Ankle | Elbow | Knee | Lumbar/ Back | Shoulders | Wrists

Where are your braces made? At our factory in Dallas Texas!!!!!

How do Ankle Braces Work?

Ankle braces support, stabilize, and limit range-of-motion of the ankle joint. They are used to immobilize injured ankles, or provide joint protection to people who are prone to ankle injuries. Others use ankle braces during physical activity to help prevent sports injury of the ankle.

What is a Sprain?

A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament, the band of connective tissues that joins the end of one bone with another. Sprains are caused by trauma such as a fall or blow to the body that knocks a joint out of position and, in the worst case, ruptures the supporting ligaments. Sprains can range from first degree (minimally stretched ligament) to third degree (a complete tear). Areas of the body most vulnerable to sprains are the ankle.

Signs of an ankle sprain include varying degrees of tenderness or pain; bruising; inflammation; swelling; inability to move the ankle, joint looseness, laxity, or instability.

What is a Strain?

A strain is a twist, pull, or tear of a muscle or tendon, a cord of tissue connecting muscle to bone. It is an acute, noncontact injury that results from overstretching or overcontraction. Symptoms of a strain include: pain, muscle spasm and loss of function. While it's hard to tell the difference between mild and moderate strains, severe strains not treated professionally can cause damage and loss of function.

What is the anatomy of an Ankle Fracture?

The ankle is a complex joint that forms where three bones come together. The bones of the lower leg, the tibia and the fibula, are above the joint, and the talus is below the joint. When a doctor talks about an "Ankle Fracture", he or she is usually talking about a broken bone of the tibia or fibula.

The tibia, also called the shin bone, is the larger, weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. Of the weight transferred through the leg, about 90% is carried by the tibia. The fibula is the smaller bone on the outside of the leg. It only carries about 10% of your body weight.

Both the tibia and the fibula wrap around the talus to form the ankle joint. The bony prominences at the ankle are called the medial malleolus (the end of the tibia) and the lateral malleolus (the end of the fibula). The ends of these bones form a cup for the talus to sit within. Fractures can occur in any of these above described areas, and after you've been examined by your doctor, he most likely will prescribe some kind of an ankle brace or support as part of your rehabilitation.

What are some different types of ankle braces?

There are many different types of ankle braces and supports, many of which can be used to relieve heel pain, treat Achilles tendon issues, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and your most common strains and sprains. There are also many braces that offer protective support by promoting lateral and medial stability. Most all are constructed in neoprene and nylon. Their designs differ somewhat is the way they affix to the ankle but most all do so by either velcro, wrap or by zipper. All of our quality ankle braces and supports, all made in the U.S., can be located by clicking on the ankle link. Descriptive terms are available next to each brace, which should help assist you in choosing the brace that will best suit your individual need.

What is Tendonitis?

Tendons are tough, flexible, fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. When tendons become inflamed, irritated or suffer microscopic tears, the condition is called tendonitis. Tendons can be small, like the delicate, tiny bands in the hands, or large, like the heavy, ropelike cords that anchor the calf or thigh muscles. In most cases, the cause of tendonitis is unknown; when a cause can be identified, the condition usually happens for one of two reasons:

Overuse: A particular body motion is repeated too often.

Overload: The level of a certain activity, such as weightlifting, is increased too quickly.

Tendonitis is most common in the shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist and heel, although it can happen anywhere in the body. For uncertain reasons, tendonitis is also common in people with diabetes.

Tendonitis in the elbow: Two forms of tendonitis commonly involve the elbow: lateral epicondylitis and medial epicondylitis. Both are very common overuse injuries among athletes involved in throwing and racquet sports.

Lateral epicondylitis: (tennis elbow) causes pain on the outer side of the elbow joint. This condition probably affects 40% to 50% of all adult athletes who play racquet sports.

Medial epicondylitis: (golfer's elbow) causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. It is a less common injury than tennis elbow and, despite its name, it is more likely to be related an occupation that requires repeated elbow movements (such as construction work) than to sports. When it does occur as a sports injury, medial epicondylitis can be triggered by repeatedly swinging a golf club or throwing a baseball.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is inflammation of the fibrous tissue (tendon) that connects muscle to bone in the elbow. It is a form of tendonitis. In tennis elbow, the tendons on the outside of the elbow (the lateral epicondyle) are affected. In golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), another form of tendonitis, the tendons on the inside of the elbow are affected. The inflamed tendons may be strained or have tiny tears caused by overusing the muscles that control the wrist and fingers.

Tennis elbow often results from playing tennis and other racquet sports, particularly if the participant is using improper form. However, it is caused more commonly by noncompetitive activities, such as pulling weeds, carrying a suitcase or using a screwdriver All these "simple" activities can also strain the tendons in the elbow. Sometimes, tennis elbow develops for no apparent reason.

What are the Symptoms?

Tennis elbow causes pain, tenderness and sometimes swelling of the elbow and forearm on the affected side. The pain may worsen if the person attempts any activity that stresses the painful tendons, such as lifting heavy objects or even just shaking hands. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, especially whether your elbow or forearm hurts when you move your wrist. Your doctor also will ask about any sports or physical activities that may have triggered your symptoms. During a physical examination, your doctor will check for pain, tenderness and swelling in the elbow, forearm and wrist on the affected side. The pain of tennis elbow generally subsides within a few weeks, although it sometimes can last for months. Continuing to use the injured muscles can prevent healing and may result in a long-lasting (chronic) condition.

What is the treatment for Tennis Elbow?

The most important treatment for tennis elbow is rest, because the condition will not improve if the activity that caused it continues. Ice packs may also provide some relief from pain. A forearm band or strap wrapped around the forearm just below the elbow may provide significant relief. This rests the inflamed tendon. Depending on what your health care professional recommends, New Options Sports has everything to help in the treatment of Tennis Elbow from the simple padded straps with Gel Pads to the more elaborate Hyperextention Elbow. Again, according to your physicians advise, some patients may need physical therapy, possibly including ultrasound therapy and exercises to strengthen the area and increase flexibility.

Call your doctor if your pain persists or your ability to move your wrist or elbow motion does not improve. Call even sooner if there is swelling, if the pain begins after a significant injury, or if you are unable to use your wrist or elbow. With proper treatment, symptoms of tennis elbow usually improve within a few weeks. However, in some patients, symptoms persist for several months. If tennis elbow is not properly treated, it can become a chronic condition with frequent flare-ups.

How helpful is wearing a Knee Brace?

The use of knee braces for the treatment and prevention of injury have become more popular than ever, not only in sports medicine, but also for your everyday weekend athlete. Knee braces are used for a wide variety of problems and conditions.

Where are your Knee Braces made?

All of our Knee Braces are made right here in Dallas, Texas.

There are two basic types of knee braces:

Functional Knee Braces
Functional knee braces are designed to substitute for damaged ligaments. For example, a patient who sustains an ACl tear may be offered a knee brace to wear in efforts to allow certain activities without surgery.

Prophylactic Knee Braces
Prophylactic knee braces are used to prevent knee injuries. Prophylactic knee braces are worn by athletes and individuals who participate in some high-risk sports in an effort to minimize their risk of sustaining a knee injury.

Functional Knee Braces

Most patients who are concerned about knee braces already have a knee ligament injury These patients would be interested in the functional knee braces. These functional knee braces are designed to compensate for a torn knee ligament.

Do the functional knee braces work as well as a normal ligament?
This is an easy question to answer: No. However, the functional knee braces may help in patients who have a knee ligament injury. Most all Orthopaedic Surgeons and others in the medical community that deal with orthopaedic injuries do believe that functional knee braces do provide some protection to the knee at low loads. This means that when a force is applied to a knee that is supported with a functional knee brace, it is more stable than without the brace.

Should I wear a functional knee brace if I have a ligament injury?
You should discuss this with your doctor, because it depends on several factors, including: which ligaments are injured and what rehabilitation you have done or plan to do

What is known, it that physical therapy, including strengthening, is an important factor in returning to sports following a ligament injury. Therapy and rehabilitation are by far more important than a knee brace. The general consensus is that Knee braces may help prevent re-injury to the knee.

Prophylactic Knee Braces

Prophylactic knee braces are designed to prevent knee injuries in healthy athletes. These knee braces were popularized in the late 1970s when the use of prophylactic knee braces were tested in various professional sports.

Do athletes who wear knee braces have fewer injuries?
The general thought in the medical community is that some athletes in certain sports have a lower rate of MCL injury when wearing a prophylactic knee brace. A much more important factor in determining the likelihood of an injury would be an athletes overall conditioning.

Is there any harm in wearing a prophylactic knee brace?

Knee braces, when properly fitted and worn, have not been shown to increase injury rates. They are safe to wear, and are not known to increase rates of knee or ankle injuries.

Where should I obtain a knee brace?
Knee braces should generally be prescribed by your physician or orthopaedic specialist. If you are interested in using a knee brace for competitive sports, you should contact your team doctor, or your orthopedic surgeon. Your doctor can prescribe the proper type of knee brace for you and your sport. Furthermore, for any knee brace to be effective, it must fit properly. Once you have a knee brace, ensure that it fits well and that it is sized and placed properly.

What Causes Knee Problems?

Some knee problems result from wearing of specific areas of the knee, such as occurs in osteoarthritis. Other problems result from injury, such as a blow to the knee or sudden movements that strain the knee beyond its normal range of movement. How Can People Prevent Knee Problems? Some knee problems, such as those resulting from an accident, cannot be foreseen or prevented. However, a person can prevent many knee problems by following these suggestions:

• First warm up by walking or riding a stationary bicycle, then do stretches before exercising or participating in sports. Stretching the muscles in the front of the thigh (quadriceps) and back of the thigh (hamstrings) reduces tension on the tendons and relieves pressure on the knee during activity.
• Strengthen the leg muscles by doing specific exercises (for example, by walking up stairs or hills, or by riding a stationary bicycle). A supervised workout with weights is another pathway to strengthening leg muscles that benefit the knee.
• Avoid sudden changes in the intensity of exercise. Increase the force or duration of activity gradually.
• Wear shoes that both fit properly and are in good condition to help maintain balance and leg alignment when walking or running. Knee problems may be caused by flat feet or overpronated feet (feet that roll inward). People can often reduce some these problems by wearing special shoe inserts (orthotics). Maintain appropriate weight to reduce stress on the knee. Obesity increases the risk of degenerative (wearing) conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knee.

What Kinds of Doctors Treat Knee Problems?

Extensive injuries and diseases of the knees are usually treated by an Orthopaedic Surgeon, a doctor who has been trained in the nonsurgical and surgical treatment of bones, joints, and soft tissues (for example, ligaments, tendons, and muscles). Patients seeking nonsurgical treatment of arthritis of the knee may also consult a rheumatologist (a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and related disorders).

What causes lower back pain?

For most persons with low back pain, no specific cause is ever found. Among the Common causes however, are the following:

Muscle or ligament strain Some of the largest, hardest-working muscles in the body are in or near the lower back. Unlike muscles stressed primarily during exercise, these muscles are also stressed with sitting, standing and walking.

Degenerative joint disease The joints that allow mobility and stability are subject to wear and tear. In degenerative joint disease (also called osteoarthritis), the shiny, smooth cartilage that lines the joint wears away, leaving bone to rub on bone, a painful situation.

Disk disease Given their location, torn or bulging disks can readily compress the spinal cord or nerves traveling out of the back.

Spinal stenosis Narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal can be caused by calcium deposits in ligaments, degenerative joint disease or disk disease, or it may be present since birth. Any of these problems alone or in combination can lead to pressure on the spinal cord or a nearby nerve, causing pain.

Spondylolisthesis Spondylolisthesis is a relatively common condition, especially among older persons, in which one vertebra slides forward on another. When a tiny defect or fracture in the bones at the back of the vertebrae is also present, the condition is called spondylolysis. In either case, the spinal cord or nerves leaving the cord can be compressed, causing pain in the back or legs.

Osteoporosis with compression fracture By itself, osteoporosis is painless, but it increases the risk of bone fracture, especially fractures of the hip, wrist and vertebrae. The fracture itself or the resulting abnormal curvature of the spine or pressure on nerves may be a source of pain.

How is low back pain treated?

Low back pain can be treated in a number of ways. To some extent, the best treatment depends on the cause. Conservative treatment is usually tried first. Conservative treatment may include physical therapy, stretching and the wearing of properly fitted Lumbar Supports. These supports are usually constructed of a durable stretch elastic material that may have, depending on the brace, supportive stays to provide some rigidity. Most are very comfortable to wear and most are designed with an adjustable overlapping double pull strap which helps to increase intra-abdominal support while also improving the condition of the lower lumbar-sacral area. In conjunction with the wearing of a Lumbar-Sacral Support. Rest is recommended only as required by the severity of pain. Activity, if tolerated, is encouraged. Whatever treatment is chosen, re-evaluation may be important to be sure the diagnosis is correct and to re-assess other treatment options. Referral to a specialist including an orthopedist, rheumatologist, or a pain expert may also be a good idea.

How can low back pain be prevented?

Because not everything about low back pain is understood, it is not always possible to prevent a recurrence. However, there are some general recommendations you can follow to reduce your risk. Remember that it is usually best to avoid doing too much too soon. So start slowly.

What You Can Do

If you suffer from low back pain, you may want to make the following changes in your life to ensure that your pain is not an ongoing problem.

If you are overweight, lose some pounds. Weight loss may reduce your low back pain and prevent it from returning.

Practice good posture while you are awake and while you are asleep. If you are able to, sleep on your side or on your back with a pillow under your knees.

Wear soft-soled shoes with heels that are less than one and a half inches high.

Quit smoking. At least two studies have suggested an association between smoking and low back pain. (Quitting is a good idea regardless of whether or not quitting reduces back pain!)

Be kind to your back. Reducing the demands you place on your back, such as lightening your purse, briefcase or backpack, can go a long way toward preventing pain.

If you work at a computer terminal all day, proper alignment of the monitor, keyboard, mouse and chair may help to reduce the chances of recurrent low back pain. Use a chair with a firm back, and sit as far back as possible so that the lower back is supported. Sometimes, small measures such as a lumbar support pillow for periods of prolonged sitting can make a big difference. Avoid sitting or standing for extended periods, if possible.

Lift safely. Always lift from a squatting position, using your hips and your legs to do the heavy work. Sometimes, getting help is the best idea for lifting heavy loads. Avoid simultaneous lifting, twisting and bending movements, and keep the load near your body as you lift it.

Focus on other things. Although low back pain may be all-consuming when severe, mild or chronic symptoms need not be, even if they can't be eliminated. In that case, pursue distracting activities, even as you continue to work with your health-care provider to reduce your pain. Distraction can be a powerful pain reliever.

What is Shoulder Tendonitis?

The most common form of tendonitis in the shoulder is rotator cuff tendonitis. It involves the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle, which attaches to the upper portion of the upper arm bone (humerus) at the shoulder joint. Less commonly, the tendon of the infraspinatus muscle is affected. In most cases, the supraspinatus tendon is injured by overuse, typically in an occupation or sport that requires the arm to be elevated repeatedly. People at risk include carpenters, painters, welders, swimmers, tennis players and baseball players. The average patient is a male laborer older than 40, and the shoulder pain is on the same side as his dominant hand (for example, right shoulder pain in a right-handed person).

How do tendons become inflamed?

Tendons are tough, flexible, fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. When tendons become inflamed, irritated or suffer microscopic tears, the condition is called tendonitis. Tendons can be small, like the delicate, tiny bands in the hands, or large, like the heavy, rope-like cords that anchor the calf or thigh muscles. In most cases, the cause of tendonitis is unknown; when a cause can be identified, the condition usually happens for one of two reasons:

Overuse: A particular body motion is repeated too often.

Overload: The level of a certain activity, such as weight lifting, is increased too quickly.

What are the symptoms?

In general, tendonitis causes pain in the tissues surrounding a joint, especially after the joint is used too much during play or work. In some cases, the joint may feel weak, and the area may be red, swollen and warm to the touch.

Other symptoms vary according to which tendon is affected:

Rotator cuff tendonitis : Usually dull, aching shoulder pain that can't be tied to one location. It often radiates into the upper arm toward the chest. The pain is often worse at night and may interfere with sleep.

Depending on the location and severity of tendonitis, symptoms may last for a few days or for several weeks. If there is continued overuse or aggravation of the injured site, pain may worsen and persist for several months.

How can I prevent tendonitis from occurring?

In many cases, tendonitis can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions. Some helpful strategies include:

Always warm up before beginning strenuous exercise.

If you want to intensify your exercise level, do it gradually.

Be careful about the "no pain, no gain" approach. It is usually hard to distinguish between an ache that indicates you're building strength and an ache that means you injured a tendon.

Avoid activities that require prolonged periods of reaching over your head, such as painting the ceiling. If you must do this kind of work, take frequent breaks.

If you are active in sports or exercise technique, ask your coach or trainer for guidance. A doctor who specializes in sports medicine may be helpful as well.

What is the treatment for Shoulder Tendonitis?

The quicker your tendonitis is treated, the sooner you'll recover full strength and flexibility. Your doctor first may recommend that you apply ice packs to the painful area for 20-minute periods, three or four times a day. You also should ice the area immediately after any activity that aggravates your pain (such as tennis, pitching, etc.) To relieve pain and swelling, your doctor may suggest you be fitted with a Shoulder Stabilizer. At New Options Sports we've designed a stabilizer that limits movement of while supporting the shoulder girdle at the same time. This professional brace can be customized for desired usage - whether as a sling, post-operative treatment or for rehabilitation. It can also be worn during competition, but should be done only under the guidance of your professional trainer or team physician. This stabilizer is also available with an impact/hot-cold pack option.

Call your doctor whenever you have a significant joint problem, such as severe pain, redness or swelling or loss of joint function. Also, call your doctor if less-severe joint pain persists beyond a few days. With proper treatment, the affected tendon usually recovers completely. However, incomplete rehabilitation or a hasty return to activity can slow the healing process or lead to re-injury.

About Wrist Braces

Wear and tear of our wrist joints is a common part of life. We tend to stress our wrists doing almost anything. Whether it's lifting heavy objects in awkward ways or prolonged stationary hand positions like typing or working at the computer, problems can sometimes occur. Depending on your Doctor, specialist or trainer's recommendation, wearing a wrist brace for support can help relieve your pain and promote healing of your joints.

What can cause wrist, thumb or hand pain?

Finding the cause of hand and wrist pain can be a difficult task. Your doctor will use information about your symptoms, your examination, imaging studies and other tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. Wrist pain is an extremely common complaint that has many causes. Because we use our arms for so many common activities, wrist pain can cause significant problems. In order to obtain the best results from wearing a wrist brace, it's always best to have the recommendation from your personal trainer or physician.

What's the best therapy for a wrist fracture?

A wrist fracture is a common orthopedic injury. Patients who sustain a broken wrist may be treated in a cast, or they may need surgery for the fracture. Upon removal of the cast, hand or wrist fractures are generally treated by wearing a wrist brace. This helps to facilitate healing in the rehabilitation after surgery or casting. All of our numerous wrist braces,wrist/thumb splints and spicas, all made in the U.S., can be found by clicking on the wrist link.

What is Carpal Tunnel syndrome?

In the wrist, nerves and tendons pass through a space called the carpal tunnel. Because the carpal tunnel is somewhat narrow, a major nerve called the median nerve that passes through this tight space, can become irritated or compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a combination of numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hand caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.

Symptoms tend to show up most in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger because the median nerve provides sensation to those areas.

Because the carpal tunnel already is narrow, the nerve can become irritated if it narrows even a little more. Injury to the nerve also can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. There are several common causes, including:

• Arthritis or fracture near the wrist
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Overuse (as in typists, cashiers or certain athletes)
• Thyroid disease, particularly an underactive thyroid

Often, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs without a clear reason. The condition affects women more often than men, perhaps because women normally have smaller carpal tunnels. It can occur in one or both hands.

What are the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can include:

• Burning, tingling or numbness of the fingers
• Difficulty gripping and hold tools, pens, eating utensils and other objects
• Problems making a strong fist

Symptoms may appear first at night and are most noticeable in the thumb and the index and middle fingers. People with carpal tunnel syndrome often describe awakening with a tingling sensation and the need to shake out the hands to recover normal feeling. There can be pain in the wrist that radiates into the hand or into the forearm. If the condition is not treated, the muscles of the thumb can waste away so that the normal mound of muscles at the base of the thumb eventually flattens.

Is there anything I can do to help prevent CTS?

If you type or use a computer keyboard, you can decrease your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome by making sure that you work in a "wrist neutral" position, with the wrist joint straight, not bent up or down. To help you do this, several types of office aids are available, including a cushioned wrist rest and a keyboard tray that adjusts to a position below the work surface. Newer keyboards are being developed, including ones that split the keys into left-hand and right-hand groups, and others that bend the keyboard into a tent shape. You also may need to check the position of your hand when you use a computer mouse or trackball because some experts suspect that people who use these computer accessories consistently are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.

What's the best treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

In most cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, treatment begins with a wrist splint to be worn mainly at night. New Options Sports offers many varied styles, some with Vel Plush, which is an extremely comfortable padding which makes it easier to wear the brace at night while sleeping. All of the braces we offer are very lightweight in nature and easy to put on. Depending on the advise of your health care professional, you may also receive anti-inflammatory medication to decrease pain and numbness. Injections of cortisone may help reduce swelling, but they tend to provide only temporary relief. Call your doctor if you feel pain, tingling or numbness in your fingers that does not go away. If you have trouble grasping objects, making a fist or have weakness in your hand or arm, you should also see your doctor. Most people with carpal tunnel syndrome recover completely with treatment.

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