There are many situations where you might be in need of an arm brace. You might damage the tissues of the elbow, joint or wrist, warranting a period of immobilization. A fracture to one of the bones of this limb will likely necessitate the use of some type of arm support. In the following, we will take you through a few possible arm injuries and the arm orthotics available to treat them.
Sarmiento Brace for Humerus Fractures
In the past, the preferred mode of treatment for a humerus fracture was to immobilize the upper arm in a cast. But advances in medicine have shown that a more functional mode of treatment involving a Sarmiento splint is actually a more effective method.
A Sarmiento humeral fracture brace applies circumferential compression needed to control and stabilize the humeral segments of the upper arm. The function allowed by a Sarmiento fracture brace encourages gravity alignment of the bone fragments, which is important for the bone properly as it heals.
Note that a Sarmiento humeral brace is not appropriate in all instances. Some breaks require surgery to repair and will need some time in an upper arm brace that fully immobilizes the region. This style of upper arm support is also more effective with mid- or distal shaft fractures than with breaks to other regions of the humerus.
This humerus fracture brace comes with two stockinette liners for user comfort, but can also be purchased separately if needed.
Arm Braces for Immobilization
Unfortunately, a functional broken humerus brace is not always appropriate. For certain breaks to the humerus or other bones of the arm, treatment of a shoulder dislocation or rotator cuff injuries or following surgery, immobilization is often needed.
We offer a variety of arm support braces that will hold the arm and shoulder still. Perhaps our simplest version a cuff and collar arm sling. As the name implies, the injured/broken arm brace consists simply of a cuff sling, both of which are comfortable against the skin.
The arm support strap limits harmful movements that could disrupt healing of clavicle fractures, shoulder dislocations, wrist/hand fractures and more.
We also offer a more traditional broken arm envelope sling at an affordable cost. The deep pouch of the broken arm support can easily accommodate a cast, and its moisture-wicking fabric is ideal for longer-term use. A thumb loop within the sling also allows one to relax the hand. Child-size versions of such slings are also available.
Those seeking a full arm brace for elbow injuries are also in luck. The elbow/forearm post-surgery immobilizer locks the arm at a ninety-degree angle. This might be needed after fractures to the elbow, the distal humerus or the forearm. This foam arm/forearm brace functions much like a cast, protecting and immobilizing the arm.
This forearm support brace is also great for treating bursitis of the elbow known as student’s elbow, baker’s elbow or Smile’s elbow to name just a few. The immobilization and protection the forearm support offers allows swelling and pain to subside. If infection of the bursa is suspected, removal of fluid via a needle may be needed.
Arm Braces for Soft Tissue Injury
BraceAbility offers a number of other arm support sleeves and splints geared toward overuse and soft-tissue injuries such as the various forms of tendonitis that might affect the wrist or elbow.
For one, a cock-up carpal tunnel arm brace comfortably immobilizes the wrist, protecting it from further damage. Giving the wrist a rest if one of the best steps for healing carpal tunnel syndrome as it allows inflammation to subside so that healing can begin.
An arm brace or band for tennis elbow or bowlers’ elbow (AKA, golfer’s elbow) does not immobilize the joint. Rather, such products usually include a strap that can actually help divert some tension away from a sore tendon, which helps to ease the pain. Learn more about tennis elbow.
Another popular product for those with arm injuries as well as those involved in sports is an arm compression sleeve. The compression such products provide stimulates blood flow to the covered tissue. Doing so can speed the removal of inflammation and lactic acid and encourage swifter healing.
Some opt to wear such sleeves simply for the added layer of protection and warmth they offer.