Bracing Instructions & Sizing Guides

Use this page to find sizing charts, fitting notes, and manufacturer instructions for orthopedic bracing. Browse by body part and download the appropriate PDF for your product.

Not all brands provide downloadable guides. When a PDF is not available, sizing information can be found on the product page.

Jump to Brace Types

Sizing Basics

How to Use This Page

  1. Identify the body part (foot & ankle, thumb, knee, etc.).
  2. View available sizing charts and instructions for your specific product below.
  3. Check fit tips to confirm comfort and proper support.


General Sizing Basics

Proper sizing is essential for comfort and effectiveness. Always follow the manufacturer's sizing chart for your specific product whenever available.

  • Use a soft, flexible tape measure.
  • Measure against the skin or over thin clothing unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
  • Measure at the exact locations shown on the sizing chart.
  • If you are between sizes, follow the manufacturer's guidance or choose a more adjustable option.
  • If you have numbness, tingling, or color change, remove/loosen the brace and contact your provider.


Choose Your Brace Type


Foot & Ankle Bracing

Our most popular foot and ankle supports help with ankle sprains/instability, plantar fascia discomfort, and nighttime positioning. Because swelling can change throughout the day, always use the manufacturer's sizing chart for your specific product.

How to Measure (General Guidance)
  • Ankle braces may size by shoe size and/or ankle circumference depending on the model.
  • Sleeves often use ankle/arch circumference measurements.
  • Night splints frequently size by shoe size (and sometimes calf/ankle measurements).
  • When between sizes, follow the manufacturer's chart and consider swelling/comfort.
Fit & Comfort Check
  • Secure and supportive without pinching.
  • No numbness/tingling or cold toes.
  • No painful pressure points at the Achilles tendon or top of the foot.
  • If you experience increased pain or circulation changes, loosen/remove and contact your provider.


Foot & Ankle: Top Products & Sizing Guides

Use the links below to view available sizing charts and instructions for your specific product.

Med Spec (ASO & Related)

Compression & Support

Hely & Weber

More sizing charts will be added over time as we expand this resource page.

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Thumb & Wrist Bracing

Thumb and wrist braces help support the joint during arthritis, tendon irritation, sprains, and repetitive strain. Because designs vary widely (thumb spica, CMC support, wrist lacer, ulnar support), always reference the manufacturer's sizing chart for your specific product.

How to Measure (General Guidance)
  • Thumb (CMC / spica) braces often size by wrist circumference and/or palm circumference.
  • Wrist braces commonly size by wrist circumference at the wrist crease, and some models also use forearm measurement.
  • Measure snugly with a soft tape measure—do not compress the skin.
  • If you are between sizes, follow the manufacturer's guidance and consider swelling/comfort.
Fit & Comfort Check
  • Supportive and stable without pinching at the thumb webspace.
  • Straps should be snug but not restrictive—watch for cold, pale, or numb fingers.
  • Wrist should feel aligned; avoid tightening while the wrist is bent.
  • If you experience increased pain or circulation changes, loosen/remove and contact your provider.


Thumb & Wrist: Top Products & Sizing Guides

View available sizing charts and instructions for your specific product.

Hely & Weber (HW)

Med Spec

More sizing charts will be added over time as we expand this resource page.

Tip: Match the Brace to the Goal

If you're unsure which style you have, look for the product name on the packaging or inside the brace. In general: CMC braces support the base of the thumb, thumb spicas stabilize the thumb and wrist, and wrist braces support the wrist joint. When in doubt, follow your provider's recommendation.

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Knee Braces

Knee braces and sleeves support joint stability, help manage pain, and can assist with patellar tracking and activity-related support. Because knee bracing varies widely (hinged support, patella stabilizers, compression sleeves), always use the manufacturer's sizing chart for your specific product.

How to Measure (General Guidance)
  • Many knee braces and sleeves size by knee circumference at mid-patella (center of the kneecap).
  • Some hinged braces require additional measurements above and/or below the knee (thigh/calf circumference).
  • Measure with a soft tape measure, snug but not tight, and follow the chart's exact measuring points.
  • If swelling changes throughout the day, consider adjustable styles and follow manufacturer guidance when between sizes.
Fit & Comfort Check
  • Snug and supportive without pinching behind the knee.
  • No numbness/tingling or color change in the foot.
  • Brace should not slide down excessively during normal walking.
  • For patella stabilizers, the kneecap opening/buttress should sit centered and feel supportive without pressure points.


Knee: Top Products & Sizing Guides

View available sizing charts and instructions for your specific product.

Hely & Weber (HW)

Med Spec

Compression Sleeves & Support

Patella Stabilizers

More sizing charts may be added over time as we expand this resource page.

Tip: Hinged vs. Patella vs. Sleeve

If you're unsure which category your product falls into: hinged braces provide more stability, patella stabilizers focus on kneecap tracking/support, and compression sleeves provide flexible support. Always follow your provider's guidance if your brace was prescribed.

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Back, Spine & Hip Bracing

Back, SI, and hip supports help provide stability and compression for comfort during activity and recovery. Because support styles vary (lumbar support, SI belts, hip support, compression sleeves), always use the manufacturer's sizing chart for your specific product.

How to Measure (General Guidance)
  • Lumbar/back braces typically size by waist circumference at the location shown on the sizing chart (waist or hips depending on style).
  • SI belts are usually measured at the hips—often across the top of the pelvis (follow the chart's exact placement).
  • Hip braces/supports may size by hip circumference and/or thigh measurements depending on design.
  • Use a soft tape measure and keep it level; measure snugly without compressing the skin.
Fit & Comfort Check
  • Supportive compression without restricting breathing.
  • No sharp pressure points on ribs, hips, or along the spine.
  • Brace should stay in place during movement without excessive riding up or slipping.
  • If you experience increased pain, numbness, tingling, or skin irritation, loosen/remove and contact your provider.


Back, SI & Hip: Top Products & Sizing Guides

View available sizing charts and instructions for your specific product.

Incrediwear

Med Spec

BioSkin

Aspen

More sizing charts may be added over time as we expand this resource page.

Tip: Lumbar vs. SI vs. Hip Support

In general, lumbar supports focus on the low back, SI belts support the pelvis/SI region, and hip supports focus on compression and stability around the hip joint and upper thigh. If your brace was prescribed, follow your provider's recommendations for placement and wear schedule.

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Elbow & Shoulder Bracing

Elbow and shoulder supports can help with tendon irritation (tennis/golfer's elbow), nerve irritation (cubital tunnel), and shoulder positioning/immobilization. Because designs range from straps to sleeves to immobilizers and splints, always reference the manufacturer's sizing chart for your specific product.

How to Measure (General Guidance)
  • Elbow sleeves often size by elbow circumference (usually around the joint) and sometimes forearm measurement.
  • Epicondylitis straps typically use forearm circumference and are worn just below the elbow joint.
  • Cubital tunnel braces may size by arm circumference and are often positioned to limit elbow flexion at night.
  • Shoulder immobilizers/splints may use chest circumference and/or arm length depending on model.
  • Use a soft tape measure and follow the chart's exact measuring points.
Fit & Comfort Check
  • Supportive and secure without pinching or pressure on bony areas.
  • No numbness/tingling or color change in the hand or fingers.
  • Straps should stay in place during movement without excessive slipping.
  • If you experience increased pain, numbness, tingling, or swelling, loosen/remove and contact your provider.


Elbow & Shoulder: Top Products & Sizing Guides

View available sizing charts and instructions for your specific product.

Incrediwear

Corflex (Shoulder)

Med Spec

Hely & Weber (HW)

Bauerfeind

Elbow Straps & Specialty Supports

More sizing charts may be added over time as we expand this resource page.

Tip: Strap vs. Sleeve vs. Cubital Tunnel Brace

In general, epicondylitis straps are worn just below the elbow to reduce tendon strain, compression sleeves provide flexible support around the joint, and cubital tunnel braces are often used to help limit elbow bending (especially at night). If your product was prescribed, follow your provider's guidance.

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Specialty & Recovery Accessories

These specialty items support recovery, daily function, and comfort when used alongside bracing or during short-term recovery. Always follow your provider's guidance when applicable.

Fit & Use Notes
  • Shoe lifts are used to help balance leg length differences and should be sized carefully.
  • Cast covers are designed to protect casts or bandages from moisture and are not intended for weight-bearing use.
  • If you are unsure which accessory you need, check your provider's recommendation or contact our team.

 


Specialty Products & Instructions

View available sizing charts and instructions for your specific product.

Procare / Enovis

Cast Covers

Additional accessory instructions may be added as products are introduced.

Important Note

Shoe lifts and cast covers are considered accessory items and are not substitutes for prescribed bracing. Follow provider instructions for proper use and wear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tight should my brace be?

Snug and supportive, but never painful. If you experience numbness, tingling, or color change, loosen or remove the brace and contact your provider.

Can I wear my brace over clothing?

Many braces can be worn over thin clothing, but some require skin contact for best support. Follow the product instructions.

How do I clean my brace?

Most braces can be spot-cleaned with mild soap and air-dried. Avoid high heat unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.

 

Disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always follow instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the manufacturer of your brace. If you experience increased pain, numbness, tingling, or changes in skin color, remove the brace and contact your provider.

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