Knee braces are a popular and effective tool for many diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Their type and required level of rigidity are determined by a doctor based on the diagnosis. However, models for injury prevention and disorders can be chosen independently, but first, you should familiarize with the types of knee braces.
- Elastic Bandages – provide a light degree of fixation and are made of soft synthetic fibers, may contain a percentage of jersey, wool, or neoprene. Such products are used for prevention and in minor injuries or to provide a warming effect. They are prescribed when it is not necessary to restrict the mobility of the limb, and the patient is practically not disturbed by painful sensations when the leg is at rest. Elastic bandages create thermo compression, and are effective for strains, arthritis, osteoarthritis and other inflammatory processes. The price of these models is the lowest.
- With a Silicone Cushion in the Knee Cup Area – there are models with an open knee and a patellar ring around it and closed ones. This option is often used by athletes and is also prescribed to people with degenerative, traumatic joint deformation, chronic instability, meniscus damage, cruciate ligament instability. Thanks to silicone, stabilization and protection of the knee cup are provided. The special properties of the material create compression that improves blood circulation in the affected area, reduces swelling, and normalizes muscle tone. Seamless technology ensures comfort when you are wearing it.
- Braces with Side Inserts – they can be plastic or metal plates. Models with flexible lateral plastic inserts are used for arthritis, osteoarthritis, inflammation, instability, and knee joint injuries. Orthoses with metal polycentric cylinders are used in the postoperative period, with injuries and morphological deformities. There are adjustable cylinders, so as recovery progresses, the range of motion can be increased, and the knee can be worked out. By creating a frame, the inability of the ligaments is compensated, and the joint function is gradually restored the instability, caused by ligament rupture (tear).
- Braces are capable of providing limb immobilization in case of serious injuries. This is facilitated by 4 aluminum plates, as well as straps with Velcro fasteners, which help the product fit tightly to the leg. These products cover the shin and reach the middle of the thigh in height, limiting mobility, that is why they are used in case of lower limb fractures instead of plaster.
What you need to pay attention for when choosing a knee brace
The main rule that must be followed is to buy orthopedic products only in orthopedic salons, pharmacies, and specialized stores. The choice of model should be taken seriously because it is important to understand what they are intended for. Soft elastic products cannot help with serious injuries, and it makes no sense to use stiff ones if a warming effect is required. Products of light and semi-rigid fixation can be selected independently, although it is advisable to consult a doctor. Stiff fixators are used only as prescribed. The specialist should point out which type of product is more suitable in a particular case – with an open or closed cup, a knee orthosis can be used or a brace for the entire leg.
And of course, if you have any chronic pathology, such as gout or a certain type of arthritis, you need to take certain medications, for example, Celeheal 100 or DP-Allopurinol.