The opinions about bracing joints to address or prevent injuries in youth sports are constantly evolving. The objective comparison of one brace to the next is challenging because of the many variables associated with the conversation. Age, type of brace, joint flexibility, sport, level of competition and many other factors come into play. Additionally, there are hundreds of braces on the market that promise to protect a joint or offer relief from an injury.

What is an orthotic?
An orthotic is the medical term for braces and splints that provide support or protection to muscles, joints or bones. Our sports medicine team provides splints and braces after an injury when appropriate. Athletic trainer Josh Stevens, A.T.C., L.A.T., says, “Most sport-related injuries do not need a cast, but braces offer immobilization and provide protection of the joint while it is healing.” Since braces are removable, they have a lower risk of complications than a cast and can be an appropriate treatment for a fracture.

Braces and orthotics range from off-the-shelf, or ready to wear, to custom designed and fabricated for a single patient. We asked Scottish Rite orthotist, Kelsey Thompson, C.P.O., to respond to common questions from patients. 

Off-the-Shelf
Some braces are easily found online and in sporting goods stores and pharmacies. These offer a range of benefits. These may include compression to reduce swelling in a new injury or stability to prevent movement in a specific direction. These do not require the orthotist to participate in selection, fit or adjustments.

Should I wear an ankle brace to play basketball?
There’s not one answer for everyone. There isn’t evidence to show that an ankle brace is going to prevent an injury. For athletes that have ankle injuries or ankle instability frequently, a comfortable, well-fitting brace or properly applied ankle tape may be helpful.

What is a patellar tendon strap?
In older teens, a condition called patellar tendonitis may cause pain in the front of the knee. The strap is placed across the middle of the patellar tendon, the short, tight band between the patella (kneecap) and the lower leg bone. The pressure on the middle of the tendon changes the intensity and direction of the tension (stretching) that causes the pain with movement.

Semi-Custom Braces and Orthotics
In some cases, an orthotist may be involved in measurement, selection or modifications to these braces. 

Are all shoe inserts the same?
Shoe inserts are often recommended to help reduce foot pain from flat feet or high arches. The purpose of a shoe insert, also called a foot orthosis, is to provide stability to a flexible foot or support to a rigid (inflexible) foot. Since every foot is unique, an athlete may try several inserts before finding one that works.

Proper foot positioning will help an athlete by providing a solid foundation for movement. The foot is considered the beginning of the kinetic chain, a series of mobile and stable joints and muscles working together to produce movement and control. An orthotist evaluates the mobility and function of the foot and ankle to design a custom foot orthotic when off-the-shelf options do not provide the support needed.

Why do some football players wear a knee brace?
You might notice that football linemen often wear a brace on each knee. These hinged braces have been shown to protect the knee joint from stresses to a ligament on the inside of the knee, the medial collateral ligament. This ligament may not withstand the forces of tackles in these strong, and typically, larger players. These braces are made in many sizes and require a good fit and proper application to be effective.

Custom Braces
An orthotist participates in the measurement and recommendation for these devices. Some are even fabricated from raw materials for the patient in our orthotics and prosthetics lab.