A knee brace is a medical device that supports and stabilizes the knee joint, relieving knee pain and aiding recovery after injury or surgery. They are made of different materials and offer different levels of support.
There are different types of knee braces, and your health care provider will recommend the right one for your condition. Knee braces are generally safe, but people with certain health conditions (such as poor circulation) should use them with caution.
structure
The knee joint includes bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Knee braces stabilize these structures and prevent excessive or sudden movements. Additionally, some knee braces redistribute the weight on the knee joint, reducing the amount of force the knee joint must absorb.
the purpose
Knee braces are used after surgery to help heal and recover from injuries such as:
Sprained ligament injury Patella (patella) dislocation
Knee braces are also used to support the knee and reduce pain from chronic conditions such as:
Types of knee braces
Knee braces vary based on their functionality and level of support. For example, some braces stabilize the knee, while others completely immobilize the joint.
Your health care provider or physical therapist will tell you what type of support you need and how to use it. You can also check the fit of your braces and determine if you need an adjustment or a different size.
Some of the most common knee braces include:
Prophylactic Orthosis: This is a protective knee pad that protects the patella from direct impact damage. Used by athletes who play contact sports such as soccer.
Unloader: This type of brace helps shift the pressure and weight on the knee joint to other parts of the leg, reducing pain. Knee unloader braces are commonly used to control knee discomfort due to inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis and knee osteoarthritis. Function: Used to limit the movement of the knee joint, this type of brace is used after an injury or to prevent knee dislocation. Bledsoe Brace: The Bledsoe Brace has straps that go around the thigh and shin, and metal support brackets on the inside and outside of the knee joint. A small mechanism allows you to lock your knee into a fully extended position or bend your knee a specified amount. Knee immobilizer: A knee immobilizer is a long cloth brace that runs from the shin to the thigh and keeps the knee in the same position. The advantage of immobilizers compared to plaster casts is that they can be removed to allow gentle movement during healing.
What is the difference between a knee brace and a knee brace?
Knee supports (such as knee sleeves) are usually close-fitting cloth garments. Provides pressure and reduces swelling and discomfort. Knee braces provide additional support, but can also limit your mobility.
when to wear it
You may need to wear a knee brace all day long, or you may only need to wear it when doing certain things, depending on the individual and the condition for which the brace will be used. Some people only need to wear a knee brace when doing certain activities or when pain flares up.
Wearing a brace for an unnecessarily long period of time can cause skin wear, joint stiffness, and muscle atrophy (shrinkage). On the other hand, if you neglect to wear them, you may be more prone to injury or your healing ability may be reduced.
Ask your health care provider when you should and shouldn’t wear a knee brace. Specifically, please clarify whether you need it in the following cases:
Sleep, sit, drive, walk, stretch
contraindication
Some medical conditions may make you more susceptible to the negative effects of knee braces. These include:
If you have any of these symptoms, your health care provider will determine if a knee brace is safe for you.
summary
Knee braces reduce discomfort and promote healing after injury or surgery. There are many different types of knee braces, and your health care professional or physical therapist will be able to recommend the type that is best for you.
It is important to wear your knee brace correctly and for the recommended length of time. If you are not sure when to wear a knee brace, ask your doctor.