January 2023 - DAPHCO - Medical Equipment

How Sports Ankle Brace Is Useful For Sprain

Posted on January 18, 2023September 21, 2023 by D

Whether you walk, run, jump, hike, play a sport or perform any other physical activity, your ankles are vulnerable to impact. According to an Epidemiological Survey On Ankle Sprain, 59% of athletes experience a form of an ankle injury once in their lives. Just one careless step can cause a twisted ankle which may prevent you from going back to the athletic field. With ankle strains being at the top of the most common type of ankle injuries during sports, it’s important to be prepared to avoid such injuries. A sports ankle brace can help you get back on your feet early and prevent re-injury after a sprain.

If you play sports, make sure your ankles are properly supported with an ankle sleeve to prevent injury. If you have experienced a sports injury, it is crucial to seek treatment immediately. Along with other treatments, protect your ankles with a sports ankle brace to get support and prevent any further injuries. Check out Daphco’s range of durable ankle braces.

How Ankle Sprains Occur During Sports Activities?

The ankle joint consist of bands of tissues that connect the bones of the lower leg and tarsal bones (the top of the foot) and help to keep the ankle stable. An ankle sprain occurs when these joints are moved beyond their normal range due to a sudden twist or roll to the ankle. The ligaments are elastic only to a certain limit and when the limit is exceeded due to a sudden inward and downward movement of the foot, it results in a partial or full tear.

If the level of force is high, the ligaments and bone fragments might tear away from their attachment site, resulting in a tangible loss of stability in the ankle. This is referred to as an injury of the complete joint capsule and all of these outcomes are collectively known as ankle trauma or ankle sprain.

Symptoms

When an ankle is twisted, you might hear a sudden ‘crack’ sound followed by swelling, bruising, and pain. Depending on the severity of the injury, you might not be able to stand on your feet. Almost 40% of the patients who suffer from ankle sprains experience long-lasting symptoms if not properly treated.

Risk Factors

People who participate in sports like soccer, baseball, football, volleyball, and tennis are especially at a high risk of developing ankle sprains. Sportsmen and athletes who experienced ankle sprains before are also at a high risk of an ankle sprain. Moreover, athletes who rush back to playing sports while their ankle is still recovering are likely to get re-injured.

How A Sports Ankle Brace Can Help Your Sprain?

If you want to recover quickly, it’s better to start moving quickly than rest or complete immobilization. Movement strengthens your joints, brings fresh blood, and stimulates the repair and regrowth of sprained tissues. But you need to protect your ankle to prevent the injury from worsening.

So how do you strike the balance between ensuring ankle movement while protecting your ankle? A sports ankle brace is the best equipment to help you achieve this goal.

How Does A Sports Ankle Brace Work?

1. Provide Compression

In ankle sprains, ligaments are injured and may take even months to heal. Wearing a sports ankle brace enhances your proprioception and helps in quick recovery. It does so by adding compression to the skin around the injured region. Our skin has tiny sensors in it and when these sensors are compressed, they transmit more signals to the brain about what’s happening in the injured area. This helps the brain control ankle movements more effectively.

2. Restrict the Range of Motions

Along with providing compression, a sports ankle brace restricts the range of motion and prevents from moving into a dangerous position that may cause re-injury.
The most vulnerable ligaments are on the outer side of the ankle and they might get torn when the foot moves inward suddenly. A sports ankle brace allows your foot you move up and down but prevents it from moving inward or outward. This helps you walk or run without putting any stress on your ligaments.

What Are The Best Types Of Sports Ankle Brace?

There are various kinds of sport ankle braces but the type you should use will depend on:

1. The severity of your injury
2. Your rehabilitation goals
3. Activities you want to pursue after the recovery

You might not find a one-size-fits-all sports ankle brace or support. It’s all about choosing the best brace solution for your ankle protection which depends on your injury, goals, and needs.

1. ARYSE® HYPERKNIT® Brace For Ankle Sprain

Daphco offers ARYSE® HYPERKNIT® Ankle Sleeve is designed specifically to provide prophylactic ankle protection and relief from ankle sprains. The design is comfortable, lightweight, and functional and you can easily perform your daily activity such as walking, sitting, standing, etc.

ARYSE® HYPERKNIT® Ankle Brace is not only useful for treating ankle sprains, but it helps to relieve pain and aid in the treatment of other conditions including Achilles bursitis, tendonitis, effusions of joints, ankle, and foot, and mild ankle instabilities.

2. ARYSE® AIRFLOW™ BOOT

This is a walking boot designed to provide relief from acute ankle sprains. If your ankle is sprained and you can’t stand or walk, this brace will help get back on your feet quickly. Athletes and sportsmen who have sprained ankles can use this ankle brace to get back to their athletic life quickly.

Along with ankle sprain, the ARYSE® AIRFLOW™ Boot for sprained ankle is used for treating non-union ankle fractures, joint effusions, soft-tissues injuries, Achilles injuries, etc.

Note: As always, we recommend visiting your doctor to determine which type of sports ankle brace is best for your condition.

Daphco carries a large variety of ankle braces to support all types of foot and ankle injuries. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you can buy Medicare brace at little at a minimal cost. Contact us if you need more details about Medicare braces.

LSO Back Brace For Lumbosacral Pain Relief

Posted on January 18, 2023September 21, 2023 by D

Lumbosacral pain, also known as lower back pain, is a common problem that affects countless people worldwide. This type of pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation and can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, injury, or chronic health conditions. Lower back pain can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily activities, work, and even sleep. Fortunately, Daphco offers a wide range of LSO back braces that provide rigid back support to help you recover fast and live a pain-free life. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you can get an LSO back brace at a minimal cost.

In this blog post, we will explore the causes of lumbosacral pain, and its effects on patients, and LSO (Lumbar sacral orthosis) back brace can help alleviate symptoms and improve patients’ mobility.

What Is Lumbar Spine And What Causes Lumbar Pain?

The lumbar spine, also known as the lower back, is made up of 5 vertebrae and is responsible for supporting the upper body and providing movement. It is the most common area of the spine to experience pain or injury. The Lumbar spine is also important for the weight bearing and stability of the body. The image below shows here lumbar spine is located in our body.

There can be a number of reasons for Lumbar pain:

Spine Injury: An injury to muscles or tendons in the back, lumbar muscle sprain & strains, or compression fractures to the spine can cause pain in the lumbar region.

Muscle Or Ligament Strains: These are often caused by lifting heavy objects or sudden movements that put stress on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back.

Degenerative Disc Disease: This is a natural aging process that can lead to the wear and tear of the spinal discs.

Herniated Disc: A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc bulges out through a crack in the harder outer layer.

Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back.

Sciatica: This is a condition where a herniated disc compresses the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down the leg.

Spinal Stenosis: This is a condition where the space around the spinal cord narrows, putting pressure on the nerves.

These are some of the most common reasons, however, there can be other underlying conditions that may cause lumbar spine pain. It is highly recommended to consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

What Is An LSO Back Brace?

An LSO back brace or lumbar-sacral orthosis brace is an external device specifically designed to support the muscular and bony structure of the lumbar spine and immobilize the area to restrict all the micro-movements.

An LSO brace is made up of a plastic or metal frame that is molded to the shape of the patient’s lower back, and straps that are used to adjust the level of compression. Your doctor may recommend you use an LSO back brace in conjunction with physical therapy, medication, or other forms of treatment to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Why Should I Use An LSO Back Brace For Lumbosacral Pain?

According to surveys by the National Library of Medicine, 23% of the total world population reports acute to chronic back pain every. This is one of the most common reasons for low productivity in work & everyday activities. Approximately 200 billion dollars are spent every year on back pain worldwide.

Among various other treatments for LBP – lower back pain, LSO back braces have proved to be a successful treatment for reducing spinal pain. These braces are constructed out of form-fitting plastic molds to provide additional immobilization allowing the spine to heal safely with minimal risk of further injury.

No matter which medical condition is contributing to your lower back pain, an LSO back brace is perfect for acute and chronic back pain, muscle sprain/strains as well as for postural support. It is also a great option for post-surgery spinal support.

Daphco offers a wide range of LSO back braces for both men and women, with sizes ranging from regular to plus size. Our braces are designed to treat all types of lumbosacral pain.

1. ARYSE® METFORCE® LSO Back Brace For Lumbosacral Pain

This ARYSE® METFORCE® LSO brace has been designed to provide instant relief from lumbosacral pain associated with disc degeneration, disc replacement, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, sprains & strains fibromyalgia, and lordosis. These braces are also a popular option for providing post-surgical spinal stabilization.

The brace features a double-pull compression system to provide necessary compression and consistent support for quick recovery. It has been designed keeping in view the patient’s comfort so you can wear it both under or over the clothing.

2. ARYSE® METFORCE® TLSO Brace For Lumbosacral PainDaphco provides ARYSE® METFORCE® TLSO Brace for patients suffering from acute and chronic lower back pain. The brace is suitable to treat multiple conditions including lumbar disc displacement, lumbosacral spondylosis, muscle sprain/strains, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spinal kyphosis, lordosis, lumbago as well as provide post-surgery spinal support.

The brace features a single-pull compression system to provide compression to injured areas and aid in quick recovery.

If you are not sure which LSO back brace is good for your condition, it’s advisable to visit your doctor. Our customer support can also help you choose the right brace for your lower back pain.

Where To Get An LSO Back Brace Online?

Daphco offers a wide selection of LSO back braces to alleviate pain and treat your spinal condition. You can check our selection of back braces here. Whether you need a back brace for sciatica, herniated discs, or any other condition, our team of experts will help you select the right brace suitable for your condition.

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, you can buy Medicare brace for your back at a minimal cost. Contact us at 888-616-4156 or send us an email at support@daphco.com for more details.

Does Medicare Cover Knee Replacement: Here’s What You Need To Know

Posted on January 17, 2023September 21, 2023 by D

Does Medicare cover knee replacement? Yes. In an unfortunate event when a patient needs knee replacement surgery, they often ask, ‘Does Medicare cover knee replacement surgery, how does it work with this type of procedure? A knee replacement is a common yet complex process requiring months of preparation before replacement and care after the surgery. Understanding Medicare coverage knee replacement, equipment, and rehab that covers post-replacement will make the process easier for you.

This blog will explain everything that needs to be understood about Medicare and knee replacement surgery.

What is Knee Replacement? Why Do You Need Knee Replacement?

A knee replacement, also known as a total knee replacement or arthroplasty, is a surgical process used to replace injured or worn-out knee parts. It helps to improve mobility, reduces pain in the knee joints, and is recommended by doctors when other methods have failed to provide any relief.

As we age, the joints go through some generative changes which affect our mobility. The wear and tear in our knees may be exacerbated due to an injury or obesity. When a severe injury strikes the knee either due to an accident or while playing, it can incredibly limit knee movement.

Fortunately, knee replacement surgery is successfully helping people to recover from knee injuries by allowing them to go under minimally invasive surgery with permanent knee parts replacement. This is especially a great opportunity for old Americans who suffer from mobility issues and fail to live a good quality life due to knee pain.

If you’re in need of knee replacement surgery, you should know that it’s quite expensive and might cost you $50,000 on average without insurance. However, if you’re a Medicare beneficiary, it might cover the total cost of your knee replacement surgery if deemed medically necessary.

Does Medicare Cover Knee Replacement Surgery 100%?
One of the major concerns of senior citizens and other qualified Medicare recipients is “How much cost does Medicare cover??

Medicare covers the total knee replacement surgery if deemed medically necessary by your healthcare provider. However, different parts of knee surgery are covered under different parts of Medicare coverage. Depending on the type of knee surgery you get, the treatment may be covered under Part A or Part B of Medicare coverage.

Part A Coverage

Part A covers inpatient knee replacement surgeries in which patients have to stay at least 3 days prior to surgery and a few days post-surgery. Medicare covers most of the cost and you will be responsible for part A deductibles. Hospital services may include:

• Medication while you’re in the hospital
• General monitoring
• Inpatients services
• Meals

Part B Coverage

Outpatient knee replacement surgery in which patients are discharged after the surgery is covered under Medicare part B. Part B covers 80% of the cost and you are responsible for the remaining 20% and deductibles. Any prescriptions given to you by your healthcare provider will be covered under Part B.

Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare Advantage plan covers everything that’s in the original Medicare. With this plan, you’ll have to pay lower deductibles and a little out-of-the-pocket cost. If you have a Medigap plan, you might have zero out-of-the-pocket cost for total knee replacement surgery.

Apart from surgery, Medicare also covers alternative treatments to knee replacement surgeries which may include therapy and durable medical equipment such as orthopedic knee braces.

What Are The Criteria To Get Knee Replacement Surgery?

In order to get Medicare coverage for knee replacement, you must be old or have a medical condition that requires surgical treatment. There is no age limit, however, most people who undergo knee replacement surgeries are between 50 to 80 years old.

Should You Use A Knee Brace Post Knee Replacement Surgery?

A knee replacement surgery is performed to replace worn-out knee parts to help you improve your mobility. Once you have undergone the surgery, your doctor might recommend you use a knee brace to keep your knee joint instill and avoid micro-movements that may affect your recovery.

Orthopedic Knee braces are used to help support, stabilize and rehabilitate the knee brace post-surgery They are available in different styles so it’s best to consult your doctor and ask him which style is right for you after the knee replacement surgery.

Does Medicare Pay For Knee Braces?

Yes. A qualified Medicare beneficiary can get a knee brace after knee replacement surgery. Medicare pays for Knee braces under part B which means 80% of the cost will be covered. However, one has to pay the remaining 20% if their yearly deductibles are paid.

Note: Medicare doesn’t cover all types of knee braces. It only covers durable medical equipment which is rigid or semi-rigid. Therefore, knee bandages, wraparounds, and straps will not be covered by your insurance plan. You can purchase these knee braces online or in retail stores.

How To Get Knee Braces Covered By Medicare?

In order to get knee braces covered by Medicare, your doctor must prescribe one saying you need it for recovery after a knee implant. Your doctor or surgeon will have to sign a prescription so you get knee braces covered by Medicare.

You can get knee braces covered by Medicare if you have enrolled in Medicare part B. It will cost you much less than the retail price.

Note: Finding the right type and style of knee brace that is suitable for your condition and pain level is important. Instead of wasting money on the wrong knee brace that isn’t helping your condition, it’s recommended to ask your doctor before purchasing one.

Conclusion

If you or any of your loved ones need knee replacement surgery, Medicare will reduce the out-of-the-pocket cost significantly. The cost coverage will depend on the specific insurance plan you have.

If you have undergone knee replacement surgery, you might need a knee brace for a full recovery. Daphco is an accredited supplier of Medicare knee braces. We provide knee braces for meniscus tears, knee immobilizer braces, and more depending on your condition.

Contact us to see if you’re eligible for a Medicare knee brace.

Why You Should Use A Spinal Brace During Pregnancy

Posted on January 4, 2023September 21, 2023 by D

Pregnancy can cause a great deal of stress on your lower back. More than 50% of women experience lower back during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. Many of these women experience sciatica pain, ranging from mild to chronic. Should you wear a spinal brace to reduce back pain?

A spinal brace or pregnancy back brace provides optimal support to your back as the belly size increases during the pregnancy. For those experiencing sciatica pain, a back brace for sciatica can relieve pressure from the pinched nerve, reinforce the body’s core muscles, help women stay active, and perform their daily activities easily during pregnancy.

In this blog, we will discuss why women should consider wearing a spinal brace during their pregnancy.

Back Pain During Pregnancy

Backache during pregnancy may be caused due to various body changes and a number of other factors such as changes in hormones, loosening of ligaments, and an increase in weight that may strain your joints and the arch in your lower back. The growing size of the baby may put pressure on the sciatica nerve leading to sciatica pain in pregnant women.

The pain may travel to your lower lumbar area, thighs, and buttock. It can manifest itself in many ways such as you might experience pain in a pulled muscle or an ache in the entire body.

Spinal Brace For Pregnancy

A spinal brace for pregnancy is designed by medical professionals for pregnant women who want to stay active, supported, and comforted during pregnancy. Made of breathable fabric and built for a discreet fit, the spinal back brace for pregnancies redistributes the weight of babies, reduces pressure off the lower back, and provides incredible relief and comfort. A spinal brace for pregnancy is recommended to use from 3 to 9 months during pregnancy. Check out Daphco’s range of back braces to find the right brace for yourself.

Reasons You Should Wear A Spinal Brace During Pregnancy

Here are some ways spinal braces can reduce your back pain and ease your pregnancy journey.

1. Decreases Back Pain

A woman might experience lower back pain due to various reasons. The two most common types of pain are:

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain

SI joint pain occurs during pregnancy as a result of the increased production of a hormone called ‘Relaxin.’ The hormone loosens the ligaments and causes the hip joint to become less stable, leading to sharp and excruciating pain in the lower back region adjacent to the tailbone. A spinal brace for pregnancy is designed to support and stabilize the SI joint so a woman can perform daily activities without pain.

Round Ligament Pain

The round ligament pain is characterized by a dull ache to sharp pain in the lower back and hip area, especially during the second trimester.

The increased weight puts pressure on the ligament which supports the uterus. Though it’s temporary and doesn’t last long, it may turn into an unbearable problem in some cases. A spinal brace for pregnancy redistributes the weight of the fetus across the back and abdomen which reduces the pressure on the round ligament, providing quick relief from back pain.

2. Provide Gentle Compression To The Back

A pregnancy back brace provides gentle compression and reduces discomfort due to physical activity. However, too much compression on the abdomen can affect your blood pressure, leading to indigestion, heartburn, etc. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult your doctor or a specialist and follow their guidelines to maintain a gentle compression.

3. Prevent ‘Swayback’ Posture

One of the biggest challenges that women face during pregnancy is the ‘swayback’ posture.

As the baby grows and the bumps grow larger, the spine might drag forward due to growing weight. It is called the ‘swayback’ posture that may trigger pain in the lower back region. It occurs due to extra weight carried in front of the body and the weakening of the core muscles that support and stabilize the spine.

A spinal brace provides external cues to your back to help you maintain a proper posture. It encourages a correct posture by providing support to the lower back and torso and preventing overextension of the lower back.

Are Back Braces Safe During Pregnancy

Many pregnant women have this concern about whether wearing a pregnancy back brace is safe for the growing child. The good news is that the pregnancy is safe to use and it helps the baby settle into optimal birth position. However, make sure it’s not too tight so that it may affect your blood circulation or cause inflammation.

Please note: If you’re unsure about using a spinal brace during pregnancy or don’t know how to use it, consult your doctor or a specialist first. Wearing a pregnancy back brace wrong can do harm so it’s recommended to consult your doctor before purchasing one.

Other Methods To Treat Back Pain During Pregnancy

1. Good Sleep Support

Most pregnant women face difficulty sleeping, especially during the later months of pregnancy. Lack of good sleep support may cause back pain because most women tend to sleep on one side. To avoid back pain, make sure you sleep on one side and use good sleep support such as a cushion between your knees. Never sleep on your back or stomach as it can do harm to your back.

2. Do Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga can be an effective treatment for pregnant women suffering from back pain, muscle soreness, and joint pain. Prenatal yoga relieves the stress on joints and helps women relax their back muscles and sleep better during the night.

3. Wear Supportive Shoes

Wearing heels or uncomfortable shoes during pregnancy can increase the curvature of the back and drive the weight of your bump into the lower spine region. On the other hand, wearing uncomfortable flat shoes will cause pain in your feet which may lead to an imbalance and pain up to your leg and lower back region. Therefore, it’s recommended to wear low-heeled shoes that have an orthotic insert or arch support that will give you more stability while walking.

Are you experiencing lower back pain due to pregnancy, sciatica pain, herniated disc, or any other medical condition? Get a Medicare back brace for herniated disc, sciatica pain during pregnancy, bulging disc, or any other condition from Daphco.

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