Foot and Ankle Arthritis Brace

The most common type of arthritis in the feet is osteoarthritis (OA). Athletes may start feeling pain or tightness in the foot or ankle, have difficulty bearing weight or bending the ankle on an arthritic foot, and experience swelling as they get older. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis which is caused by the wear and tear, overuse, and degeneration of the cartilage in the joints over time. People who lead an active lifestyle often look for non-surgical treatments and pain relief options so they can continue with their favorite activities. A few non-surgical OA treatment options include wearing an ankle brace to support the joint or a foot sleeve to provide compression to help reduce swelling and inflammation, adding orthotics or inserts in the shoes to provide cushion and foot support, or in severe cases, a splint to immobilize the area. Athletes can add traditional R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, elevation), stretching through physical therapy, and bracing to continue playing sports and being active.