8 Common Orthopedic Supplies: Braces, Walking Boots, Splints & More
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If you're recovering from an injury or surgery, the right orthopedic support can make everyday activities a little easier. But there isn't one brace or support that works for everyone.
A knee brace may make sense for one person, while someone recovering from an ankle injury may need a walking boot. After shoulder surgery, an arm sling may be part of the recovery plan.
In this guide, we'll look at eight common orthopedic supplies, what they are generally used for, and what to consider before choosing one.
Important: The information below is general education. Your doctor or physical therapist should guide you on the type of support, how long to wear it, and whether a particular product is appropriate for your injury or recovery.
What Are Orthopedic Supplies?
Orthopedic supplies are products designed to support, protect, stabilize, or assist different parts of the body during recovery or everyday activity.
They include products such as knee braces, ankle supports, walking boots, wrist splints, back braces, arm slings, night splints, and cold-therapy wraps.
Some are designed for light everyday support, while others provide much more structure and restriction of movement. The right choice depends on the body area, the type of injury, your activity level, and your healthcare provider's instructions.
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8 Common Orthopedic Supplies
1. Knee Braces and Compression Knee Sleeves
Knee braces and compression sleeves are common choices for people looking for additional support around the knee.
There are several types. A hinged knee brace has side hinges and adjustable straps and can provide more structured support. A compression sleeve is lighter and is often chosen for everyday support. Patella straps are another option that focuses support around the kneecap area.
Which type makes sense depends on why you need the support. Someone dealing with a specific knee injury or recovering from surgery may need a different type of brace than someone looking for light everyday support.
What to consider
- How much support do you need?
- Do you need a hinged design or a flexible sleeve?
- Will you wear it under clothing?
- What measurements does the manufacturer's sizing chart require?
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2. Walking Boots and CAM Walker Boots
A walking boot, sometimes called a CAM walker or fracture boot, is commonly used during recovery from certain foot and ankle injuries.
Walking boots come in different designs. A tall boot extends farther up the lower leg, while a short boot provides support closer to the foot and ankle. Some models also have a range-of-motion (ROM) adjustment that allows movement to be controlled according to the treatment plan.
The important thing is not simply choosing the tallest or most supportive boot. The correct design depends on the injury and the instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
Two examples
Tall ROM Walker Boot — a tall walking boot with adjustable range-of-motion control.
Short Air Cam Walker Fracture Boot — a shorter walking boot designed for foot and ankle support.
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3. Ankle Braces and Air Splints
Ankle injuries are common, particularly among people who play sports or are regularly active. An ankle brace may be used to provide support during recovery or certain activities, depending on the injury.
An air splint uses air-filled sections around the ankle, while a laced ankle brace uses adjustable laces or straps to create a more secure fit.
The two designs feel quite different, so comfort, shoe compatibility, and the amount of support required are worth considering before buying.
Things to check before buying
- Make sure the brace fits the injured ankle correctly.
- Check whether it can be worn with your normal footwear.
- Follow the recommended wearing schedule for your injury.
- Check the product's size chart before ordering.
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4. Wrist Braces, Finger Splints and Thumb Supports
Wrist braces are often used when people need to limit or control wrist movement. Some wrist splints are designed specifically for nighttime use, while others are intended for daytime activities.
There are also smaller supports for specific fingers and the thumb. A trigger finger splint, for example, is designed to limit movement of an affected finger. A thumb brace can provide additional support around the thumb and surrounding joint.
If you're buying a wrist brace for carpal tunnel symptoms, pay attention to the position of the wrist. A nighttime wrist splint may help keep the wrist in a neutral position, but your healthcare provider can advise whether this type of support is appropriate for you.
Common options include
- Wrist braces
- Trigger finger splints
- Thumb braces
- Resting hand splints
- Wrist and hand compression wraps
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5. Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can cause noticeable heel pain, particularly with the first steps after getting out of bed.
A night splint is designed to keep the foot in a controlled position while you sleep. Some people find this useful as part of a broader treatment plan.
Night splints come in different designs. Traditional rigid styles provide a more structured position, while dorsal-style splints sit over the top of the foot and may feel different when you're sleeping.
A night splint isn't appropriate for every person with heel pain, so it is worth discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional if the pain continues or gets worse.
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6. Back Braces and Posture Supports
Back braces and posture supports are available in several different designs. Some provide compression around the lower back, while others are designed to support posture during certain activities.
A back brace may be useful for some people who need additional support during daily activities, but it shouldn't automatically be treated as a solution for every type of back pain.
Posture correctors are generally lighter and use adjustable straps around the shoulders and upper back. They are often used by people who spend long periods sitting at a desk.
For ongoing, severe, or unexplained back pain, it is better to find out what is causing the problem rather than relying only on a support product.
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7. Arm Slings, Shoulder Supports and Neck Braces
Arm slings and shoulder immobilizers are commonly used after certain shoulder or arm injuries and surgeries. Their main purpose is to help support the arm and limit movement when that is part of the recovery plan.
Different slings provide different levels of support. Some are simple arm slings, while others include additional straps or features designed to keep the shoulder and arm in a more controlled position.
Cold-therapy products can also be useful during recovery. A shoulder ice wrap can make it easier to apply cold therapy around the shoulder area without having to hold a traditional ice pack in place.
If you've recently had surgery, follow your surgeon's instructions about how the sling should be positioned and how long you should wear it.
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8. Cold Therapy and Post-Surgery Recovery Supplies
Recovery doesn't always involve one piece of equipment. Depending on the procedure, you may need several products to make things easier at home.
Common recovery supplies can include cold-therapy wraps, compression products, walkers, crutches, knee scooters, and other mobility equipment.
For example, someone recovering from foot or ankle surgery may temporarily need a mobility aid such as a knee scooter. Someone recovering from shoulder surgery may need an arm sling along with a cold-therapy product.
Before surgery, ask your healthcare provider what equipment you'll need after you return home. Having those items ready can make the first few days of recovery easier to manage.
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Quick Guide: Which Orthopedic Support Might You Need?
| Common situation | Products to discuss with your provider |
|---|---|
| Knee pain or need for everyday knee support | Compression knee sleeve or knee brace |
| Knee ligament injury | Hinged knee brace |
| Foot or ankle injury | Walking boot or ankle support |
| Ankle sprain | Ankle brace or air splint |
| Carpal tunnel symptoms | Wrist splint, often for nighttime use |
| Plantar fasciitis | Night splint |
| Lower back support | Back brace or support belt |
| Shoulder or arm recovery | Arm sling or shoulder immobilizer |
This table is a general starting point, not a treatment recommendation. The appropriate product depends on your specific condition and healthcare provider's instructions.
How to Choose the Right Orthopedic Brace or Support
1. Start with the reason you need it
Don't choose a brace only because it has the highest level of support. Think about what you are trying to accomplish. Do you need to limit movement, add light compression, protect an injured area, or simply make a particular activity more comfortable?
2. Check the sizing carefully
Brace sizing is not always the same as clothing or shoe sizing. Some products require a measurement around the knee, ankle, wrist, or other body part.
Always check the product-specific sizing chart before ordering.
3. Think about how you'll use it
A brace that works well at home may not be practical if you need to wear it inside a shoe or underneath clothing. Consider your daily routine before choosing a design.
4. Follow your provider's instructions
If the brace is being used after an injury or surgery, your doctor or physical therapist can tell you which type of support is appropriate and when to wear it.
When Should You Ask a Doctor or Physical Therapist?
A brace can be useful, but it shouldn't replace an evaluation when you have a significant injury or ongoing symptoms.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if:
- You cannot put weight on an injured leg or foot.
- You have significant swelling, deformity, or severe pain.
- Your symptoms keep getting worse instead of improving.
- You recently had surgery and are unsure which support to use.
- You are not sure whether you need a brace, splint, walking boot, or another type of equipment.
- The product causes increased pain, numbness, tingling, or skin irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common orthopedic supplies?
Common orthopedic supplies include knee braces, compression sleeves, walking boots, ankle braces, wrist splints, finger and thumb supports, night splints, back braces, arm slings, and cold-therapy products.
Do I need a prescription to buy an orthopedic brace?
Many over-the-counter braces, sleeves, and splints can be purchased without a prescription. However, some injuries and post-surgical situations require a specific type of support. If your doctor or physical therapist has recommended a particular brace, follow their instructions rather than choosing a different product based only on appearance or price.
Can I wear an orthopedic brace while sleeping?
Some supports are specifically designed for nighttime use, including certain wrist splints and plantar fasciitis night splints. Other braces should not be worn overnight unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
How do I know which size brace to buy?
Use the sizing instructions on the individual product page. Depending on the product, you may need to measure your wrist, ankle, knee, waist, or another part of your body. Do not assume your normal clothing size will be the correct brace size.
Should I buy a brace after surgery?
That depends on the type of surgery and your recovery plan. Some patients are given specific instructions about a brace, splint, immobilizer, walking boot, or other support. Your surgeon or physical therapist should determine what you need.
Can I buy orthopedic supplies online?
Yes. Medical Supplies & Services offers orthopedic braces, splints, walking boots, supports, and recovery products online, with shipping available across the United States.
Shop Orthopedic Supplies Online
If you know what type of support you need, you can browse the Medical Supplies & Services orthopedic collection for knee braces, walking boots, ankle supports, wrist and finger splints, back supports, shoulder products, and other recovery supplies.
Need help finding the right size or product? Check the individual product details or contact the Medical Supplies & Services team at (847) 696-6814.
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Medical disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially after an injury or surgery.