Scoliosis, a condition that causes an abnormal sideways curve of the spine, affects roughly 7 million people in the United States, or about 2-3% of the population. Taking place each June, National Scoliosis Awareness Month highlights the growing need for education, early detection and public awareness about scoliosis and its prevalence.
Scoliosis affects males and females equally, but females with scoliosis are 8 times more likely to have a severe enough condition that it requires treatment, occurring in ¼ of diagnosed children. There is no known cause for the most common type of scoliosis, which is usually diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 15. The earlier scoliosis is diagnosed, the better the treatment options are for patients.
Bracing is a common treatment for scoliosis patients, especially for those that are not done growing. The patient wears a brace to stop or slow the gradual curvature in the spine and prevent it from getting worse. Some braces need to be worn nearly 24 hours a day and can only be removed for showering. Others can be worn only at night. Discomfort is often a side of effect to wearing braces.
Knit-Rite developed Torso Interface Protective Body Socks in 1980 to help minimize this discomfort and provide improved skin protection for the patient. Since then, Knit-Rite has improved on the already comforting properties of torsos. Knit-Rite torsos can be worn with all types of spinal orthoses and body jackets. A seamless finish and outstanding stretch allow for a comfortable fit and the machine-washable, latex-free material doesn’t irritate skin.
Knit-Rite torsos are available in a full range of sizes, as well as three distinct fiber choices. CoolMax®/Lycra® is a premier moisture wicking fiber. The X-STATIC/Lycra® is especially helpful when skin rashes are noticeable. Both fibers are antimicrobial to help eliminate odors. Cotton/Lycra® offers the option of a natural fiber.
Visit Scoliosis Research Society for more information about scoliosis and National Scoliosis Awareness Month and Knit-Rite Direct for information on Knit-Rite’s Torso Interface Protective Body Socks.
Knit Rite 