When it comes to treating pain, increasing mobility, or recovering from an injury, a brace or an orthosis are two of the most common options. Although both support and functionality-enhancing, the two serve different roles — and making the right choice can have a significant impact on how your injured limb recovers. At WestbramPhysio, we frequently receive this question: “So, what is the difference between Braces and Orthotics?” In this post, we’ll break that down for you — and help you decide which might be best for you.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are custom or off-the-shelf appliances that fit into your shoes. Their primary purpose is to realign the feet, improve posture, and reduce stress on joints throughout the entire body — not just the feet. Orthotics for Common Conditions: • Plantar fasciitis • Flat feet • Heel pain • Knee, hip, and lower back pain due to improper foot mechanics • Diabetic foot complications Key Benefit: Orthotics begin with your feet, the foundation of your musculoskeletal system.

What Are Braces?

Braces are devices externally applied to a joint — a knee, ankle, wrist, or elbow, for example — to help protect it from injury and, in turn, help to prevent an old injury from being aggravated. They are frequently used in recovery from an injury, following surgery, or to address chronic joint conditions. Common reasons to use braces:

• Knee or ankle sprains
• Post-surgery joint support
• Osteoarthritis
• Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL)
• Tendonitis

Key Benefit: Capitalize on the benefits of braced protection and support for an injured or weakened ankle.

Which One Do You Need?

It depends on your condition:

• If you’re experiencing discomfort that begins at the feet and shoots up through the legs or lower back, orthotics can help realign the root cause.
• If you have recently experienced a joint injury or are in recovery or engaged in an active lifestyle, you may want something more protective, such as a brace.

Often, patients find that they require orthotics and braces, mainly if their condition affects multiple parts of the body.

Get the Right Fit at WestbramPhysio

At WestbramPhysio in Brampton, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation — we evaluate your unique biomechanics, movement patterns, and medical history before suggesting any treatment. If you require custom orthotics, joint braces, or both, we offer comprehensive support from our team of licensed physiotherapists, chiropodists, and healthcare providers.

Book a Consultation Today

No guessing with your health and wellness. Contact WestbramPhysio to schedule an assessment and discover if braces, orthotics, or a customized combination of both is the solution for alleviating pain and enhancing function.