A fitted knee brace can greatly reduce the discomfort of a knee injury. Not all knee injuries are the same, however, therefore there are different braces for different injuries. Your doctor will know the best brace for your specific injury. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, some of the various braces include prophylactic, functional and patellofemoral.
Prophylactic Knee Braces
The prophylactic knee brace is intended to protect the medial collateral ligament, or MCL, during a valgus knee stress and to aid in the protection of the cruciate ligaments if the knee suffers a rotational stress. The MCL is a ligament located on the inner knee; it is used to stabilize the knee joint. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, studies have been conducted to test the ability of the prophylactic knee brace to prevent injury. There has been significant differences in opinion about the ability of the brace to reduce MCL injuries. Despite the difference in research results, many football players and coaches still insist on wearing the brace.
Functional Prophylactic Knee Brace for Ligament Tearsfrom BraceAbility
About the Product
Prevents and treats tears and injuries of the ACL, LCL, MCL, and PCL
Features an aerospace grade aluminum frame that is strong, lightweight, and customizable
Low-profile design allows it to be worn during sports and athletic activity (contact sports included)
Includes an adjustable posterior calf cuff that minimizes pressure on the tibia
Size L fits 21"-23.5" above kneecap, 14.5"-16" mid kneecap, and 14.5"-15.75" below kneecap
PaylessmedicalKnee Brace
EA/1 - Dynamic Left Knee Brace, Small, 15-1/2" to 18" Thigh Circumference
Functional Knee Brace
Former football quarterback Joe Namath is responsible for the popularity of the functional knee brace. After sustaining a disabling knee injury, Namath used a functional knee brace and made a successful comeback to the game. The main focus of the brace is to reduce knee instability after an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, and to prevent any further injuries. The ACL is a ligament in the middle of the knee providing rotational stability. Initially, the functional knee brace was used solely for sporting injuries; however, they are now widely used after reconstructive surgery to limit strain in the ACL graft.
Football Knee Brace For Sports Support
About the Product
- ROM higes wish plug-in flex/ext stops
- (1) Extension limitation at: 0°,10°,20°,30°;(2)Flexion limitation at:0°,30°,45°,60°,90°; (3)Immobilization limitation at 0°,30°
- Hypoallergenic silicone-grip strap pads for anti-migration
- Concentric condyle pads correspond to bilateral femoral condyles
- Numbered straps provide desirable counter force and adjust optimal size
Patellofemoral Knee Brace
Patellofemoral braces are used to support the knee of those suffering from anterior knee pain. The brace is widely used due to its ease of use and low cost. The AAFP has documented that there is disagreement in relation to the benefits of a patellofemoral brace as several studies have noted an improvement in pain with the use of the brace while other studies have found that they do not improve pain levels. Despite the disagreement on the benefits, many patients insist on wearing them and report a drop in pain levels and an increase in mobility when using the brace.
DonJoy Lateral J Patella Knee Brace without Hinge
About the Product
- Intended for those suffering from lateral patellofemoral knee pain; Ideal for day-to-day activities and while playing sports; both in and out of the water
- Choose the knee brace to best suit your needs, between Drytex and neoprene; and with or without aluminum hinges for added stability
- Drytex allows for improved airflow and is preferred by individuals in warm weather climates and those with neoprene allergies or irritations
Reported Improvements
Patients who use knee braces have reported an improvement in knee stability and experienced an increase in energy expenditure during athletic activities. There may be limited proprioceptive effects, which relate to unconscious body movement with the use of a knee brace. Due to the inflated associated benefits, use of a knee brace may actually pose a risk for further damage due to over-exertion. With or without a knee brace, patients should be aware that they risk further injuries if they don't give the knee time to heal.
Rehabilitation
The use of a knee brace as a preventative, protective measure is inconclusive. However, knee braces are an essential part of a rehabilitation program after an injury. Combined with physical therapy that incorporates activity modification, flexibility exercises and strength training, a knee brace provides support to the knee while the injury heals. Even when the knee feels better, the athlete should be cautious in resuming normal activities and follow the doctor’s instructions to avoid reinjuring the knee.
Note – This information has been taken from different internet sources.
FAQs
Do knee braces work? Knee braces definitely help protect and support your knee after surgery or while you're recovering from an injury. Braces can help you feel safer and more confident. Many people also find that wearing a knee brace helps relieve pain and other symptoms (especially if they have knee arthritis).
What is the best support for a weak knee? ›
A great knee support for weak knees are compression sleeves. This type of assistance will give your knees light support and warmth when you're moving or if you're recovering from a surgery.
When should you not wear a knee brace? ›
If a knee brace is too tight, it can interrupt venous circulation and cause swelling and edema in the leg. For these reasons, doctors may recommend that you take the brace off when you're sitting for long periods and when you go to bed at night.
What knee brace do doctors recommend? ›
Unloader braces: These braces work by shifting the load from the injured part of the knee to a more muscular area, which relieves pain. For this reason, unloaders are widely regarded as one of the best knee braces for arthritis.
How can I make my weak knees stronger? ›
10 Exercises for Weak Knees
- Wall or Chair Squats. If your knees are weak, stand in front of a chair or against a wall while you do squats so that you don't lose your balance. ...
- Full Chair Sits-to-Stands. ...
- Lunges. ...
- Straight Leg Lifts. ...
- Side Leg Raises. ...
- Short-Arcs. ...
- Step-ups or Knee Marching. ...
- Calf and Abductor Raises.
Physical therapy and knee rehabilitation exercises. Knee braces or immobilizers. Consuming calcium-rich foods, such as flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and walnuts. Consuming vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables (these contain anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the relief of arthritis and other types of pain)
Can you recover from weak knees? ›
Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs are found to be effective in the treatment of knee disorders. Regular physical therapy can help reduce the overall pain intensity and discomfort associated with knee weakness and improve the range of motion and strength of the quadricep muscles.
How do you walk with weak knees? ›
5 Tips for Walking When You Have Sensitive Knees
- Start slowly and warm-up. If you're new to a walking program, it's important to start slow and build your walking time gradually. ...
- Aim for at least 6,000 steps a day. ...
- Use the right shoes. ...
- Walk on softer surfaces. ...
- Use assistive devices.
Try Low-Impact Exercise for Strength and Mobility
Strengthening the quadriceps and hamstring muscles in the leg is going to help reduce pain and make it easier to stay mobile. Experts recommend a regular low-impact exercise, such as riding a bike or walking on a treadmill. A course of physical therapy can really help.
Is it bad to wear a knee support all day? ›
So, is it ok to wear a knee brace all day? It depends on your specific situation and the stage of your recovery. If you're not sure, it's a good idea to ask your doctor or physical therapist, and make sure your skin isn't suffering from too much knee brace use.
Wearing your knee brace for unnecessarily long stretches of time can cause skin abrasion. Limiting your range of motion while wearing your brace can result in muscle atrophy or joint stiffness. Taking off your brace before your knee joint is ready can impair healing and lengthen the time required to wear one.
How many hours a day should you wear a knee brace? ›
Some surgical patients are advised to wear the knee brace all day, depending on the severity of the injury. In the case of sore knees and mild injuries, you can utilise the brace based on activities and requirements and based on the quality of the brace can be used for extended periods and times.
Is a knee brace good for a weak knee? ›
Whether it's a knee sprain, arthritis, torn ACL, runner's knee, knee instabilities or knee discomfort, knee braces help support and manage pain. Depending on the injury will determine how the brace will work. But most braces support the knee and help keep it aligned.
Which is better knee stabilizer or knee brace? ›
The stabilizers offer a slightly more advanced support, while the hinged braces confer the most advanced support due to their ability to more or less mimic the natural movement of the knee.
What is the alternative to a knee brace? ›
Another good option for knee support is a knee strap, a patella brace (a smaller product that only wraps around the leg below your kneecap), or a pain relief patch.
Do knee braces help with instability? ›
Studies have shown these types of braces provide some protection and additional stability to the knee after it has been injured. Rehabilitative braces. These limit side-to-side and up-and-down movement of the knee while it is healing after an injury or surgery. Prophylactic braces.
Will a knee brace keep my knee from buckling? ›
An unloading brace does not cure your arthritis. But it may help relieve symptoms such as knee pain or buckling when you move around.
How do you know if a knee brace will help? ›
Knee pain looks different for every individual, but one thing for certain is that you don't need to be in constant pain in order to wear a knee brace. One of the most common indicators that you may need a knee brace is pain worsening during exercise, along with pain subsiding during rest.
