Cascade Orthotics

“Wait until it gets worse before using a brace...”
..the unfortunate sentence we hear often at Cascade when it comes to first appointments for OA and unloader braces.

Our view: many patients—their functionality, goals and discomforts—should be considered earlier than that!

If knee osteoarthritis is causing challenges to keeping up with daily activities, it’s time to think about bracing—before it’s a last resort.

Why earlier? Because the goal is not just pain relief, it’s preserving life. In some cases, an unloading brace can delay or complement injections or surgery; but does not replace guidance on your treatment path from other healthcare providers.

Plus, a lower-limb assessment only takes around 45–60 minutes. We review alignment, goals, footwear, and what brace option makes sense for you! Typical custom turnaround is 10–12 days from scan to fitting. Coverage for these braces also depend on AADL eligibility and authorizer approval.

At Cascade Orthotics, we believe knee OA bracing should be about protecting your tomorrow—not just reacting to pain today. The earlier we can understand your movement pattern, goals, and barriers, the sooner we can help you stay active, safer, and more confident in the activities that matter most: walking the dog, getting through the workday, climbing stairs, golfing, gardening, or simply keeping up with family.

If you or a loved one is starting to miss out on life because of knee pain, it’s a good time to add bracing to the plan.

Earlier assessment. Better alignment. More options. Longer-lasting mobility.

Ever wonder what an orthotics clinic actually helps with? Here are just some of the services in our diverse field of work!

Baseline explanation is: an orthotics clinic assesses how you move, then measures, fits, and adjusts devices that support healing, stability, and daily function.

Some of our common services include:
• Spinal support: braces for fractures, post-op care, scoliosis, or back/spinal cord injury recovery
• Knee support: offloading or stability braces for osteoarthritis, sports injuries, pain, or ligament issues
• Hip support: custom braces that improve alignment, walking comfort, and confidence with top-down dynamics
• Limb and foot support: custom foot orthotics, ankle-foot braces, and upper-limb supports for bottom-up dynamics

Here’s what your first visit could look like:
1. A review your symptoms, goals, and medical history
2. Biomechanical assessments and, if needed, a 3D scan
3. A comparison of custom vs. off-the-shelf options to best suit you and your goals
4. Leaving with a clear plan for fitting and follow-up

Typical custom timelines are 10–12 days from scan to fitting, plus a 2-week comfort check. Bring your everyday shoes, any prescription, and a short list of goals like walking farther, managing stairs, getting back to school, or staying active.

Save this to remember us for your loved ones… or yourself later!

If one side of your knee hurts with every step, a custom knee unloader brace may be your solution! These braces are designed to shift pressure away from the painful part of the joint, which can reduce strain on your knee during walking, stairs, and daily routines.

At Cascade, we discover how your knee moves, where the pain is, and how much support you need. Then we measure and fit a brace made for your shape, alignment, and goals. Most patients notice a difference during their first walk test, and we fine-tune the fit to make it comfortable and easy to use moving forward.

Here’s what happens next: your first visit typically takes 45-60 minutes, and a custom brace turnaround is usually 10-12 days. Bring your everyday shoes and any cane you use so we can assess your full walking setup.

For many people, an unloader brace can help delay or complement surgery, not replace the guidance of your healthcare provider. We’ll also walk you through AADL and extended benefits steps when funding applies. Coverage depends on AADL eligibility and authorizer approval.

If this sounds like you, learn more or book a 10-minute intake to see if an offloading brace is right for you.

A knee brace appointment can feel like a big step—for you and for your parent—but a little preparation can go a long way.

Here’s a simple checklist you, as a caregiver, can follow for a knee brace visit and follow-up:

• Bring the right items: everyday shoes, any cane or walker they use regularly, their prescription if available, and benefit or AADL paperwork.
• Track the challenges: what is making walking difficult? Write down where the knee hurts, what makes it worse, and how far they can usually walk pain-free.
• Note daily goals: stairs, grocery trips, hiking or exercise, getting in and out of the car, or walking safely outside.
• Come with practical questions or concerns you may have about the brace: How should the brace feel? How many hours should it be worn? What is the break-in plan?
• Practice putting on, and taking off the brace: before you leave, make sure both you and your parent know how to put it on and take it off correctly. Ask any questions about strap order or adjusting while with the professionals.
• Plan the first week: do 1 short walk test each day and watch for fit issues.
• Check skin twice daily: call if redness lasts more than 30 minutes, or if there is pinching, slipping, or new pain.
• Keep follow-up notes: comfort, walking distance, stairs, and any trouble spots help guide us when making adjustments. Are your goals being met?

Most families find that asking good questions and catching those small adjustments early, make the brace more comfortable and easier to use. Wearing a brace can be intimidating and something to adjust to, however we are excited to help you and your parent feel confident and supported throughout their knee brace journey.

At Cascade, we understand that wearing a brace for the first time can be a challenge — we are here to help! Here are some of our best tips on how you can help your child or teen navigate through the adjustments to their new brace.

Back Outside, One Walk at a Time

A Calgary senior recently told us they had started avoiding walks because each step felt unpredictable and painful. After a plain-language assessment, 3D scan, and a custom knee brace designed to unload the sore side of the joint, they felt steadier on their walk test and more confident getting outside again.

What changed? Precision fit.
A custom brace can help reduce pressure on painful areas, improve alignment, and make stairs and short walks feel safer. Here’s what happens next: assessment first, scan within about 20 minutes, fitting typically in 10–12 days, then a 2-week comfort check to adjust anything that slips or pinches.

We also know families and referrers have questions, so we’ve built a clear Q&A resource for seniors, caregivers, and medical professionals covering comfort, wear time, funding, AADL steps, and when custom bracing may be a better option than off-the-shelf support.

Cascade Orthotics is an AADL-approved vendor for eligible Albertans. Coverage depends on AADL eligibility and authorizer approval.

Want to learn more about whether a custom knee brace could help you or someone you care for? Message us for next steps.

Kids’ Brace Hours, Made Simple

Quick FAQ: How long do kids wear a scoliosis brace each day?

The honest answer: it depends on the child’s curve, growth stage, and physician’s plan. Many children are prescribed most-of-day wear, but the exact number of hours should come from your scoliosis team.

A helpful way to think about it: brace wear is like a daily dose. The goal is to meet the target as consistently as possible.

Most families find this routine works:
• Morning: put the brace on after getting dressed
• School: pack an extra thin T-shirt if needed
• After sports or shower: reapply right away
• Bedtime: make skin check + strap check part of the routine
• Use a simple tracker or phone reminder

What to expect early on:
• Break-in often takes 5–14 days
• Many kids feel more “used to it” within 2–3 weeks
• Mild pink marks that fade within 20–30 minutes can be common early on
• Persistent redness, pain, pinching, or skin breakdown means it’s time for an adjustment

If a day goes off track, don’t panic. Reset the next day and return to the plan.

Why 3D Scans Improve Brace Fit

Tech update for families: 3D scanning helps us build a more comfortable TLSO scoliosis brace (back brace) with less guesswork and more precision.

Why it matters:
• The scan captures your child’s shape and posture
• We can adjust the brace design digitally before it’s made, which helps improve fit, trim lines, and pressure placement.
• That often means smoother edges, a lower-profile fit under clothes, and fewer trial-and-error changes.

What parents can do to help the scan go well:
1. Bring a snug T-shirt for scanning.
2. Tell your orthotist about sports, PE, sleep positions, and any sensitive spots.
3. Share where comfort matters most: sitting at school, backpack use, or long practice days.

Most families find that better measuring at the start makes the brace easier to wear day to day. Individual results vary, and this supports—not replaces—advice from your healthcare provider.

Message us to schedule an assessment!

Walk Pain-Free with a Custom Brace

Are you or a loved one struggling with knee pain? Our custom knee braces are designed to reduce pain and improve stability, making everyday activities like walking and climbing stairs more comfortable. Using advanced 3D scanning and CAD/CAM technology, we ensure a precision fit that's both lightweight and discreet under clothing. Experience the Cascade Standard—trusted, precise, compassionate care that empowers your mobility. Learn more about how our braces can support your journey towards pain-free movement.

Walk Confidently with Custom Knee Braces

Struggling with knee pain or instability? Our custom knee braces are designed to reduce pain and enhance stability, helping you walk with confidence. Using precision 3D scanning and CAD/CAM technology, Cascade Orthotics crafts low-profile, comfortable braces tailored to your needs. Plus, as an AADL-approved vendor, we guide you through funding options and paperwork with ease. Experience less pain and more mobility in just 10-12 days. Message us to learn more and start your journey to better mobility today.