Knee braces are tight bands that athletes wrap around their knees to protect them from injury. But people who suffer from severe knee pain or already-injured knees wear them as well.

Whether a knee brace will actually help an injury improve varies from person to person, but they are often the first step in attempting to fix a problem.

The Function of Knee Braces

Knee braces are used to reduce knee pain, as well as to give support to an unstable knee joint, to help position a joint, to ease nerve compression symptoms such as tingling and numbness, and to help avoid any further damage to the knee.

Because they are meant to solve a wide range of complications, different kinds of knee braces are required for different knee problems.
 

Knee braces are made of plastic, metal, foam, elastic material, and straps.

Despite their common construction, they come in many shapes, sizes, and designs, so choosing the right type is very important. Types of knee braces include:

• Prophylactic braces: These are sports braces worn while exercising

• Functional braces: This kind of brace is used to protect an already-injured knee

• Rehabilitative braces: These are worn after injury or surgery to hold the knee in position and limit any damaging movement

• Patellofemoral braces: These are recommended for people suffering from arthritis and are designed to help the kneecap move smoothly over the knee joint

A good knee brace should help the person be more active, reduce pain, improve knee movement, and provide stability.

Pharmacies and medical stores typically carry simple, elastic knee sleeves or supports, but to get the right fit or to find a more specific type of brace, it is helpful to consult a doctor. The doctor can help the patient find the correct knee brace for their specific needs and let them know where it can be purchased.

The cost of knee braces varies from under $50 for a simple sleeve to hundreds of dollars for a more complicated one. Just remember that the most expensive one might not be the most effective solution for the problem. This is where a doctor’s help is particularly useful.

Poorly or improperly-positioned knee braces can hurt a knee more than help it. During sports activities, knee braces should be used as instructed by the physiotherapist or doctor.

Care should be taken while putting on the knee braces to make sure the hinges are positioned where the knee bends. Then, fasten any straps, tapes, hooks and loops around the leg. While using the brace, it is important to check periodically that it has not shifted.

For a knee brace to work effectively, it needs to be worn consistently during physical activity. This includes during warm up exercises, which are essential to minimize further muscle injury.

Wearing a knee brace might help with knee pain, but regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help cure a knee and keep an injury for occurring again. Changes in the intensity or duration of the exercises should be done gradually to avoid a sudden increase in knee-stress and to reduce the risk of injury.

Patients should consult their doctor to develop an exercise plan that is right for them.

Knee braces usually become worn out over the course of normal, everyday use, so it is important to watch for any signs of wear and tear. For example, if any metal part of the knee brace is exposed, then it should be covered immediately to avoid injury.

One way to help extend the life of a knee brace is to clean it with soap and water. But do not over-extend it: a worn-out brace will harm more than it helps.

Conclusion

A knee brace may not be able to cure a knee problem, but it can help ease discomfort during physical activity. When using a knee brace, always follow a doctor’s recommendations, because the wrong type or fit of brace can further aggravate an injury.