Knee pain is a challenge and can be a barrier to living an active and healthy life. Sometimes the pain can come and go, but when do you take charge and do something about it? Over the counter medications and medical rubs can only do so much, so how do we provide support to the joint instead of just numbing the pain we’re experiencing from it?
There are lots of things that can happen in your daily life that can result in knee pain. Your pain can be coming from improper footwear, your gait and the way you walk, over exertion in certain activities and so much more. Knee supports can be helpful for those who just have daily pain from regular life, but they can also be helpful for people who suffer with more specific conditions such as arthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee). Whether you’re looking for support for your everyday living or even if you’re an athlete, there’s a brace for you! There are so many different kinds out there, so it is key to be fit with the proper one for your condition.
There are many categories within knee bracing that you can look through when deciding what brace is best for you. Things like over the counter hinged braces are fit and measured to your knee and can provide moderate to maximum support when needed. Compression and sleeve knee braces can also help and are reserved more for patients who suffer from mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Custom knee braces are truly the most ideal for patients who are suffering from knee pain or injury, the biggest benefit being this brace is completely custom made to your knee and provides optimal comfort and support right where you need it!
If a knee brace is something you might not want to jump in and try just yet, there are also other options that can help in the meantime. Try to steer away from footwear that may have a higher heel, a softer and lower heel can help minimize the pain. You can also try and pace yourself when it comes to working out or being active; doing too much too fast can definitely cause the knee pain to become worse and more irritated. Learning how to stretch and using heat/ice when necessary can also aid in getting your knee back in shape – practicing these easy tricks and tips while also potentially wearing a brace will help reduce your pain and get back to living that pain-free life you remember!
If you’d like to chat more with one of our knowledgeable clinicians at a BioPed clinic about what brace might be best for your condition and knee pain – head to our locations page to find a BioPed clinic near you!
