Being 50 years old my dad started experiencing knee pain. Many doctors suggested to start using a knee brace.
And, after a few days, knee braces were like good friends to him. It provided him with additional support which he required.
Today, knee pain is among the most common issues. But, still, many people don’t know what knee braces are and how do help in lowering knee pain.
So, in today’s article, I will tell you how do knee braces work and how they keep your knees feel comfortable and help you stay safe. Let us begin.
Understanding Knee Braces
Knee braces are a type of external support that you wear when you are injured or experiencing knee pain.
Knee braces are made with the help of various materials which include plastic, foam, metal, and straps and they come in various sizes, colours and designs.
Their purpose is to protect your knee by preventing excessive movement that could be harmful. The level of support required varies depending on the type of knee brace chosen.
But, how much resistance and support you require for your knee depends upon the type of knee brace you need and choose.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the different types of knee braces that might benefit your knee.
Types of Knee Braces
There are various types of knee braces available in the market. But not every one of them is suitable for you. So, here is the list of knee braces available for you.
Knee immobilizer braces
The first knee brace in our list is knee immobilizer bracers. These knee braces are suggested by doctors when you are recovering from surgery.
Compared to other knee braces, these knee braces are firmer and restrict almost all movements.
Unloader knee braces
The name unloader knee braces got its name because of the support they offer to your knee.
These knee braces shift some of the weight from your knee to stronger areas of your leg that can handle the pressure.
Unloader knee braces are considered as most common brace type and they are mainly suggested for patients recovering from knee arthritis.
Functional knee braces
As its name suggests, functional knee braces help you to keep your knee safe while moving.
Wearing a functional knee brace keeps it stable and promotes regulated movement, allowing it to heal more effectively.
Doctors mainly recommend these braces to those who have sustained knee injuries.
Patellofemoral knee braces
Patellofemoral knee braces protect and support your kneecap and keep the front of your knee strong.
Prophylactic braces
Prophylactic braces are very popular among athletes and they are especially worn to prevent knee injuries.
However, Players should consult their healthcare expert before wearing a prophylactic knee brace.
Knee sleeves
Knee sleeves are made up of tight elastic material that lightly squeezes your knee.
These are not the same as the typical knee braces mentioned earlier. But, still, they are extremely popular among people for knee support.
How do Knee Braces Work?
One of the most common questions by people is how knee braces work. So, to answer them there is some evidence which are in support that the use of knee braces helps in reducing your knee pain.
- Knee braces are beneficial especially after you have met with an injury or surgery.
- If you experience pain in your knee whenever you put a weight on it then a knee brace can help you in it.
- It helps you to stand and move around comfortably with more confidence and less pain.
- A knee brace can ease the pressure on the painful area of your joint due to osteoarthritis.
- It can relieve you from pain, help you move more easily, and might even protect you from knee surgery.
But, do knee braces work?
This is a tough question to answer because knee braces can work great for some people and less for others.
Researchers are still doing studies and looking into how do knee braces help and which one is more suitable for you.
However, a physiotherapist can help you to determine which knee brace is best for you.
How Do Knee Braces Reduce Pain and Provide Comfort?
- Knee braces are beneficial especially after you have met with an injury or surgery.
- If you experience pain in your knee when putting weight, a knee brace can help you manage this pain.
- It helps you to stand and move around comfortably with more confidence and less pain.
- A knee brace can help reduce pressure on the part of your joint that hurts the most because of osteoarthritis.
- It can relieve you from pain, help you move more easily, and might even protect you from the need for knee surgery.
- But, do knee braces work? This is a tough question to answer because bracing can work great for some people and less for others.
- Research around how do knee braces help is still proceeding and in process.
However, a well-qualified physiotherapist can help you to determine which knee bracing is suitable for you.
Steps to Use a Knee Brace
Step 1: The first step is to consult a medical expert and choose a knee brace that is right for you.
Step 2: Now, get a knee brace and apply it to your knee. This will allow the knee brace to provide all the required support and allow you to move around comfortably.
Step 3: Most knee braces include a hole in the front for your kneecap. But it’s important to position the brace properly to get the best support where you need it.
Step 4: Many braces come with adjustable straps which ensures a comfortable fit. As a thumb rule, you should be able to slide two fingers inside each strap.
Step 5: It’s not just about wearing the brace; it’s also important to give your knee some rest. Your physiotherapist will guide you on how and when you should wear your brace.
Finding the perfect knee brace size
Knee braces that are sold at stores and online are available in various sizes.
To ensure the correct size you can use a tape measure to measure around your knee, Then, look at the sizing chart that comes with the product to find your size.
Always try the brace before you start using it. You can perform a two-finger test to check whether your brace properly fits.
Here are the steps to perform the two-finger test and check the fit of your knee brace:
Step 1: The first step is to put your brace on the knee and fasten the straps
Step 2: In the second step you need to slide your two fingers under a strap
Step 3: If your two fingers do not fit under the strap, then it might be too tight for you, in this case, you need to lose the strap a bit and repeat the test.
Step 4: If your two fingers easily slide under the strap and you can enter a third finger under the strap, then the strap is too loose for you. In this scenario, you need to tighten your strap a bit and repeat the test.
Step 5: Lastly, repeat the two-finger test for every strap on your brace.
Whenever you experience the strap being fitted properly, then walk around a bit and check how the knee brace feels.
If it slides down your knee then it is too loose for you; tighten up the straps and perform the two fingers test again.
Make sure you consult a healthcare provider or expert physical therapist for any queries or concerns regarding your knee brace. They can help you to get the right knee brace and make sure the knee brace is properly fitted.
How long should you wear a knee brace?
The answer to this question completely depends on your needs. If you are recovering from an injury then your doctor will suggest a timeline based on your recovery speed.
Some people also wear knee brace especially while playing sports. In this scenario, your physiotherapist will suggest whether you should play with or without a knee brace.
How to take care of your knee brace?
Many times the knee braces are worn directly next to your skin, As, a result they come in direct contact with your skin, so frequent cleaning is required.
You can clean your brace with a clean cloth and soapy water. But, if your brace has removable pads, then you can hand wash and rinse them thoroughly.
A hairdryer can help you in drying your knee brace. Avoid keeping your knee brace in extreme temperatures such as inside a hot car or in contact with direct sunlight.
These extreme conditions can weaken the material your knee brace is made of.
Additionally, for more details around knee brace care, watch this video:
It is equally important to check the signs of wear and tear of your knee brace. If you notice any signs then immediately consult with your physiotherapist and check if the brace is still appropriate for you or not.
Knee Braces: the best way to enhance your knee health
A knee brace is like a trustworthy helper for our knees, which ensures that your knees remain healthy and strong.
From providing the necessary support and protection for your knees to helping manage arthritis, or preventing future problems.
Knee braces help us move comfortably and confidently by stabilizing our joints. This helps spread pressure evenly and ensures that everything stays in the right place.
While everyone’s experience with knee braces is unique, consulting a physiotherapist can help determine the best option for you.
With proper care and the right fit, knee braces can help reduce pain, improve knee functioning, and maintain knee health. Apart from that, taking care of your knee health also includes practicing knee movements and suitable stretches that add flexibility and strength to your joints. Speaking of this, we have written an article that talks about knee exercises for mobility and strength.
Understanding how knee braces work allows us to take better care of our knees and live life to the fullest.
