Knee support | Specialists and information

Different shapes and types of knee supports

You can buy knee supports in many designs from independent retailers, medical supply stores and pharmacies. A doctor can also prescribe orthopaedic knee supports.

The supports differ in

• their construction
• their stabilizing and supporting effect and
• the restriction of movement of the knee.

The simplest designs include cuffs made of flexible textile material, while complex knee supports achieve their functions by incorporating supports, splints and reinforcements. Knee supports can be roughly divided into

• Compression knee supports for even pressure on the knee joint
• Functional support knee supports for ensuring joint function
• Stabilizing knee supports for relieving pressure on the knee joint
• Patella knee supports with an opening in the area of the kneecap for greater freedom of movement

can be subdivided.

Knee supports are often made of flexible materials such as neoprene. Neoprene is durable, thermally insulating and adapts perfectly to the contours of the knee. Other supports are made from cotton/elastane combinations and other knitted fabrics. Some models have Velcro fasteners for individual size adjustment to ensure a good fit.

© Picture-Factory /Fotolia

Functions of knee supports

Basically, knee supports have three basic functions:

• Stabilization: knee supports support and support the joint, providing more stability and support. They prevent the joint from bending to the side, twisting or overstretching during jogging, soccer or other sports.
• Protection of the knee: The padding of the support protects the knee from external influences in everyday life and during sport. Injuries to the joint, muscles and tendons are reduced.
• Pain relief: Knee supports warm and massage the knee joint, helping to relieve pain.

Areas of application for knee supports

Knee supports can be used for prophylaxis (prevention) and therapy. Knee supports are used prophylactically when illnesses and injuries are to be prevented. You can wear the knee support in situations with a high risk of injury, such as during sport. People with particularly sensitive or previously damaged knee joints also wear the supports in everyday life and in their leisure time and only take them off again when they are resting.

Functional supports are used as a therapeutic tool to relieve pain and stabilize joints that have already been injured. This applies to chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis as well as instabilities.

Rehabilitative supports support therapy after operations and other treatments. The somewhat firmer orthopaedic knee supports stabilize your knee joint and restrict its freedom of movement. The immobilization achieved in this way accelerates the healing process.

In the case oftherapeutic and rehabilitative knee supports, the period of wear depends on your previous illness. Your treating doctor - an orthopaedist or sports physician - will not only recommend or prescribe a knee support and other products, but will also monitor the success of the treatment and inform you about the duration of use.

Fit and size of knee supports

In order for knee supports to fulfil their stabilizing, pain-relieving and protective function, they must be used and worn correctly.

The basis for this is an optimal fit of the support. A support must not sit too loosely on the knee, but must fit snugly. Only then can the necessary compression effect and stabilization of the joint fully develop. In addition, the correct fit of the support warms the knee and reduces pain.

However, the support must not be too tight in order to avoid constricting the blood supply.

Size is also particularly important when choosing a support for the knee. It is recommended to measure the knee circumference in advance. Ideally, the measurement should be taken while sitting with the leg stretched out and the knee slightly bent.

Conclusion on the knee support

With a knee support, you can effectively protect yourself from injuries and pain during sporting activities. It supports you with sensitive knee joints in everyday life or leisure activities and helps you with existing joint problems in therapy and rehabilitation.

When choosing a knee support, pay attention to the intended use, size and correct fit so that you can fully benefit from the support and protective function of the knee support.