A foot brace is required by those who have suffered a serious sprain or fracture in the foot or ankle area. In order to choose the best foot brace, it is important to figure out if the brace is required in the first place. Patients should generally look for solutions that are within their budget and also provide comfort. Shoe inserts provide an alternative solution; patients are advised, however, to be wary when purchasing braces from foot-ankle orthosis manufacturers.
A foot brace is used to ensure that the joints and bones in that area are kept rigid. A brace also offers support for weak limbs that cannot support a person’s weight. In general, a foot brace will be prescribed to patients who have suffered a sprain or a fracture.
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There is no guarantee that a foot brace will provide the appropriate solution, however. This is why it is important to consult a physician to find out if the foot will benefit from a brace. There are many instances when patients have elected to wear a brace only to discover it was of no use.
As a brace is likely to be worn on the foot for a long period of time once it is prescribed, comfort is of paramount importance. If a foot brace is too loose, it will not immobilize the foot as it is supposed to. Yet if it is too tight, the patient will be forced to endure pain for a long period of time.
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It is important to spend time searching for a foot brace that is not only comfortable, but also fits in with a budget. There are a multitude of braces available such as silicon insoles. These are often prescribed to patients with conditions such as diabetic foot, metatarsalgia, and hyperkeratosis.
Another option is to choose shoe inserts. These are designed to give support and stability. Those suffering from conditions such as heel strikes generally benefit from shoe inserts. They are also commonly prescribed for patients with swollen metatarsals. Shoe inserts are easily slipped on and off for flexibility, convenience, and comfort.
![](http://images.wisegeek.com/slideshow-mobile-small/ankle-brace-on-womans-ankle.jpg)
Regardless of what foot brace is required, it is necessary to purchase it only from a well known ankle-foot orthosis manufacturing company. There are a number of companies online that provide this service but it is important to read customer reviews. These will give a good idea of the company’s reputation. A physician’s duty includes responsibility for directing patients to reputable vendors.