For those who are planning to purchase a knee brace, there are various choices available in the market. When looking for the right knee brace, an important consideration is to determine the type of injury or inflammation experienced by the individual. With this in mind, the individual must consult a doctor so that a proper diagnosis can be determined and the exact type of knee sleeve to be used.
What is a knee brace?
A knee brace provides support to an injured or painful knee. It is used by some individuals to prevent knee injuries while engaging in sports. The braces available in the market are made from combinations of foam, metal, elastic, plastic and straps.
Types of knee braces
- Functional braces provide support to the knees that have been injured.
- Prophylactic braces are specifically designed to protect the knees from injuries during contact sports.
- Patellofemoral braces help the kneecap move smoothly over the knee joint.
- Rehabilitative braces limit the harmful knee movement while the knee is under the healing process after surgery or injury.
When a knee brace is needed
- If the individual is diagnosed with arthritis of the knee, a knee brace must be used. The mild compression provided by the brace can help dull the inflammation of the articular cartilage as well as minimize the swelling.
- A knee support is required if the individual suffers from chondromalacia patella or runner’s knee. The pain beneath and the surrounding area caused by the softening of the undersurface of the patella can be minimized by using a knee brace since it provides mild compression. Take note that a patellar cutout in the knee brace can provide support and stability.
- For inflammation, a patella strap must be used. With a patella strap, it can be used in order to treat the inflammation of the patellar tendon.
- When it comes to sprains and tears on the ligaments, a wraparound elastic knee support or a hinged knee support can be used. A wraparound elastic knee support can be used for mild knee injuries that require minimal support. As for severe knee injuries, a brace built with metal hinges is used to provide the best support. If you want to learn more about tears and sprains on ligaments, click here.
- For patellar subluxation due to weak or underdeveloped quadriceps muscles, it is best to use a patella strap or a wraparound knee support. Always bear in mind that stability of the lateral patella is needed to increase support as well as assist the patella that has moved out of the trochlear groove during the dislocation process.
Important considerations when using a knee brace
Always clean the knee brace as directed or based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Knee braces often sustain damage when used regularly. You have to inspect the brace for signs of wear and tear. Regular cleaning using water and soap is suitable for the fabric of the brace. The exposed metal part of the brace must be covered. If the brace is worn out, it must be replaced for maximum benefit.