As we age, the body undergoes transformations that can affect mobility, posture, and quality of life. Walking slows down, balance diminishes, and joint pain restricts daily activities. In response to these challenges, orthoses serve as valuable allies for seniors. These medical devices provide joint support, alleviate pain, prevent injuries, and enhance independence.

In this article, EVO explains the benefits of orthoses for seniors, particularly their role in improving mobility, balance, and blood circulation. You’ll also learn the importance of prevention and tips for choosing the right medical equipment.

The Impacts of Aging on Mobility and Health

Understanding the Changes Associated with Aging

Over time, the body loses muscle tone, bone density decreases (often exacerbated by osteoporosis), and joints wear down. These changes can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis, chronic pain, or loss of balance, increasing the risk of falls. These issues have a direct impact on seniors’ quality of life and independence.

Orthoses: Allies in Maintaining Independence

Orthoses, insoles, knee braces, or compression socks provide targeted support to correct posture, reduce pain, and ensure safer movements. When prescribed by a healthcare professional, they are sometimes reimbursed by RAMQ, making them more accessible.

Improving Mobility: Solutions for Better Movement

Relieving Pain and Supporting Joints

Mobility issues, such as difficulty walking or physical fatigue, can be alleviated with orthoses. They ease discomfort associated with common conditions like:

  • Osteoarthritis: A knee orthosis reduces pressure on the joint, alleviating pain and making walking easier.
  • Arthritis: Wrist and hand orthoses (3D or moulded)  stabilize painful joints and prevent excessive movements.

Orthoses provide tailored physical support, helping individuals achieve greater independence both at home and outdoors.

Spotlight on Specific Orthoses

  • Knee orthoses: Ideal for chronic pain or ligament injuries.
  • Wrist orthoses: Recommended for carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis.
  • Plantar orthotics: Required to correct imbalances and absorb shocks, helping seniors regain walking comfort.

Enhancing Balance: Preventing Falls

Stabilizing the Body to Avoid Falls

Loss of balance is a significant cause of falls in seniors. Orthoses stabilize key body areas, such as the feet or spine, to enhance safety during movement and prevent accidents.

Orthoses for Balance

  • Plantar orthotics: They improve overall stability by reducing foot pain and correcting posture.
  • Jewitt braces: They support the spine and correct slouched postures destabilizing the body.

By stabilizing movement, orthoses enhance seniors’ confidence and quality of life.

Improving Blood Circulation: A Frequently Overlooked Benefit

Understanding the Changes Associated with Aging

As we age, blood circulation slows, increasing the risk of conditions such as thrombosis, varicose veins, or edema. These issues can affect mobility and overall health.

The Role of Orthoses in Circulation

Specialized medical devices, like compression socks, promote venous return and alleviate the sensation of heavy legs.”

  • Compression socks: Recommended for preventing thrombosis and reducing swelling.
  • Special insoles: They improve pressure distribution under the feet, indirectly supporting better circulation (especially for diabetic feet).

Prevention: Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle to Reduce Pathology Risks

The Importance of Regular Physical Activity

Beginning at age 30, individuals lose approximately 3–8% of their muscle mass per decade. While this may seem like normal degeneration, it’s not inevitable! Regular physical activity, especially resistance exercises, is essential for preserving muscle mass. Health starts decades before turning 60! Physical activity also prevents joint issues and balance loss. Simple exercises like daily walking, muscle strengthening (with or without weights/bands), or gentle activities like yoga help maintain mobility and delay reliance on orthoses.

Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle

In addition to exercise, a varied and balanced diet rich in nutrients like calcium and vitamin D supports bone and joint health. Staying hydrated is also crucial for maintaining healthy tissues. Eating well and sufficiently helps keep the body in good shape and supports energy levels.

Tips for Choosing the Right Orthosis

Consult a Healthcare Professional

Before selecting an orthosis, consult an orthotist or doctor to evaluate your needs precisely. A medical prescription is often required for RAMQ reimbursement.

Ensuring a Personalized Fit

Every person is unique, and an orthosis must be perfectly adjusted to guarantee its effectiveness and comfort. (At EVO, we offer tailored diagnostics to create orthoses that meet your needs.)

Maintain Your Medical Equipment

Regular maintenance is essential to extend your orthoses’ lifespan and ensure their effectiveness. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or seek advice from your orthotist.

Orthoses and Aging: Key Takeaways

  • They are valuable for independence: Orthoses correct posture, reduce pain and stabilize joints.
  • They improve mobility and relieve pain: Orthoses are effective allies in alleviating osteoarthritis, arthritis, and other common joint issues.
  • They enhance stability: Plantar orthotics and back braces secure movements and reduce fall risks.
  • They play a key role in circulatory health: Compression socks and specific insoles support blood circulation, reducing the risk of thrombosis and relieving venous insufficiency.
  • Prevention through a healthy lifestyle: Regular physical activity and a balanced diet preserve muscle mass, bone density, and joint health, delaying orthoses.
  • A personalized approach for greater effectiveness: A well-fitted orthosis, recommended by a healthcare professional, ensures optimal comfort and maximized benefits.

At EVO Laboratory, we support seniors in choosing and adapting orthoses to meet their needs.

Schedule your appointment today and discover how our solutions can transform your daily life.