The knee brace is a knee support wear used to prevent knee injuries during sports and also used for knee surgery, mild to moderate arthritis, or any type of knee pain or injury.
knee braces are also used in :
• Inflammations.
• Bursitis;
• Cartilage irritation.
• Patellar tendinitis.
• Softening of the cartilage of the patella.
• Arthritis.
It may also be used in combination of other forms of therapy or treatment, such as physical therapy or medication .
Various designs are used to provide compression to the knee, supporting the muscles and ligaments.
Knee braces can keep heat inside the knee, which helps increase blood circulation and promote healing.
If you are using a knee brace for a medical condition, you should use it as directed by your doctor as different braces control different problems.
Types of knee braces
There are different kinds of knee braces. Each one is used for different reasons.
Protective knee braces
These are designed to protect knees from injuries during contact sports such as football.
Protective knee braces are manufactured to suppress and reduce the severity of ligament injuries to the knee.
They are used by athletes who play contact sports such as soccer, soccer and rugby.
These braces protect the medial collateral ligament from knee stress, and also protect the knee from any previous injury
Unloader knee braces
These are designed to relieve pain in people who have arthritis in their knees. They shift the weight (“unload” it) from the damaged area of the knee to a stronger area.
It is also useful for people who are planning to have knee replacement surgery and want to relieve stress on their knees beforehand.
Functional knee braces
The functional brace is used by patients who have already suffered from knee injuries to support the knee. Athletes use these knee braces after recovering from a major injury. These supports stabilize the knee and prevent it from further injury by controlling movement.
It is also used to reduce rotation and ligament tearing and is specifically designed for those who need additional support following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair surgery.
In some cases, they are also used to support mild to moderate PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) or medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries .
Rehabilitation knee braces
These are usually used for a period of weeks right after an injury or surgery.
It not only keeps the knee stable but allows for small movement while the injury heals.
In general, it is used to protect the reconstructed or repaired ligaments and allow early movement of the knee joint by preventing the knee from any repetitive injury.
Knee sleeves
These are not technically braces, but they are the most common type of knee support. They are designed to provide compression around the knee joint. This helps support the knee, and can control pain and swelling.
How do I use a knee brace?
Knee braces should be used as directed by your doctor. When you wear the brace depends on what kind it is and what it’s treating. Some are worn all the time. Some are only worn during sports, exercise, or physical activity. You should check the placement of the brace during activities to make sure that it hasn’t moved. Poorly positioned braces can do more harm than good.
How do I get a knee brace?
Some types of knee braces are ready-made in several sizes. Some designs allow you to adjust the pressure they apply to your knee, depending on how much support you need for different activities and at different times of day. If you find an off-the-shelf brace that fits you well, you might be able to take it home that day.
Custom knee braces are designed and built to fit your measurements. But it takes time to build a custom knee brace, so you might have to wait a few weeks. When your custom brace is ready, the orthotist will check the fit before you take it home.
During your knee brace fitting
You might adjust to wearing a knee brace more quickly if you start with a good fit, which is the goal of working with an orthotist. During the fitting, the orthotist might:
• Examine your knee
• Ask about your history of knee arthritis and the symptoms that trouble you most
• Ask what activities you hope to increase by wearing a knee brace
• Ask you to walk a few paces to show how your knee functions
• Take several measurements of your leg to determine what size you need
• Discuss the pros and cons of off-the-shelf and custom braces
• Explain how knee brace designs differ from each other
• Have you try various knee braces to determine what style feels best and is easiest for you to use
Risks of wearing a knee brace might include:
• Discomfort wearing the brace. A knee brace can feel heavy, bulky and hot at first. Poor fit can cause it to slip.
• Skin irritation or swelling. The skin under the brace might become red and irritated if your knee brace fits poorly. Some people also have swelling around the joint.
• Lack of benefit. Studies of knee braces for people with osteoarthritis have been limited, and results have been mixed. Some people see no benefit. Others report diminished pain and increased function.
• Stiffness. Wearing a brace can cause the wearer to treat the braced knee as injured and favor the other knee, which could contribute to joint stiffness.
How to care for my knee brace?
Knee braces often get damaged during normal use. You should inspect your brace often for wear and tear. Regular cleaning with soap and water is good for the brace fabric. Cover any exposed metal so that it doesn’t scratch or injure you or someone else.
You need the brace to work properly. If your brace is worn out, you should replace it. More durable materials may cost more, but the brace might last longer.
Questions to ask your doctor
• Do I need a knee brace?
• What kind of knee brace is appropriate for my injury?
• What can I do if the knee brace doesn’t help?
• Are there stretches or exercises I can do to prevent a knee injury?
• Are there stretches or exercises I can do to help my knee heal?
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