How braces for Back, Knee and Ankle help with alleviating pain
- PeopleCare Team
- May 4, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: May 6, 2020
Are you struggling with back, knee and ankle pain?
Did you have a recent ACL/MCL surgery or incurred a sports injury that is preventing you from getting back to normal?
Read further to learn about at-home treatment options, braces and supports as well as the financial costs associated with each and how PeopleCare can serve your needs.
Back pain, Knee & Ankle pain, Shoulder and Wrist pain
The most common pain experienced by adults in USA is in the lower back, knee and ankles. Did you know 80% of Americans will experience at least one type of chronic pain in their lifetime?
There are several causes and conditions which result in the pain and discomfort varying from aging to sports injuries. Some of the most common conditions and injuries are listed below. Detailed information on the each of the below listed causes, potential risks and treatment options will be shared in our subsequent blogs.
Back pain conditions:
Skeletal irregularities
Spina bifida
Spondylosis
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Sciatica
Disc degeneration
Traumatic injuries
Refer to low back pain fact sheet from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Knee pain conditions:
Auto injury
ACL/MCL surgery
Fractures
Torn Meniscus
Knee bursitis
Patellar Tendinitis
For detailed description of the knee pain conditions, visit Johns Hopkins Medicine's informational site.
Should pain and wrist pain conditions:
Bursitis
Fracture
Impingement
Tendinitis
Rupture or Tendon tear
Arthritis
Visit Institute for Chronic pain for additional information on shoulder pain
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options that are suitable for treating pain depending upon the severity of the condition.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve pain and treat underlying condition.
Costs for this treatment typically ranges from $100 - $500 per the severity of the condition and anatomical irregularities. Most health care insurances cover these costs.
Braces and Pain relief devices
Braces provide much needed compression to stabilize the body part and reduce movement. They are the best alternative to the addictive opioids.
The compression unloads the weight and pressure on lower back or knee to minimize pain while you carry out regular day to day activities. Since the braces are easy to don on and off, there is little to no maintenance and studies indicate that braces provide increased muscle stability which helps in fall prevention.
Pain relief devices like TENS, NMES, Muscle stimulators etc. use infrared light, electrotherapy or ultrasound therapy. These are often used along with braces for faster results. Pain relief devices generally use electric or sound waves to permeate into the tissue causing pain and the heat from these waves increases the blood flow to start treating the affected site. These devices are small, portable and can be worn for extended periods of time from 6-18 hours.
Most insurance plans cover braces and pain relief devices depending on the underlying condition. Purchasing the braces retail is also an option with prices typically ranging from $50 - $400 per brace. At PeopleCare, we carry braces from reputed global brands to meet all your needs.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Cold treatment reduces the inflammation by decreasing the blood flow while Heat treatment promotes blood flow and helps muscles relax and heal quicker. Alternating heat and cold therapies can provide short term relief but is not well suited for acute chronic pain.
Physical therapy and exercise
Strengthening the muscles around your knee for knee pain and abdomen and core muscles for back pain will make the joint more stable. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or different types of strengthening exercises based on the specific condition that is causing your pain.
If you are physically active or practice a sport, you may need exercises to correct movement patterns that may be affecting your condition and to establish good technique during your sport or activity. Different types of braces can be used to unload pressure and weight on the joint and promote quick and safe recovery.
Injections
Trigger point, Epidural and Radiofrequency ablation are some alternate options available to treat pain. Your doctor will prescribe one per medical necessity.
Surgery
When other therapies fail, surgery may be considered to relieve pain caused by worsening nerve or tissue damage, serious musculoskeletal injuries, or nerve compression. Specific surgeries are selected for specific conditions/indications. However, surgery is not always successful. It may be months following surgery before the person is fully healed and there may be permanent loss of flexibility.
Most often braces and support devices are recommended post surgery to ensure safe recovery and minimize the risk of fall.
Where can I get the correct braces for my condition?
PeopleCare Solutions (PeopleCare Inc.) is the leading provider of shoulder, back, knee and ankle braces in NJ, NY and PA states. We have clinical expertise in auto injury, work place accidents, arthritis, osteoporosis, tendinitis, bursitis and other conditions causing chronic pain.
We work with your doctor and your insurance company to ensure that you receive correct braces for orthotics for your underlying condition. Products are delivered and fitted by PeopleCare Technician at your home to maximize your safety and convenience.
We accept most major insurances including Medicare and NJ Medicaid. Get in touch with us today at www.PeopleCareSolutions.com so we can help you alleviate your lower back, shoulder, knee and ankle pain.
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