OTC Braces and Support Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The over-the-counter (OTC) braces and support market was valued at approximately US$ 1,454.55 million in 2020 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 2,238.98 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2021 to 2028.

Several factors are driving this market's expansion, including the rising incidence of sports-related injuries and orthopedic conditions, along with a growing awareness of the benefits of braces and supports. Additionally, the potential for significant growth in emerging markets offers promising opportunities for companies operating in the OTC braces and support sector. However, the presence of alternative treatment options poses a challenge to market growth.

Injuries are a common occurrence among athletes and sports participants, often resulting in damage to ligaments and cartilage. The increasing frequency of sports injuries is a major factor propelling the OTC braces and support market forward. A study by Stanford Children's Health in 2020 estimated that around 30 million children and teenagers engage in sports each year in the United States, leading to approximately 3.5 million injuries reported during organized sports events annually. The most prevalent injuries among this demographic are sprains and strains. Furthermore, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported that in 2017, there were 526,000 injuries related to personal exercise, whether with or without equipment, in the US. Basketball was identified as the sport with the highest injury rate, accounting for around 500,000 injuries, followed by bicycling with 457,000 and football with 341,000 injuries.

The increase in sports participation correlates directly with a rise in injuries among participants. A 2018 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlighted a significant increase in football participation worldwide, which is linked to a rise in articular cartilage injuries. Additionally, data from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) indicated that during the 2018-2019 school year, there was a notable increase in participation in soccer, wrestling, and tennis among high school boys. The report also noted that school sports participation in the US reached its highest level in 2017-2018, marking a peak not seen in the past three decades.

The OTC braces and support market is categorized by product type into several segments: knee braces and supports, back, hip, and spine braces and supports, foot walkers and orthoses, neck and cervical braces and supports, shoulder braces and supports, elbow braces and supports, hand and wrist braces and supports, and facial braces and supports. In 2020, the knee braces and supports segment commanded the largest share of the market and is projected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

From a classification perspective, the OTC braces and support market is divided into soft and elastic braces, hard and rigid braces, and hinged braces. The soft and elastic braces segment held the largest market share in 2020 and is expected to continue leading with the highest growth rate from 2021 to 2028.

In preparing the report on the global OTC braces and support market, several key secondary sources were utilized, including the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the European Medical Association. These organizations provide valuable insights and data that inform market trends and forecasts.