Knee braces

kneecap in motion

Let’s talk about your kneecap in motion

by Jennifer Estabrooks Co-Owner

The medical term for your kneecap is patella. Patella tracking disorder can also be referred to as Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), anterior knee pain or maltracking. It is one of the most common causes of knee pain. The kneecap is a separate bone that’s attached to your thigh bone (femur) at the top and your big shin bone (tibia) by powerful tendons and ligaments. It is a type of bone that forms within a tendon to give a mechanical advantage to the knee. When it’s working properly, the kneecap glides in a groove that’s near the end of your thighbone called the trochlear groove.

Symptoms can include pain, swelling when squatting, jumping, running or just walking; a grinding or catching feeling when you bend or a feeling that your knee is giving out under you. Pain varies depending on the severity of the disorder. Patellar tracking disorder is more common in women and can affect older people because of the arthritis in the knee joint.

Injuries from sports, overuse, or trauma can cause the patella to move slightly off and not track properly. In most cases, the kneecap shifts to the outside of the leg, but it can also move towards the inside. Patellar tracking disorder comes from the high stress on the knee especially in sports, muscle weakness, or structural abnormalities. Diagnosis can be difficult because it is part of a wide range of conditions with similar symptoms.

So let’s talk about where to start! Stretching and strengthening exercises, knee braces and proper footwear or insoles to assist with alignment.

As a bracing specialist, I highly recommend you come in and be educated on how braces can help. Try them on and you will be able to feel the effect they will have. There are various braces that help, some more aggressive than others. Just because one works for your friend does not mean it will work for you. All braces fit and act a little differently. As experts, we want to make sure the brace you buy is the right brace for you to get you moving pain-free as quickly as possible.

Submitted by Jen Estabrooks, Brace Specialist, Soles in Motion

knee-pain

Knee Pain – Is it changing your lifestyle?

by Jennifer Estabrooks Co-Owner

Knee Pain  Is it changing your lifestyle?

We have been in the business of helping people reduce their pain and become more active through orthopedic appliances, compression therapy, supports and orthotics for over 20 years. Our team is dedicated to coming up with the right solution for you. So let’s talk ‘knees’!

Do you have knee pain, aching, stiffness and soreness after long periods of inactivity; mild to severe pain after overuse or ascending or descending stairs? These are common symptoms of Osteoarthritis (OA).

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis affecting one in ten Canadian adults. It can affect any joint but commonly occurs in weight bearing joints such as the knee. The cartilage (firm, rubbery material) that covers the ends of the bones in normal joints acts as a shock absorber. Over time, the cartilage and meniscus may wear away in some areas decreasing its ability to cushion the bone. As this happens tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain. As the condition worsens the bones may rub against each other. Osteoarthritis can be caused by many factors including heredity, obesity, injury or joint overuse.

Unloading Knee Braces – Non-Invasive Options

A safe, non-invasive viable option is an Osteoarthritis Unloader knee brace specifically designed to treat OA. It stabilizes the joint, reduces pain and helps to build stronger muscles allowing patients to return to the activities they love whether that is everyday living or sports. OA braces relieve pain by redistributing the weight bearing load on the painful or affected compartment of the joint to the healthier or unaffected compartment. Increased function studies have shown that wearing an OA brace can increase daily functions and decrease pain. Patients diagnosed with OA who wear a knee brace will generally feel better in the morning, be more active during the day, and rest more comfortably at night. Braces cannot cure osteoarthritis and may not be right for everyone however, it is a viable and successful solution for many people. The ideal candidates are typically people who are motivated to strengthen their muscles and willing to wear a brace to realize the benefits of this form of treatment. There are many different types of OA braces designed for all activity levels. One of the programs offered at Soles in Motion is the 30 Day Free Trial OA Program so you have the opportunity to feel its success without incurring any costs and you do not need a prescription.

No matter what your ability, we believe that with the proper treatment plan, you can reduce your pain and achieve your goals. Education is key in making an informed decision. Keep your joints moving and if you have given up activities due to increased pain try low-impact exercises, group activities such as chair yoga, walking and other exercises to help you reach your goals. Swimming or cycling will strengthen your joints and increase their range of motion. Stronger muscles can reduce the stress on your joints during everyday activities. Give us a call at 902-468-7911 or email me atJennifer@solesinmotion.ca and book a free no obligation appointment.

Submitted by Jen Estabrooks, Brace Specialist, Soles in Motion

Skiing-and-Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding season is here!

by Graham Gilbert

skiing-and-snowboarding-injuries

These popular winter sports are a great way to stay active.  Although the incidence of injury in both skiing and snowboarding is relatively similar, on the body where these injuries occur are considerably different. Skiers tend to injure the lower extremity – most commonly the knee – while snowboarders are more likely to injure their backs and upper extremity – specifically areas such as the wrist.

The most common knee injuries in skiing are the MCL (medial collateral ligament) and ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).  They occur for different reasons based on the skier’s skill level, the most common being when the knee tilts inwards and the lower leg is forced forwards. This often happens during a fall or when catching an edge.  Preventing knee injuries when skiing is multifactorial. With the pediatric and youth skier, appropriate strength is required before jumping into ski boots. This also is true for the adult skier. Areas of specific focus should be in the hip stabilizers, knee stabilizers, hamstrings and lower back.  Knee braces are designed to prevent injury during skiing and provide support and stability after an injury to keep you on the slopes.  There are several different kinds of knee braces for ligament protection – light weight, designed to fit with ski boots, provide the highest level of twisting and lateral movement.

The most common snowboard injury is the wrist.  The upper body is used to help generate turning forces on the board. In the event of a loss of balance and a subsequent fall, the instinctive reaction of a snowboarder is to outstretch a hand to try and break their fall. This mechanism is commonly known as an ‘FOOSH’ ( Fall Onto an Out Stretched Hand).  There are wrist braces designed to provide maximum protection for the wrist while allowing a range of motion to match your needs.  Made of carbon fiber, they are incredibly strong and are designed for high impact sports.

Soles in Motion services and products are an excellent solution for everyone who wants to be healthier, more active and in less pain.  Whether you want to ski, skate or do your daily chores.  Our team works together to implement the best solution for you.  Soles in Motion also offers a 30-day free trial program on our Osteoarthritis hip and knee braces to make sure they are going to work for you before you commit to purchase.  We are dedicated to making sure our products work.