A knee brace is a protective and supportive device for the knee joint. Knee braces are used for:
You can buy knee braces in many different styles at retail stores, medical supply stores, and pharmacies. An orthopedist can prescribe orthopedic knee braces for you.
The braces differ in:
Among the simplest designs are knee sleeves made of flexible fabric. More complex knee braces achieve their functions through built-in supports, splints, and reinforcements.
Knee braces are classified as follows:
Knee braces are often made of flexible materials such as neoprene. Neoprene is durable, provides thermal insulation, and conforms perfectly to the contours of the knee.
Other braces are made from cotton-spandex blends and other knitted fabrics. Velcro fasteners on some models ensure a secure fit and allow for individual size adjustment.
© Picture-Factory /Fotolia
Knee braces generally serve three functions:
Knee braces are used for prevention (protection against injuries) and for treatment.
You can wear a knee brace in situations with a high risk of injury, such as during sports. People with particularly sensitive or previously injured knee joints also wear the braces in everyday life or during leisure activities. They only remove them during rest periods.
For injured joints, functional braces are used to relieve pain and provide stabilization. This applies to chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and cases of instability.
Rehabilitative braces support therapy following surgeries and other treatments. The slightly firmer orthopedic knee braces stabilize your knee joint and restrict its range of motion. The immobilization achieved in this way accelerates the healing process.
For therapeutic and rehabilitative knee braces, the duration of wear depends on the underlying condition. Your treating physician—an orthopedist or sports medicine specialist—will recommend or prescribe knee braces and other products. They will, of course, monitor the success of the treatment and inform you about the duration of use.
In order for knee braces to fulfill their stabilizing, pain-relieving, and protective functions, you must use and wear them correctly.
It is important that the brace fits perfectly. A brace should not be too loose on the knee but must fit snugly. Only then can the necessary compression and stabilization of the joint take full effect. In addition, a proper fit warms the knee, which helps reduce pain.
However, the brace must not be too tight either, to avoid restricting blood flow.
Size is also particularly important when selecting a knee brace. Medical professionals recommend measuring the circumference of the knee beforehand. Ideally, the measurement should be taken while sitting with the leg extended and the knee slightly bent.
A knee brace can effectively protect you from injuries and pain during sports, as well as in everyday life and leisure activities. It also supports therapy and rehabilitation for existing joint problems.
When selecting a knee brace, pay attention to:
If everything is just right, you can benefit from the knee brace’s support and protection.
Every physician listed in the Leading Medicine Guide has attained the highest level of training and certification within their respective medical specialty society. Furthermore, we contacted this physician based, among other factors, on their case volume (surgeries, treatments, and therapies), which we determined by cross-referencing various publicly available sources. Following discussions with the selected physicians and the directors of the medical facilities, as well as a subsequent internal review, they were admitted to the Leading Medicine Guide.
The quality assurance of the Leading Medicine Guide is further ensured by 8 admission criteria. Each member must meet at least 6 of them:
