Knee supports come in different forms such as knee braces and knee sleeves. They have become very popular with those who are dealing with any sort of knee pain. The additional support that a knee brace can offer is one of the big selling points, and the variety of different options available means there is something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about knee supports, how they work and which one is right for you.
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If you have some pain in your knee, braces and supports can help. They’re typically made of fabrics that have some stretchiness to them, so they can be comfortably worn without fully restricting the wearer’s movement. They come in different types with sleeves being something that can be easily pulled over the knee while a brace is usually attached around the knee with Velcro straps.
Knee supports can be used to treat injuries such as swelling, sprains, bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, runners knee and cartilage irritation.
When you put weight on your knees, a lot of pressure is added to your knee joints and the muscles in this area are also stretched. For those with healthy knees, this isn’t an issue; however, for those who have suffered a knee injury or have weakened knees due to things like arthritis, this pressure can cause significant pain in the knee and joints.
Knee braces help provide additional support to the knee by reducing motion, while still allowing the wearer to remain mobile without having to put all their weight on their knee. This helps take some of the weight off of the knee joint, which can help prevent straining it again.
Braces and sleeves not only provide support, but sometimes can be used to retain heat around the knee. This increases circulation and can also reduce the amount of time needed to heal. However, in the initial few days of injury there can be a large amount of swelling, in which case ice is more beneficial.
Injuries can take longer to heal without sufficient circulation, so keeping your knee warm is important, especially during the winter months and for those living in colder climates. If a knee support sounds like it could help, we recommend the Neo G Hinged Open Knee Support, which comes in a universal size for a comfortable fit.
When to wear a knee brace will depend on your situation. Your doctor or healthcare professional may give you recommendations on if you should wear one and how often.
A knee support is typically worn:
While knee supports or knee braces can provide stability and support for individuals with knee injuries or conditions, there are certain situations where they may not be appropriate or necessary. Here are a few scenarios where wearing knee support may not be recommended:
If you have any concerns about your knee health or the appropriateness of wearing a knee support, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate assessment and guidance tailored to your specific situation.
If knee pain is getting in the way of your daily activities, you might want to consider using joint pain relief alongside using a knee support. Common types of relief include Flexiseq and Voltaren.
When choosing a knee support, you want one that is going to be comfortable, easy to use, and suited to your body and lifestyle.
You should consider the following when selecting one for yourself:
It’s important your knee brace is correctly positioned and fitted to ensure it’s providing you with the best possible support. Having it fitted correctly will be more comfortable and reduce the chance of further strain or injury.
A brace should be used during any physical activities where you apply pressure to your knee. Any movements like running and jumping increase the pressure on your knee joint, so a knee support should be worn during any exercise that involves this.
You have more than one choice when it comes to knee supports. They can be used for different needs depending on the type of support you are looking for.
If you’ve suffered a previous injury, this type provides support to the knees and can be worn even after you’ve healed. They are very popular with athletes and they help stabilize the knee and control motion to reduce the chances of another injury.
Following an injury or surgery, rehabilitative braces are worn for multiple weeks to keep the knee stable while still allowing some movement. They do restrict movement which is recommended while healing; however, your doctor will let you know if they believe you require one as they are not always necessary.
For those who have arthritis in their knees, an unloader brace can help shift the weight from the damaged area of the knee to an area that is capable of holding more weight.
These braces are designed for those who play a contact sport. Their purpose is to help protect the wearer's knees and reduce the chances of an injury. Many athletes have started using prophylactic braces, although more studies are being done to examine their effectiveness.
Sleeves work by providing warmth and compression around the knee which helps to increase blood flow. They can help reduce pain and swelling while also providing support to the knee.
Knee braces will wear down and need replacing in time. It’s important to make sure it doesn’t have any rips or tears, as this can reduce the support and effectiveness of your knee brace. Cleaning your knee brace can be done regularly if required with soap and water. If your brace has any metal parts, it’s best to make sure they are covered to avoid scratching yourself or injuring someone else.
If your brace is damaged, you should replace it, otherwise it will not be working as intended. Opting for knee supports from reputable brands that offer good quality and durability will help ensure it lasts longer before you need to replace it.
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