Fixers for the fingers and toes - when you need an orthosis, and when the tire or bandage?

To deprive the joy of life and ease of movement can any, even the smallest injury. This is especially true for finger and leg injuries.

Fortunately, medicine offers many tools that can alleviate pain, and speed up the restoration of damaged joints. These include special tires, bandages, orthoses and tutors, which are installed on the fingers and toes.

These are external devices that fix the injured part of the body and limit its activity. Each of the devices has its own specificity and scope.

Characteristics and functional features

The bandage is the simplest kind of fixation among its "colleagues".It is designed to easily limit the movements of the injured joint. It is a belt of elastic fabric. The body is fixed by means of straps or "Velcro".Due to the peculiarities of the material used, the skin beneath it breathes well. Plus, the bandage has an easy massage effect and warms the damaged finger.

The orthosis is a more complex rigid design, it is designed to provide peace for the injured finger and protects it from excessive loads. Inside it can contain inserts of metal or plastic. Has a number of fasteners that allow you to choose the desired degree of fixation.

Tutor - a kind of capsule, which consists of a damaged limb. The design does not provide hinges or levers. The device has a frame made of metal or polymer. Above, the main parts are covered with "breathing" material. The necessary degree of fixing is achieved by adjusting the numerous fasteners, laces and "Velcro".

The purpose of the tire is to fix the broken joint and its mechanical support during the treatment. The tire, which is necessary to support the injured part of the body and its tight fixation, has a hollow solid frame that can complement elements made of wood, iron or plastic. Those parts that come in contact with the body are covered with a soft material that allows air to pass through.

Types of orthopedic products

There are three types of orthosis in the degree of fixation:

1. Soft - slightly restrict the movement of the joint. They are usually made of a dense elastic fabric. Should have a light massaging effect and warm the injured place. It is recommended, when it is necessary to secure the joint from excessive load or during the completion of rehabilitation after trauma.
2. Semi-rigid - take on some of the load and significantly limit mobility. With the rapid development of the disease, pathological processes slow down. Semi-rigid orthoses with hinges are used by athletes in training to protect the joint from mechanical influences.
3. Hard - similar in their properties to gypsum bandages. A distinctive feature is that during prolonged use they do not cause muscle atrophy.

Orthoses differ in type based on the effect they have on the joint. Products can be:

• fixing - limit movement;
• corrective - correct the deformed joint;
• unloading - take on some of the load;
• compensating - replace the diseased joint and support the limb.

There are several types of shrouds for the big toe:

• classic;
• outlets;
• locking.

The market of orthopedic products represents three types of tutors for fixing the hand and fingers:

• therapeutic - used during rehabilitation after injuries;
• prophylactic - used by patients with chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system to avoid damage;
• models that improve the quality of life - products made individually for each patient are designed for people with disabilities and patients with severe congenital diseases.

Purpose of application

A bandage is most often prescribed in case of problems with the big toe when a so called "bone" or valgus deformation appears. To think over visit to the expert and purchase of an orthopedic product follows at such signs:

• rubbing of a bone about footwear;
• flat feet;
• appearance of calluses and corns in this zone;
• discomfort in the area of ​​the metatarsal joint when moving or at rest.

The orthosis on the finger of the hand is established in the following situations:

• rehabilitation after injuries( bruises, dislocations);
• rupture of the lateral ligament of the thumb;
• arthritis, rizartrose;
• joint pain;
• inflammation of ligaments and tendons.

Bus required:

• for the treatment of snapping finger syndrome;
• for fractures of the nail and middle phalanges of the fingers;
• for injuries of interphalangeal joints;
• for the treatment of deep flexor muscles;
• valgus deformation.

The tutor is used to treat patients with cerebral palsy and have undergone serious surgery on the wrist and hand.

What is established in the treatment of fracture

In this situation, the first comes to the aid of an improvised surgical tire. To the broken finger to fix it and alleviate the suffering of the patient, the rod from the writing pens or a wooden stick can be bandaged.

Orthosis is recommended by traumatologists for fracture of the nail or middle phalanx of the toes. This will ensure complete rest to the injured place and properly grow the bones.

A bandage is established when the phalangeal joints are injured and during rehabilitation after a complicated operation.

The tutor is used for rehabilitation after a serious surgery in the area of ​​the wrist and wrist joint, when the thumb needs to be fixed in a certain position.

What should I consider when buying a fixator?

When buying an orthopedic product, you should follow a number of rules that will allow you to purchase a quality lock:

1. First, you need to go for a purchase only after the attending physician determines what the person needs - an orthosis, bandage or tutor. The doctor has the right to advise the concrete manufacturer, model and will help to find out the necessary sizes.
2. Secondly, the purchase of goods from the category "used" is not permissible. It is unhygienic and useless for health. The product stretched over the period of use by the previous owner, and the required degree of fixation can not provide.
3. Thirdly, the high price of the device does not yet indicate its excellent quality. Therefore, money is not worth it. In case of doubt, it is better to consult an expert once again.
4. Fourthly, if you can sample the product before payment, you do not need to neglect this feature. It is necessary to examine how the fasteners are located, whether it is convenient to use them, or whether they rub the skin. Do not hesitate to turn in front of the mirror to assess the aesthetics and convenience in several poses.

How to care for the product

Orthoses and bandages made of fabric should be periodically washed. The subtleties of this process are noted in the instruction. Elements of plastic need to be wiped with a cloth soaked in soapy water and then using a damp cloth to remove the stains.

The joints made of metal and their joints are lubricated with engine oil. Dry the product at room temperature, away from batteries and stoves.

It is allowed to use the fixer exactly as many hours per day as is prescribed by the attending physician. In case of severe discomfort during socks, consult a specialist for advice.

Choice of editors and consumers

The five most popular, in our opinion, finger and foot retainers:

1. Valgus orthopedic tire Valuable( Hallufix) .It consists of plastic elements and several straps. The first is fastened on the arch of the foot, the second - on the thumb. The use of the product allows you to quickly cope with the defect of the "bones", reduce the possibility of developing arthrosis of the toes and exclude the return of the disease. Take caution and consult a specialist before buying a tire should patients suffering from gout, diabetes and arthritis. Average price: 900 rubles.
2. Orthosis for the thumb of the hand made of filament with ceramic coating Orto SWU 611 .It is made of a split tire and an elastic web. It is fixed by means of three straps. Used in the rehabilitation after trauma and surgery, as well as for the treatment of arthrosis. Produced in Germany. The approximate cost is 960 rubles.
3. Gel therapeutic retainer Valgus Pro .Manufacturer: China. It is used in the treatment of valgus deformity. It is made of medical silicone, which when fixed on the finger takes its shape and is practically not felt during use. Copes with the disease for 3 - 6 months. Average price: from 700 rubles.
4. Bandage Nallux valgus Сombo Comfort Ottobock .Used to treat "bones".Has a plastic frame and a row of fasteners made of elastic bands. It is necessary to purchase models separately for the right and left legs. The bandage slows down the deformation process and reduces pain. It is recommended to wear it at night, if necessary - in the afternoon in loose shoes. The size of the shroud can be adjusted by yourself. Cost: 1950 rubles.
5. Orthosis for the thumb PSB Brace .It is used for damage to the lateral ligaments. Recommended for those who often participate in active sports games( volleyball, basketball).It does not constrain movement, but at the same time it reliably supports the fingers. The manufacturer is represented by three sizes. Approximate price: 3500 rubles.

The cost of these "assistants" is a question that can not be answered at once. The price depends on the manufacturer, the complexity of the product, the material from which it is made, and its size. You need to be ready for solid spending, when it comes to the product made to order.