Diabetes affects nearly every part of the body, and the feet are no exception. The combination of neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation can lead to a range of foot problems that, if left unaddressed, can become serious health concerns. These problems include: neuropathic ulcers, charcot foot, infections, and slow healing. This article will outline the roll of ankle bracing when treating diabetic patients, and will outline four reasons why TayCo Brace provides the best ankle bracing solution for diabetic patients.
The Role of Ankle Bracing
Ankle bracing is a crucial part of foot care for diabetic patients. By providing stability and support, ankle braces like the TayCo Brace help to:
Reduce Pressure Points: Ankle braces can distribute the weight more evenly across the foot, reducing pressure points that can lead to ulcers. Our research study from Creighton University shows the benefits of bracing on the COP in patients.
Stabilize Joints: Ankle braces offer support to the ankle joint, helping to prevent injuries and sprains, which can be especially problematic for those with neuropathy. Our study from the University of Notre Dame shows our support of Inversion-Eversion Movements vs the Walking Boot, helping to further stabilize joints.
Protect Against Further Damage: In cases of injury or deformity, an ankle brace can protect the foot and ankle from further harm, preventing the condition from worsening.
Improve Mobility: The TayCo Brace, in particular, offers the advantage of fitting outside a patient's shoe, allowing for greater mobility and a more comfortable experience compared to traditional walking boots or in shoe AFOs. Our research study by Ball State University Biomechanics shows the improved mobility acquired using our brace during walking and negotiating stairs.
Why TayCo Brace is the Best Ankle Bracing for Diabetic Patients
The Mecial XAB and RecoverX Braces are game-changers for diabetic patients. Here are a few reasons why we are the best ankle bracing solution for diabetic patient care:
Functional Alternative: Unlike clunky, traditional walking boots or Irritating in shoe AFOs the TayCo Brace is a discreet and functional alternative. It can be worn outside the shoe, making it a less intrusive and more practical choice for daily life without causing soft tissue damage.
Easy to Wear: Our braces are designed to be easy to put on and worn outside of your shoe without constricting the patient's foot/ankle or causing discomfort. This makes them optimal for combining with a patient's diabetic shoe, and can be easily donned in less than 1-minute to help stabilize the foot/ankle while walking in addition to eliminating pressure points.
Improved Mobility: The brace is designed with patient comfort in mind, allowing for a better overall experience while still providing the necessary support.
Options for All Needs: The RecoverX Brace is an off-the-shelf solution for patients who need immediate relief while wearing their own shoes while the Medical XAB can be customized by a physician to fit a patient's calf and foot. If a diabetic patient requires even more customization (such as patients dealing with Diabetic Charcot), the Custom Brace can be made through photos, casts, or scans to meet any need.
Conclusion
For diabetic patients, taking care of your feet is paramount. TayCo Brace offers a solution that can make a real difference in the lives of those dealing with diabetes-related foot issues. Ankle bracing, in general, plays a crucial role in managing and preventing complications associated with diabetes. Don't wait until problems arise – take proactive steps to protect your feet and maintain your mobility with the TayCo Brace. Elite care for better results.
Discover how TayCo Brace’s design delivers stronger, smarter ankle support than inside-the-shoe braces like ASOs, based on engineering and biomechanics.
I am a 39 year old man and sustained a traumatic displaced trimalleolar fracture of my right ankle. I underwent ORIF receiving nine screws, a plate, and a syndesmosis wire. I was six weeks non weight bearing and after being cleared to weight bearing as tolerated, I quickly discovered that the CAM boot is what I wasn't going to be able to tolerate. Unaffected side hip pain due to uneven sole stack height, painful pressure on the surgical scars, and plantar pain due to lack of foot bed support all after only a few days in the CAM boot. I am a Nurse and work on my feet so this was unsustainable. I discovered the Tayco RecoverX brace while searching for alternatives, and it is a game changer. Immediate solutions to all the previous CAM boot problems and I have been able to return to work without delay. I am infinitely more mobile than the CAM boot would allow as well. I have now introduced this brace to my surgeon and physical therapy team, both were unaware of this alternative and say they will be recommending it to their patients going forward. Coworkers and friends that have seen it and how quickly it allows return to normal activities, especially those that have had the misfortune of wearing a CAM boot in the past, are impressed and wish that this option was available for them. Thank you for this innovation, and know that the Tayco RecoverX brace is truly a superior solution for cases such as mine.
My wife had a stroke and left her left side affected to where her left ankle would turn out with each step. This made walking very difficult and a couple of times she has fallen once breaking her left arm. This ankle brace keeps her ankle from turning out now and has improved her walking ability with assistance from a walker.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Terry. We’re incredibly glad to hear the AthleticX Brace is helping your wife walk more safely and confidently after her stroke. Preventing those ankle rollouts—and the dangerous falls they can cause—is exactly what we aim to do. Wishing you both continued progress and strength on her recovery journey!
* UPDATE * After posting online about brace having straps a bit short, TayCo immediately contacted me and made things right. They are sending me a larger brace at no cost, great customer service. I now rate my brace and service to 5-stars. Thanks Garrett and Gavin!
I bought the 7-9 Male brace and wear an 8.5” Wide shoe and it will only fit on my tennis shoes as my foot is still swollen from surgery, and is way too short with any of my boots. Rubber strap and bottom velocity strap needs to be longer, at least for my situation.
We appreciate the feedback, Michael. We will send you a larger size brace to see if that helps make a difference. Keep us posted.
I think this brace will work but I’m concerned about the strap that goes under the shoe. I’ll be wearing the brace with shoes that don’t have cleats, if the strap wears out can the strap be replaced?
That’s great to hear, Vickey! The strap that runs under the shoe is reinforced with Kevlar—so while it may wear down over time like a shoe sole, it shouldn’t break. If it ever does, just let us know and we’ll replace it for free.
