Battle Of The Sexes Spills Into Orthopedic Supply Aisle

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Bones / Orthopedics
Article Date: 06 May 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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For a man with a minor knee, wrist or ankle sprain, the solution has traditionally been fairly easy: a trip to his local pharmacy to pick up a brace or support, and his symptoms are alleviated.

Similar ailments in women, though, are not so easily addressed: The one-size-fits-all approach that many products take to accommodate men and women often short-changes women. Braces and supports designed for men - regardless of size - are ill-fitting on women and, subsequently, fail to deliver the intended physical support or pain relief.

"Women don't wear the same clothes as men. They don't wear the same shoes. So it doesn't make sense that they should use the same kinds of ankle and wrist supports or knee braces," says NYC physical therapist Megan Barkley.

That's the philosophy behind the product line for Wellgate for Women, which recognizes that men and women are built differently and need different types of supports. Especially for ankles, knees and wrists, which are common trouble spots for women.

Take, for example, ankle sprains, which occur when a ligament on the outside of the ankle is stretched or torn. Women are more susceptible to ankle injuries, as they have narrower feet than men, and their heels - in particular - are narrower compared to the front of the foot. Women who favor high-heeled shoes need to be especially careful: The higher the heel, the more unstable the ankle is likely to be.

"A regular program of strengthening and exercise can aid in recovery," Barclay says. "Wearing an ankle support can reduce swelling and support ligaments."

Wellgate's Slimfit Ankle Support is designed to easily slip into a woman's shoe. There are no seams protruding under the foot and no bunching in the elastic support around the ankle itself.

Besides ankle injuries, women are also more prone to certain types of knee injuries than men. For example, women are up to four times more likely to suffer tears of the anterior cruciate ligament in their knees.

Wellgate makes a variety of knee supports that are designed specifically for women. Because they are made for women, they not only fit better, but they are also more comfortable and flattering to a woman's body. Wellgate's lineup even includes the only knee brace made to fit plus-sized women with the Wellgate UltraLite Knee Support, available in Queen size.

"Accidents can happen to anyone, and you might get injured," Barclay notes. "But there's no reason to keep on hurting. Using supports can help put you on the road to recovery."

If you're a woman who suffers wrist pain, you are not alone. Women are three times more likely to suffer carpal tunnel syndrome in their wrists than men, so Barclay recommends the use of a support for typing or doing any type of repetitive motion. Wellgate's SlimFit wrist support is sized for women and is comfortable and easy to use.

"Don't settle for a brace or support that is not meant for a woman's body," says Barclay.

For more information, please visit http://www.wellgateproducts.com. Wellgate braces and supports can be found in Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, and other retailers nationwide.

Source
Wellgate for Women

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