Braces & Supports

  • Bauer & Black Athletic Supporter 3M 202460

    3M

    Bauer & Black Athletic Supporter, Secure Fit Waistband - Size Small

    Enjoy added support during exercises or after undergoing surgery with this 3M™ Bauer & Black™ White Small-sized Suspensory with Leg Straps for adults. Used to help prevent injuries, it features leg straps that provide extra security to keep the supporter...

    $17.29
  • Nice Stretch Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Brownmed 50320

    Nice Stretch

    Nice Stretch Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint, for Either Foot Adult

    For relief of plantar fasciitis, wear Nice Stretch X-Lite Night Splint at night. The night splint keeps the foot in a comfortable neutral position, gently stretching the plantar fascia and the Achilles' tendon. Stretching helps reduce inflammation, pain...

    $25.99
  • Spark Calf Support Brownmed 40422

    Spark

    Spark Calf Support, Left or Right Leg

    Spark Kinetic Calf Sleeve combines the benefits of kinesiology tape and compression in one easy to use, comfortable sleeve. Plus, it's more intuitive to put on than kinesiology tape and won't leave sticky residue when removed like kinesiology tape. Use...

    $26.99
  • Spark Ankle Support Brownmed 40428

    Spark

    Spark Ankle Support, for Either Foot Adult

    Spark Kinetic Ankle Sleeve combines the benefits of kinesiology tape and compression in one easy to use, comfortable sleeve. Plus, it's more intuitive to put on than kinesiology tape and won't leave sticky residue when removed like kinesiology tape. Use...

    $25.19
  • IMAK Compression Active Compression Glove Brownmed A20186

    IMAK

    IMAK Compression Active Gray Compression Glove

    The IMAK Compression Active Gloves help encourage a healthy lifestyle by relieving aches, pains, and stiffness associated with hand pain. Glove compresses just enough to increase circulation and warm hands so healing is encouraged. IMAK Active Gloves are...

    As low as $26.99
  • Nice Stretch Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Brownmed 50312

    Nice Stretch

    Nice Stretch Gray Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint, for Either Foot

    Nice Stretch 90 is a patented fixed angle night splint for plantar fasciitis. Coupling passive stretch capability with cold therapy to reduce inflammation, Nice Stretch 90 provides an improved treatment. Effective treatment for plantar fasciitis,...

    $46.99
  • Nice Stretch Plantar Fasciitis Support Kit Brownmed 53105

    Nice Stretch

    Nice Stretch Plantar Fasciitis Support Kit, for Either Foot Adult

    The Plantar Fasciitis Total Solutions Kit provides 24-hour support and pain relief for your ankle, arch and heel. Kit includes one daytime sleeve and one nighttime splint. Daytime sleeve delivers balanced compression that mimics taping methods to...

    $41.99
  • IMAK RSI Night Wrist Brace Brownmed A10112

    IMAK RSI

    IMAK RSI Blue Night Wrist Brace, for Either Hand

    Don't let carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) pain keep you up at night. Use Pil-O-Splint for effective nighttime relief. Rest and night splinting remain the conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, and the patented Pil-O-Splint was rated to be the...

    $45.99
  • IMAK Compression Arthritis Glove Brownmed A20179

    IMAK Compression

    IMAK Compression Black Arthritis Glove

    IMAK Compression arthritis flexible thumb stabilizer helps prevent and relieve sore, aching, and weak thumbs. It helps relieve pain and protects your thumb during everyday activities.Helps prevent and relieve thumb pain Allows full use of the thumb For...

    As low as $22.69
  • IMAK RSI Wrist Support Brownmed 60000

    IMAK RSI

    IMAK RSI Black Wrist Support, for Either Hand

    The WrisTimer helps prevent and relieve wrist pain associated with CTS, arthritis and tendonitis by encouraging proper hand and wrist position. WrisTimer wrist support provides therapeutic treatment during the day. Finger and hand free design allows a...

    $29.69
  • IMAK Ergo Mouse Wrist Cushion Brownmed A10165

    IMAK Ergo

    IMAK Ergo Mouse Wrist Cushion

    IMAK Non-Skid Mouse Cushion offers all of the same benefits as the original mouse cushion, with the added benefit of a non-skid bottom, so it stays firmly in place while you work. Massaging ergoBeads fill the mouse cushion to offer comfortable support...

    $19.99

Braces & Supports

Braces and supports are simple, low-tech medical devices designed to be worn after an injury. Their purpose is to immobilize, partially immobilize, stabilize, realign, or support specific body parts, often to facilitate healing or relieve pain. In addition, braces and supports treat joint-related problems and work for some muscular or skeletal issues, such as during a fracture or muscle tear. 

What's the Difference Between a Brace and a Support?

Although many use these two terms interchangeably, braces are more rigid and should immobilize or severely limit the motion of a joint. Supports are softer and more flexible, providing stability rather than immobilization.

What Conditions Are Braces and Supports Used For?

Some of the most common conditions that can benefit from supports or braces include:
  • Sprains and strains
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tendon in the sole)
  • De Quervain's tenosynovitis (an inflammatory condition of the thumb)
  • Tennis or golfer’s elbow
  • Runner’s knee
  • ACL or MCL injuries (injuries to the tendons in the knee)
  • Meniscus tear (an injury to the cartilage within the knee)
  • Herniated disks
  • Tendonitis
Your doctor may also prescribe a brace after orthopedic surgery or to secure fractures.

Braces and Supports for Preventing Injury

Braces and supports can also help prevent injuries, especially for athletes and seniors. Athletes are at risk for sports-related injuries such as sprains, strains, and ligament tears. Using appropriate support can reduce the risk of new injuries and the likelihood of reinjury after recovery. Lightweight wrist supports, knee supports, leg supports, and arm supports can be beneficial for athletes who want to protect themselves without restricting their movement.

Seniors are also at risk for musculoskeletal disorders, thanks in part to a lifetime of everyday wear and tear. Connective tissue weakens and loses elasticity with age, bones become more fragile, and muscles lose mass. All of this makes acute injury and repetitive use problems such as osteoarthritis more likely. When used correctly, braces and supports can help reduce the chance of injury and improve mobility for some. 

Things to Keep in Mind when Shopping for Supports or Braces

When selecting the best brace or support for your needs, there are several important points to consider:

Level of support.Some conditions may require only mild support, such as a compression sleeve, while others may call for moderate or rigid support. Some braces allow you to adjust the amount of support. Be sure to choose the correct level of support for your needs.

Size.To work properly, a supportive brace must fit snugly but not too tightly. Some braces and supports may be adjustable to fit different shapes and sizes of the body, while others may come in multiple sizes.

Material.The best support should be lightweight but durable. Too much weight or bulk can be cumbersome, and heavy materials can be hot and uncomfortable. Look for breathable materials and a low profile for the most comfortable experience.