Knee pain can keep you from doing the activities you love to do, whether that is walking the dog, gardening or running a marathon. Knee braces are often recommended as part of the recovery and treatment, but many clients have questions about when to use one, what type to get and what to expect. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding knee bracing.
Which Knee Brace Is Right for My Injury?
Not all knee braces are the same. The best brace for you depends on your specific needs. The brace that may work for your friend may not be the right fit for you. Here are some different styles of braces:
Unloader Braces: These braces are designed, as the name indicates, to offload and redistribute pressure within the knee joint. These braces tend to be designed for people with Osteoarthritis and have hinges. They greatly improve the mobility and comfort of the wearer. An example of this type of brace would be the DonJoy OA Fullforce Unloader knee brace.
Hinged Knee Braces: These braces often include side supports to stabilize the knee joint. They are commonly recommended for ligament injuries or used after certain knee injuries. Examples of this style of brace would be the Bauerfeind GenuTrain S, which combines a compressive sleeve as well as side hinges for side-to-side stability.
Patellar Stabilizing Braces: These braces help guide and stabilize the kneecap. These braces usually have padding around the kneecap and are ideal for clients who have patellofemoral pain. An example of this style of brace would be the Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3.
Compression Sleeves: These braces tend to be less bulky with mild compression to help reduce swelling and are typically used for mild cases of arthritis, general knee discomfort or minor strains. An example of this type of brace would be the DJO Genuforce knee brace.
Choosing the correct brace can sometimes be confusing, some may not provide adequate support, but over-bracing can be unnecessary, uncomfortable and can limit your movement for certain activities. A BioPed clinician can evaluate your knee mechanics, activity demand and overall lower extremity function and guide you to make the correct bracing choice.
Will Wearing a Knee Brace Make My Knee Stronger or Weaker?
This is the most common concern for clients. A knee brace itself does not make muscles stronger or weaker. The brace provides support, stability and increases confidence when moving. It is a valuable tool to help keep you doing what you love to do. Braces empower you to be able to continue exercising, which increases muscle strength and overall lower extremity function.
How Long Should I Wear a Knee Brace?
This depends on your condition or injury. Some clients may only need to wear a brace when doing certain activities, such as playing sports, exercising, or walking long distances. Some people may need to wear their knee brace all day. This is common right after an injury or surgery.
What Else Can I Do?
People often wonder whether there is anything else I can do in combination with my knee brace? And the answer is yes! Many clients benefit from a combination of strategies such as:
- Proper footwear: Proper footwear can help support the arch and properly align the foot, taking pressure off the ankles, knees and hips.
- Custom Orthotics: Custom orthotics help by evenly distributing the weight of the body and aligning the foot, reducing stress on the ankles, knees and hips.
- Activity Modification: Decreasing activity level, especially right after injury, can help reduce strain on the injured knee.
- Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles of the hips, thighs, and lower legs can help support the knee.
Knee braces are an effective tool for managing a wide range of conditions. However, if you are confused about which brace would be right for you, a BioPed clinician can help. They can assess your needs and recommend a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals. Remember, a knee brace can help you stay active and move more confidently so you can do more of what you love.
