| Elastic compression sleeve |
Low |
Mild compression, warmth, proprioceptive feedback, and support during everyday activity. |
Minor joint discomfort, mild swelling, exercise-related support, or recovery after routine activity. |
Usually allows nearly full joint movement and is suitable for walking and low-impact exercise. |
Measure the correct body area according to the sizing guide; the sleeve should lie flat without rolling, pinching, numbness, or skin discoloration. |
Remove it if pain, tingling, coldness, unusual swelling, or color changes develop. People with circulation problems should seek clinical advice before using compression. |
| Wraparound knee or ankle brace |
Moderate |
Adjustable compression and light-to-moderate joint stabilization. |
Activity-related instability, mild sprains, nonspecific joint discomfort, or support during walking and recreational activities. |
Provides more stability than a sleeve but may slightly restrict flexion, especially when tightened excessively. |
Choose a brace that remains secure during movement; straps should be snug, evenly distributed, and clear of the joint crease. |
Do not use it to continue an activity that causes sharp pain. Persistent instability, major swelling, or inability to bear weight requires medical assessment. |
| Hinged knee brace |
Moderate to high |
Controls side-to-side movement while allowing guided bending and straightening. |
Selected ligament-support needs, some post-injury rehabilitation plans, and certain cases of knee instability when prescribed or recommended by a clinician. |
Can improve perceived stability but may alter walking mechanics if the hinge position or straps are incorrect. |
The hinge should align with the knee’s natural joint line; check that it does not migrate, rub the skin, or create pressure behind the knee. |
Use professional guidance after a significant injury or surgery. Stop and seek advice for increased swelling, skin injury, locking, or worsening instability. |
| Wrist splint |
Moderate |
Limits wrist movement while leaving the fingers available for many daily tasks. |
Wrist strain, tendon irritation, selected nerve-compression symptoms, or protection during a clinician-directed recovery plan. |
May make gripping, typing, lifting, and other activities slower or less precise; finger movement should generally remain possible. |
The wrist should be supported in a neutral or prescribed position; ensure the splint does not compress the palm, thumb, or fingers. |
Persistent numbness, weakness, increasing night pain, or loss of hand function should be evaluated. Avoid prolonged immobilization unless instructed. |
| Thumb spica support |
Moderate |
Supports the thumb and limits movement at the thumb base or wrist side. |
Thumb sprain, thumb-base irritation, selected tendon problems, or protection after an injury under clinical direction. |
Can reduce pinch and grip range, particularly when the thumb is immobilized. |
The thumb should be supported without excessive pressure; check that the support does not cause fingertip tingling or restrict circulation. |
Significant deformity, severe bruising, inability to move the thumb, or suspected fracture needs prompt medical assessment. |
| Ankle-foot orthosis |
High |
Positions and supports the ankle and foot to improve stability, toe clearance, or walking alignment. |
Foot drop, neurological weakness, selected post-stroke gait problems, or other conditions requiring individualized orthotic management. |
May improve safety and gait efficiency but requires adaptation, suitable footwear, and professional fitting. |
Assessment should include gait, range of motion, footwear compatibility, skin condition, and the intended walking environment. |
Inspect the skin after use, especially over bony areas. New pressure marks, pain, balance deterioration, or repeated falls require prompt review. |
| Cervical collar |
High |
Limits neck movement and may support the head and cervical region in specific medical situations. |
Only when prescribed for a diagnosed injury, postoperative plan, or other condition requiring cervical immobilization. |
Significantly restricts head and neck movement and can affect driving, balance awareness, and daily activities. |
Height and positioning must follow the prescription; the collar should support the jaw and neck without obstructing breathing or swallowing. |
Do not self-prescribe after trauma. Neck pain with weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, breathing problems, or loss of bladder or bowel control requires urgent medical care. |
| Cane |
Low to moderate |
Provides a single point of contact for balance and limited unloading of one lower limb. |
Mild balance impairment, temporary pain on one side, or reduced confidence during walking. |
Can improve stability when used correctly, but it provides less support than a walker and requires adequate hand and arm control. |
Handle height is generally set near the wrist crease when standing upright, with the elbow slightly bent; use the cane in the hand opposite the affected leg unless instructed otherwise. |
Check the rubber tip for wear and use extra caution on stairs, wet surfaces, and uneven ground. A cane may be insufficient after a major injury or with substantial weakness. |
| Forearm crutches |
Moderate to high |
Reduces weight placed through one or both legs while maintaining a relatively active walking pattern. |
Partial weight-bearing after lower-limb injury or surgery, when adequate arm strength, coordination, and balance are present. |
Can support more unloading than a cane but requires upper-body strength, coordination, and safe training. |
Handgrips should allow a slight elbow bend; cuffs should support without restricting circulation or pressing on the forearm. |
Incorrect height or technique can cause wrist, elbow, shoulder, or nerve problems. Follow the prescribed weight-bearing limit and receive gait instruction when needed. |
| Standard or wheeled walker |
High |
Provides a broad base of support for balance, walking assistance, and partial lower-limb unloading. |
Reduced balance, generalized weakness, recovery after illness or surgery, or difficulty walking safely without bilateral support. |
Usually offers greater stability than a cane or crutches but may slow movement and require more space. |
Handles should be near wrist level when standing upright; the user should remain inside the frame and avoid pulling up on the walker to stand. |
Inspect the tips, wheels, and frame regularly. A physical therapist can select the correct style and teach turning, transfers, stairs, and uneven-surface techniques. |
| Rollator with seat |
Moderate |
Supports balance while allowing continuous movement and seated rest breaks. |
Limited endurance, fatigue during walking, or mild-to-moderate balance limitations when the user can control the device safely. |
Improves mobility over longer distances but is less suitable than a standard walker for substantial weight-bearing support. |
Brakes must lock firmly; handles should be correctly adjusted; the user should walk upright and avoid leaning heavily on the device while moving. |
Do not sit until both brakes are locked. It may roll unexpectedly on slopes or uneven surfaces; professional assessment is recommended for frequent falls or severe weakness. |
