A hip replacement or dislocation is undoubtedly a painful experience. And no one wants their movement restricted due to the same.
As painful as it is to be in such a position, patient-friendly medical equipment relieves the pain and ensures a speedy recovery.
The hip is important for the body’s functions, to say the least. For such serious injuries, orthotics are medical support equipment conducive to the proper alignment of the body.
One orthotic device analyzed in this article is the hip brace. It is essentially a device to heal an injury and support the hip region.
So, if you need help choosing the best hip brace, you’re at the perfect place.
This article will give you comprehensive details of everything you must know about hip braces, with a list of the best options based on their size, comfort, affordability, material, and other features.
Let’s get into exploring and finding out the correct hip brace for you.
What is a Hip Brace?
A hip brace, also referred to as a hip abduction brace, is responsible for safely holding your thighbone in your hip socket. Technically, it is a soft band or sleeve that wraps around your thigh and is connected to the hip region of the brace.
The function of a hip brace is to help the healing of the hip after surgery, replacement, or relocation. It promotes healing by preventing excessive motion.
It is often used to treat hip dysplasia in adults and pediatrics as well.
Hip braces come in different styles and sizes to fit personal needs. Anyone can use it – infants, children, and adults. They can also be customized and are available in aesthetic colors and materials based on individual requirements.
You can find various types in terms of functionality as well. Some hip braces might restrict movement, while other customizable ones can be designed to encourage movement. Different types of materials are used to fulfill these purposes.
It is of sheer importance to consult a healthcare professional to wear a hip brace.
Functions of the Hip Brace
As mentioned above, there are multiple types of hip braces designed for different functions. Their general purpose is to keep your hip in place to assist healing.
Other functions of the hip brace are:
- Restricting the range of motion
- Balancing your walk
- Aligning hip, pelvis, and knee properly
- Dividing pressure between hip and pelvis
When Do You Use a Hip Brace?
There are some medical conditions that one should be aware of. Under the following conditions, a person would need to use a hip brace:
- Groin strains and injuries
- Hip tendinosis and tendonitis
- SI Joint dysfunction
- Hamstring and quad injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Hip dysfunction
Top 5 Picks for a Hip Brace at a Glance
Hip pain can substantively affect the functioning of the body and other aspects of your life. Thus, it is imperative to choose the right brace for yourself. To help you with this decision, we have curated a list of some of the very best hip braces that will make your life easier.
Read on to find the one that fits best for you!
- Best Overall: Compression Brace for Hip by BODYMATE
This hip brace is made from body-friendly materials such as neoprene, nylon, spandex, and polyester. These are ideal for preventing sweating and keeping you comfortable as you make your way around the day.
It also has adjustable Velcro straps for you to customize the fit. The brace is latex-free to minimize the chances of skin irritation.
- Top Performance: Groin Support Hip Brace by Roxofit
This brace is ideal for relieving the pain of sciatica, pulled quads, and hip bursitis. It is flexible and usually available in one size. It delivers stability and is comfortable to be worn for long hours. Moreover, it has an anti-slip waistband that keeps it from bunching up or sliding down during use.
- Best Stability: SI Hip Belt by Vrikasana Posture
This hip brace is known for providing the best stability for the sacroiliac (SI) joint. It reduces lower back, pelvic, and leg nerve pain. It is made from a perforated neoprene, which makes it breathable and lightweight. You can wear it for extended periods to relieve severe pain.
- Best for Groin Compression: Hip and Thigh Support Brace by REAQER
This support brace has been proven the most effective in groin pain compression. Unlike most other braces, it encourages movement. It is universal in size and fits all alike. It increases muscle movement and blood circulation, leading to a reduced recovery time.
- Best for Injury Repair: Odofit Thigh Brace Groin Wrap
This brace is meticulously designed for injury support and repair. It is one of those super comfy adjustable wrap tailormade for pain relief.
Reviews of the Top 5 Hip Braces
When it comes to buying a hip brace, the health of the user is in question. Thus, it is important to do sufficient research about the different products available in the market before buying a hip brace.
We have reviewed the best products in the market to ease your search process, which you glanced at in the previous section.
Weighing their pros and cons will help you make a well-informed decision.
Best Overall: Compression Brace for Hip by BODYMATE
If you’re looking for a hip brace that is comfortable, durable, and reliable, this is the one for you!
This hip brace has a special design that effectively reduces recovery time from sciatica, any groin, thigh, hip, or hamstring injuries like a hip labral tear, hip bursitis, hip arthritis, sacroiliac (SI) joint problems, etc.
It is interestingly flexible and restores everyday movement and mobility. It has some benefits that go over and above the usual functions, such as increasing blood flow conducive to soothing compression relief to the pain overall.
This brace has a universal size. If you’re wondering how this one size will fit you, here are more details. The brace is adjustable and can be worn by everyone with waists up to 46 inches and thighs up to 28 inches.
You can wear it on either the left or right leg. The Velcro straps allow you to customize the fit to your size and are super flexible in terms of movement.
Its unique design is anti-slip in nature and keeps the support brace intact throughout the day. It also prevents the compression strap from sliding or rolling during any body movement, from regular movement to physical exercise.
If that interests you, there’s more to how this brace is designed. The design of this brace outperforms that of any other in terms of its ease and comfort of use.
Further, one of the most important factors to judge a brace is the material used to make the support brace. The materials used for this brace are breathable, latex-free neoprene, spandex, and polyester that keeps you cool and comfortable under all circumstances.
These materials prevent any irritation or skin problems. Neoprene is also easily cleanable in a washing machine, thus ensuring countless uses!
Pros
- Increases blood circulation
- Keeps you cool and comfortable
- Delivers smooth compression
- It can be worn on either leg
Cons
- It can be a little tricky to put on
- Not the best for small individuals
Top Performance: Groin Support Hip Brace by Roxofit
As with most hip braces, this also relieves sciatica, hip flexor injury, thigh train (hamstring injury, quad, hip adductor), hip labral tear, hip bursitis, etc. However, this brace ensures a comfortable recovery while taking care of sufficient movement and balancing muscle weight.
Its performance has been rated top-notch because of multiple factors. Firstly, the ease of putting it on and quick adjustment features. It fits comfortably under or over clothing all day long.
This brace is made from some of the best materials and is tailored to take care of your skin. It does not cause any rash or itch on the skin. Additionally, it can be used for either left or right leg.
The brace is designed to maximize stability. It is bound to stabilize the hip and SI Joint. It gives extra support and stability for the thigh area, which is particularly important if you’re getting back to playing sports. It doesn’t restrict movement at all.
Moreover, the brace is easy to put on, stays in place, and doesn’t roll up or slide during movement. It is made of latex-free neoprene and fits waists up to 43 inches and thighs up to 24 inches.
This brace is lightweight, making it suitable for wear during several activities.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Suitable for all genders
- Controlled compression
- 60-day manufacture warranty
Cons
- High price tag
- Some reviewers have reported a chemical odor
Best Stability: SI Hip Belt by Vrikasana Posture
This hip brace is unique in itself and a true game-changer. It is not the most conventional hip brace but rather a differently-designed belt. It has a non-restricting design that fits everyone alike.
As the name suggests, the SI Hip Belt stabilizes the SI joint that is inflamed. It reduces lower back, pelvic, or leg pain that is a result of SI joint dysfunction.
You can wear the SI Hip Belt during daytime and nighttime for at least two weeks to help relieve pain. However, make sure you do not tighten the belt too much.
If you’re thinking of wearing a belt for long hours without affecting your health, this is the one for you.
This belt might prove better for you if you want to recover from lower back-related pain. It is super adjustable and offers maximum comfort. The wraparound dual belt provides controllable compression. Moreover, the secondary straps will allow you to customize additional compression if that aligns with your needs.
The lightweight and breathable material allows air and moisture to pass through, preventing any skin-related issues. The secondary straps are made of ribbonfish fabric, making them breathable, elastic, and pilling resistant.
The double elastic bands and the different shape of the belt make it stay in place all the time. Moreover, the inner strips are made from anti-slip silicone and ensure a tight grip.
You might want to try this out if you don’t want anything bulky on your legs.
Pros
- Reduces SI joint inflammation and stabilizes it
- Won’t slip
- Moisture-wicking
Cons
- The Velcro doesn’t hold for long
Best for Groin Compression: Hip and Thigh Support Brace by REAQER
Another best-selling support brace is the Hip and Thigh Support Brace by Reaqer that works magically in healing pulled muscle, hip tendonitis, sciatic nerve pain relief, and hamstring injuries.
This brace increases blood circulation and provides soothing pain relief. Consequently, it reduces recovery time.
Typically designed to cure groin pain, there are several design advantages. This wrap is completely adjustable and universal in terms of size. It can be worn by men and women alike.
Unlike most hip braces, this one is particularly better because it encourages movement. A gradual increase in movement further leads to a speedy recovery. Highly qualified professionals design it to assist recovery against groin injuries.
It is a suitable fit for specific injury types.
Pros
- Adjustable
- It can be worn on either leg
- Prevents skin problems
Cons
- Bulky
Best for Injury Support: Odofit Thigh Brace Groin Wrap
Another stand-out from the list, this brace is specially made for providing relief from sciatica. The brace provides soothing relief for sciatica nerve pain. It also works magic for hip pain and surgery recovery, groin injury, thigh pain, hamstring pain, and piriformis syndrome.
It is made of neoprene, which is breathable and comfortable. It fits close to the skin and stays put for long periods. Due to the material it’s made of, it has a relatively long life.
The brace has an anti-slip design with longer and wider straps for optimal hip, thigh, and back support.
Even though there aren’t many color options, the brace can be worn on the right leg or left. However, you need to check and measure the dimensions carefully before placing an order.
Pros
- Easy to fix
- Stays in place for long hours
- Comfortable and snug fit
Cons
- It is not very smooth under clothing
Things to Consider Before Buying a New Hip Brace
A hip brace is an effective tool to help your hips heal safely. Even though it restricts your day-to-day movements as before, a hip brace works well.
The most common thing to expect while using a hip brace is that it takes time to get habituated. However, remember you’re not subjected to a hip brace for life. It’s temporary.
Users will face challenges in basic activities like sitting down and standing up. Walking can also be problematic at times. Overall, there will be consistent impediments to executing your everyday tasks.
In most cases, the hip brace is not recommended to be worn every minute of the day. A hip brace’s primary use case is while walking.
The hip abduction brace provides external support by keeping your thighbone in your hip socket safely. Whereas a hip-knee brace connects from your knees to the part of your hip that is injured, it serves the purpose of alignment, more so than support.
So, before you set out to get a hip brace, it is important to understand your condition and get the right hip brace.
A study conducted in June 2021 shows that when you use a hip brace set up with a flexion limitation, it reduces hip ROM in all directions compared to unhinged hip braces. The study declared that setting a flexion limit by 70 degrees instead of 90 degrees offers hip flexion the most, allowing the users to heal faster and better.
What to Look for
- There are types of braces that will best fit your daily routine and exercises. It is better to have two braces, one for general use and the other for light exercises recommended by the doctor.
- Hip braces can be washed in a machine, although it is better to wash them by hand and dry them in the air to prevent damage and wearing off.
- For certain hip conditions, a hip brace is recommended to wear all the time. While, for other conditions, they can be removed while resting. It is important to know these criticalities from the doctors before starting to wear hip braces.
- You do not have to worry about finding the perfect size as hip braces are a “one size fits all” tool. They come with Velcro attachments and fit smoothly with all body types.
- A hip abduction brace is a tool you’re going to use daily and hence, would require proper cleaning and maintenance. Daily usage is bound to accumulate dirt, germs, and bacteria in the tool, and washing on alternative days is recommended. You can wash it in a machine. However, hand wash followed by drying in the sun is the best way.
These are the few things to keep in mind before buying a hip brace. It is also important to stay in close touch with your doctor to make the most out of hip braces.
Tips to Remember While Using Hip Braces
- Always adjust the hip brace tightly onto your skin. Loose straps make the braces move, making them inconvenient and unhealthy.
- As per various studies, 90 degrees is not a healthy position to maintain while sitting. A limitation of 70 degrees serves better for motions like sitting down and standing up.
- Standing up is a challenge while wearing a hip brace. It is important to keep your injured leg away and recruit arms to push out of the chair.
Let’s move ahead and look into some frequently asked questions (FAQs) around hip braces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: This is one of the most commonly asked questions about a hip brace.
The right answer is: it depends. It depends on the type of problem you’re facing regarding your hips. A study was published recently by the National Library of Medicine, and 14 osteoarthritis patients took part in it.
The study found that tools like hip abduction braces designed to modify the area where weight is applied and cause a reduction in compression through the joint are effective. Out of fourteen osteoarthritis patients, nine felt a significant reduction in pain.
To know more about hip braces, you can get in touch with someone who has been using hip braces or has used a hip brace at some time in their lives. You can also check product reviews of hip abduction braces. But chances are the reviews are made biased by the manufacturers.
Although, you can easily recognize the genuine reviews with the biased ones. Keep a keen eye on such reviews. After all, why would anyone endorse a product if they haven’t experienced genuine satisfaction and results?
Answer: Hip braces come in various types. Each type of hip brace is designed to cater to a specific hip problem experienced by different people across the globe.
A ‘hip abduction brace’ is the most form of hip brace available and used by people in the market. The purpose of a hip abduction brace is to hold firmly and keep the thigh bone in contact with the hip socket.
The use of a hip abduction brace arises after a major injury or surgery. The many types of hip braces are engineered to serve problems like osteoarthritis, sciatica, tight hip flexor muscles, and more. Following are the types:
Hip abduction orthosis
Hip stabilizer
Hip and groin compression wrap
Double hip abduction brace
Hip abduction brace
Hip support belt
Hip support wrap
Many medical insurances cover hip braces if they’re medically important for the patient. After surgery, most patients are recommended to use hip braces instead of using crutches. The motion caused by crutches is damaging for the hip joints, which can prevent healing.
It is necessary to distinguish the usage of hip braces for minor pains against hip brace after an injury or surgery. Generally, a doctor would recommend you a hip brace post-surgery or dislocation.
If you’re experiencing persistent pain in your hips, consult a doctor instead of directly buying a hip brace. They’ll provide a better solution.
Answer: A hip abduction brace must be worn as recommended to you by the doctor. In most cases, a hip abduction brace is worn for 24 hours. In some cases, the brace can be removed while resting or sitting. So, it is important to know the uniqueness of your usage from the doctor.
Remember, the hip brace can be removed while resting, but you must wear the brace again while getting out of the bed.
Also, your undergarment has to be worn from the top of the brace to ensure the safety of your hips while using the toilet.
Answer: The hip abduction brace connects from the thighs to your hips. You can wrap the belt around your hips, adjusting it firmly with your body, and connect the other part on your thighs.
It is common to experience red marks on your skin after removing hip braces as you wear them for long periods. The marks will disappear within half an hour.
Keep checking your skin regularly. Also, wash your hip braces on alternate days to avoid any skin-based problems due to prolonged use.
Answer: Using a hip brace is inevitable if you’ve gone through surgery or have experienced a hip injury. The role of a hip abduction brace is to prevent excessive hip flexion by holding your hip in a manner that has a healthy distance from the body.
The usage of hip braces will maintain a healthy distance of hips from your body, disabling any chances of re-dislocation. It is important to move your legs in alignment with the hip braces to avoid any discomfort.
Also, remember to keep your legs at a certain distance to avoid any further dislocation. Consult the doctor to preset the hip brace for your condition. It is suggested not to play with the pre-adjustments, specifically set for your medical condition.
To Wrap It Up
This article will give you a thorough understanding of hip braces. There is a list of products to choose from and factors to remember before buying a hip brace. We recommend the Compression Hip Brace by BODYMATE for ideal support, comfort, and relief.
However, before you leave, remember these few points.
- Hip braces are subject to your medical condition. If your medical condition requires a hip brace, it will be effective to heal you.
- Hip braces are of multiple types. Before buying a hip brace, it is important to know whether you need a hip abduction brace or a hip-knee brace, depending on your medical condition.
- Consult your doctor to understand when the hip brace must be worn throughout the day and when it is normal to remove them.
- Buy two hip braces to maintain hygiene. Wash the hip braces on alternate days.
You’re all set!
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