgery site, enabling the patient to participate in weight bearing activities. Walking in a cast is difficult and cumbersome, but a leg brace offers a little more freedom of movement.

In most cases, a leg brace is designed to be worn with a shoe, and in some cases, a leg brace can have a metal fixture or thick plastic support that reaches under the shoe to add stability and support for both knee and ankle joints. A leg brace that is worn below the knee is generally designed to support weight-bearing movement to the tissues and muscles of the lower leg and foot while at the same time providing stability from lower leg stress fractures or surgery.

 Some models and types of leg brace designs enhance circulation and reduce swelling in the lower extremities. Some fit inside shoes, while others are designed to fit around the shoe, as in a boot type leg brace. Sometimes, a full leg brace must be worn, and these also come in several different styles, some that can be worn inside clothing, others outside. Every type of leg brace is designed to offer weight bearing support or joint stability, whether it's for the knee or ankle joint, sometimes both. In most cases, a leg brace worn below the knee will have Velcro straps that allow for optimum comfort by the wearer, and a thick plastic material that wraps around the back of the leg and around the front. Some types and models of lower leg brace models come with an anterior panel that can be worn and secured over the front of the shin.

Some types of leg brace models come with extra steel rod supports or padding, while other types of leg brace models can be slid on over the foot and rolled up the thigh, much like ladies' stockings. The thickness and design of the leg brace depends on what purpose it needs to serve. Different models of a leg brace might use nylon straps, Velcro straps or other types of lacing or fastening materials. Some types of leg brace allow weight-bearing activities while others don't, and are meant to be worn at night or while reclining. Your physician will most likely determine what type you need. While some kinds of leg braces are available at local medical supply stores, some can also be found in orthopedic supply stores as well. Be aware however, than some kind of leg brace models will require a prescription from a physician and can't be purchased without an order. In some cases, a medical leg brace can cost hundreds of dollars, so make sure which kind you need before you make a pur
 chase.