HOW WILL A PLASTIC ANKLE BRACE HELP ME WALK?

My doctor suggests a plastic brace for my ankle osteoarthritis. How will it aid in walking?

Arthritis-related joint pain can hinder movement and increase fatigue. Bracing aims to maintain proper joint position and control movement, thereby reducing pain and fatigue.

Modern braces are typically made from rigid polypropylene. An ankle-foot orthosis supports the calf, ankle, and foot, while some designs focus on specific areas like the hindfoot or forefoot. Studies indicate that an orthosis can provide better control than standard shoes, potentially correcting deformities and allowing for more pain-free walking.

Yu-Chi Huang, MD, et al. “Effects of Ankle-Foot Orthoses on Ankle and Foot Kinematics in Patients with Subtalar Osteoarthritis.” Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, August 2006, Vol. 87, No. 8, pp. 1131-1136.