If you have knee pain, you need to use a knee brace to support your joint and you will ask for the best knee brace which is the most suitable for your case.
The knee joint is one of the most susceptible joints to injury and pain so you should take care especially if you are an athlete or runner.
If you have knee problems you have two ways of treatment, a knee brace to support the knee joint till relief and physical therapy to restore the strength of your joint.
There are many types of knee brace and you will choose one according to the kind of pain you feel and what kind of activities you will do while wearing a knee brace.
You can't depend on a knee brace only in solving your knee problems, you need to visit your doctor for diagnosis and suitable treatment to strengthen and heal your knee joint.
Many knee problems require knee braces such as osteoarthritis, ligamentous injuries, tendinopathy, and meniscus injuries.
What are the categories of knee braces?
We can classify knee braces into 4 categories
1- Functional braces
These types are used when your knee gets injured or post-surgical so they are valuable for athletes when they return to their normal activities after injuries or surgery so you need to ask for your doctor's advice to recommend a type suitable for your injury.
2- Prophylactic braces
They are protective braces that will protect your knee from injury.
This type is over-the-counter braces, you can get them from sports stores or pharmacies.
3- Rehabilitative braces
This type is more suitable during healing from injury or surgery.
They provide more stability and a limited range of movement to help your joint to heal properly
4- Unloader braces
This is the most suitable brace for knee arthritis by transferring the load off the joint surface that is degenerated.
What are the types of knee braces?
There are specific types for every knee problem so you need to ask your doctor to determine which one you need.
Make sure you choose the appropriate size.
1- DonJoy Deluxe Hinged knee brace
Pros
1- It's the best knee brace for an anterior cruciate ligament ACL sprain or tears which leads to severe pain and knee instability.
2-It improves the function of the knee joint which helps you to return to normal activities faster.
3-It's designed to minimize skin irritation and discomfort as it combines bilateral hinges with breathable compression fabric.
4-It has a hole over the kneecap to support it and at the back of the knee to prevent friction burn.
5-There are available in different sizes from small to 2XL.
Cons
1-It allows a limited range of movement which may lead to muscle atrophy and stiffness.
2- Bauerfeind Genupoint knee strap
Pros
1- It's suitable for patellar tendonitis which occurs when the tendon connecting the shinbone to the kneecap gets inflamed so it's more common on runners and athletes.
2 -Effective in reducing swelling and reducing overload on the patellar tendon.
3- Provide easy movement as its lightweight fabric.
4- Pads incorporated into the strap stimulate the patellar tendon and achieve target compression.
Cons
1 -It causes limited movement and skin irritation.
3 - Pro-tec athletics hinged knee brace
Pros
1- Suitable for meniscus injury which causes limited movement in the knee joint (meniscus is small cartilage that absorbs shock between femur and tibia).
2- It's an unloader brace or alternative to an expensive unloader brace that prevents your injury from worsening.
3- It provides dual-axis ranges which enhance the stability of the joint and at the same time provide a full range of movement.
Cons
1- Heavy.
2- Uncomfortable wear.
3- Restricted movement and joint stiffness.
4- EzyFit Knee Brace Support Dual Stabilizers & Open patella
Pros
1- It provides great relief for tendonitis and patellofemoral-related pressure.
2- an open spot for the patella.
3- It has anti-slip straps which provide a wide range of movement.
4- available in different sizes.
5- Soft enough for exercise and workout.
Cons
1 -Uncomfortable.
2 -Cannot be washed in a machine.
5 - Mueller Sports Medicine Adjustable Hinged Knee Brace
Pros
1- It is self-adjustable which can maintain proper patella ligament during exercise and physical activities
2- It has side metal hinges to support the knee and prevent hyperextension.
3- Its made of antimicrobial material to eliminates odors
4- Best budget
Cons
1- one size only for all
6-DonJoy Advantage Deluxe Elastic Knee
Pros
1- Suitable for osteoarthritis which is the wearing down of the protective cartilage and is more common in old age people.
2- It provides lateral and medial stabilizers and opening over the kneecap to support the knee.
3- It's lightweight to make you breathable and comfortable.
4- Available in different sizes from small to 2XL.
Cons
1- Skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
7- Brace Align Osteoarthritis Unloader Adjustable ROM Stabilizing Knee Brace
Pros
1- Its unloader knee brace that shifts pressure off the injured part of the knee joint.
2- It has an adjustable dial and flexion sliders which provide stability and support.
3- The varus-valgus corrector allows you to tailor it entirely to your knee.
Cons
1- Heavy so it's unsuitable for minor injuries.
2- metal hinges adjustable with tools only.
8- CAMBIVO 2 Pack Knee Brace
Pros
1- best for the night because it's made of anti-slip silicone which distributes pressure so it reduces swelling and inflammation and at the same time improves blood flow.
2- 3D knitting technology provides stable pressure for the knee so it's suitable for sports
3- It is made of elastic material which provides flexibility and breathability
Cons
1-completely covered so it's uncomfortable for all people
2- no patella or back hole
Summary
When you choose a brace for your knee, choose a lightweight one not bulky to not render you during movement.
Wearing knee braces is not the only thing you do if you have a bad knee, you need to strengthen your knee by exercise, stretching
Balance training, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.
By: Dr. Fatma Ragab
Read more: knee support
Read more: knee support
Read more: knee support
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