Injury and surgery recovery
Arm slings, cast covers, post-op shoes, rib and hernia belts, and braces used after an injury or operation.
Pick a guide below. Each one explains what to look for and how to use the product safely. It also says when to ask a doctor or other expert first. Sources are listed at the end of every guide.
Guides in this section
Arm Sling: Types, Sizing and How to Wear One Properly
How to choose an arm sling: pouch, broad arm, high arm and collar and cuff types, how to size by forearm length, how it
Ankle Foot Orthosis for Drop Foot: An AFO Explained
An ankle foot orthosis (AFO) for drop foot is fitted by an orthotist. The main AFO styles, how to wear one in, shoes and
Hip Brace: Which Type Matches Your Hip Problem
Hip brace types explained: compression shorts and wraps for strains, SI belts, and prescribed hip abduction braces. What
Post Op Shoe: How to Walk in It and What Else Helps
A post op shoe protects the foot after surgery. The types, how heel weight bearing works, and the comfort items that mak
Waterproof Plaster Cast Cover: Keeping Plaster Dry
Plaster casts weaken when wet. How a waterproof plaster cast cover works, how to check the seal, when to use it, and wha
Foot Drop Brace: Types, Fit and When to See a Doctor
Foot drop braces range from soft lift straps to rigid AFOs. What each type does, why foot drop needs a diagnosis, and ho
Belt for Inguinal Hernia: What a Hernia Belt Can and Cannot Do
A hernia support belt can hold an inguinal hernia in for comfort but does not repair it. How to put one on safely, who s
Neck Collar for Cervical Pain: Soft vs Rigid Collars
Should you wear a neck collar for cervical pain? When a soft collar may help, why rigid collars are clinician-fitted, an
Rib Belt: When It Helps and Why Breathing Comes First
A rib belt may ease pain from a rib injury, but binding the chest can limit breathing. When a rib belt fits, how to use
Arm Cast Covers: Matching the Cover to Your Cast
Arm cast covers come in hand, half arm and full arm lengths. How to match one to your cast, fit it one-handed, test the
Soft Cervical Collar for Cervical Radiculopathy: The Evidence
Does a soft cervical collar help cervical radiculopathy? What a 205-person trial found, how long to wear a collar, how t
Waterproof Leg Cast Cover: Washing Safely in a Leg Cast
A waterproof leg cast cover keeps the cast dry, but covers can be slippery. How to pick the right length and wash seated
Cast Cover for Swimming: What Doctors Actually Advise
Can you go swimming with a cast cover? What cast clinics advise, how waterproof cast liners differ from covers, and safe
Hip Replacement Brace: Living With a Hip Abduction Brace
A hip replacement brace is prescribed after a dislocation. How it works, putting it on, skin checks, washing and the dai