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Knee Braces for Knee Pain - How to Choose?

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Knee braces guard the knee by preventing excess strain in the joint. Read the article below about the types and uses of knee braces.

Written byDr. Saberitha

Medically reviewed byDr. L. Jaya Prakash Reddy

Published At June 22, 2022
Reviewed AtMay 27, 2024

Introduction:

Knee pain occurs due to an injury or inflammation in the joint. In addition, excess body weight and overuse of the legs can cause knee pain, too. It affects people of all ages. The inflammation of tissues present in the joint is called arthritis. The inner portion of the knee is affected more than the outer part. Knee braces can be used to relieve knee pain.

What Is the Purpose of Knee Braces?

The uses of knee braces for knee pain are as follows;

  • A knee brace helps to reduce knee pain by shifting the excess weight of the affected knee. This is known as an unloader brace.

  • During walking, an individual with excess weight feels pressure in the joint. A knee brace helps the individual to walk comfortably by relieving the pressure. It improves the ability to walk.

  • The wear and tear of the joints with inflammation are commonly seen in older people. It is known as osteoarthritis. It affects one side of the knee more than the other. It can result in malalignment. A knee brace is used to prevent such conditions.

  • Some patients utilize a knee brace as a support for the knee after surgery.

What Are the Different Types of Knee Braces?

Knee braces are classified into four types depending on their uses. They are as follows;

  • Prophylactic Type - It can be used while playing sports to prevent injuries to the joint.

  • Functional Type - It decreases the instability in the knee and facilitates walking after an injury.

  • Patellofemoral Type - It prevents lateral displacement of the joint and decreases the pain. It helps to protect the ligament from further injuries.

  • Rehabilitative Type - A surgically repaired or injured knee requires care while walking. Rehabilitative braces keep the joint in an aligned position and safeguard the knee while walking.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Knee Braces?

These can act as a support system to support the knee joint and help to relieve symptoms related to pain and stiffness. They help in the healing process and prevent further injury. They are easy to wear and can be adjusted.

What Are the Risks of Wearing a Knee Brace for Knee Pain?

There are various risks associated with wearing a knee brace. They are as follows;

  • Discomfort - A knee brace should be chosen with a perfect fit. Otherwise, there is a chance of slipping. Some individuals feel it heavy during the initial stages. Knee braces appear bulky and cause discomfort while wearing.

  • Irritation - Continuous wearing of the knee brace irritates and provokes warmth and redness in the skin. Some individuals experience swelling in the joint.

  • Limited Benefit - Knee braces are beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate knee pain. However, for severe knee pain and osteoarthritis, knee braces do not contribute much effectively.

  • Stiffness - Some individuals wearing a knee brace on one leg consider it an injured joint and depend on the other leg for physical activities. It can lead to joint stiffness.

How to Choose a Knee Brace for Knee Pain?

The individual should choose and purchase a knee brace after consulting a medical provider or physical therapist.

  • Medical Condition - Knee braces should be chosen depending on the joint condition or injury.

  • Type of Material - Few materials prevent dryness and release moisture. Choose a sturdy knee brace. It should be comfortable while wearing. It should be in a favorable position while walking.

  • Support - Some knee braces support the middle portion of the knee, while other knee braces support the external knee. So, the individual should choose the knee brace depending on the area of support.

  • Size - Each individual has a different knee size. Choose the knee brace according to the knee size.

  • Left or Right Side - Some knee braces are manufactured particularly for the right side or left side of the knee. Choose a suitable knee brace accordingly.

  • Insurance - Though the entire cost of a knee brace is not covered by the insurance company, it covers some costs. So, before purchasing a knee brace, confirm the insurance plan with the medical provider.

  • Custom Made - The individual with orthopedic problems like malalignment and deformity in the joints requires a specially designed knee brace to fit the knee. In such situations, the medical professional refers the individual to an orthodontist for measurement. An orthodontist will provide a custom-made knee brace to improve knee function. However, it is a bit costlier compared to normal knee braces.

  • Elasticity - Do not choose a knee brace that is too tight. Choose a knee brace with an elastic hem to prevent displacement.

What Are the Instructions to Follow While Wearing a Knee Brace?

  • An individual can adapt easily to wearing a knee brace if the fit is good. So, the medical provider will examine the knee before prescribing a knee brace.

  • Report to the orthopedist about the history and cause of knee pain.

  • It is important to restrict aggressive physical activities like gymming or jumping for a few days after the joint injury.

  • Try to walk and move the legs with knee braces in front of the orthopedist to observe any imperfections.

  • Measurements are taken by the orthodontist to determine the size. Custom-made knee braces take more time to design, so they are delivered after a week.

  • Try using different styles to determine the best knee braces.

  • Ask the medical provider about how to wear, remove, and adjust the knee braces.

  • The orthopedist will give instructions on when to wear the knee braces because some individuals need to wear them only during physical activities, while others require wearing them throughout the day.

What Is the Warning for Parents About Knee Braces?

All the knee braces should be used only after consulting the doctor. There are many knee braces that are available without a prescription, but these must be used only once for an accurate diagnosis. In case of acute and overuse injury, knee braces should be used as a comprehensive treatment method.

How Long Does a Knee Brace Need to Be Used?

How long this needs to be used depends on why it is needed for the person. If the person wears it due to any injury or for recovery purposes after surgery, the doctor may give a timeline based on how the recovery goes.

Conclusion:

If the individual uses the knee braces consistently, it strengthens the joint. Do not consider knee braces as a remedy for osteoarthritis surgery. It can only prevent the pain but cannot cure it. Do not postpone the surgery because the disease might progress. Consult an orthopedic surgeon and undergo surgery if necessary. Knee braces are a temporary solution for obese individuals. Obese individuals should lose weight to avoid knee pain. Consult a physical therapist and learn some exercises for strengthening the thigh muscles. Knee braces do not harm but are not very effective for generalized osteoarthritis. It can be used only for the initial stages of knee pain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There are various types of braces, depending on the purpose they serve. A functional knee provides support, stability and offers relief from knee pain. Multiple brands of functional knee braces are available. It can be chosen depending on the pain level and the individual’s requirements.
A knee brace with a sleeve or wraparound design that offers comfort and a perfect fit should be chosen. In addition, the knee brace should provide the necessary support during daily activities. Patellofemoral braces are specially designed props that treat arthritis or patellofemoral instability.
A knee brace helps manage the discomfort caused by osteoarthritis. It reduces pain by shifting the weight off the damaged portion of the knee. A knee brace offers pain relief and improves the ability to move around and walk comfortably. Knee braces provide stability and support and enhance the recovery process.
Various knee braces are available on the market. Some of the best knee braces that the physicians recommend are the McDavid Elite knee brace (functional knee brace), the DonJoy Advantage Deluxe elastic knee brace (compression knee brace), the McDavid knee support (for knee pain), and superior braces OA unloader knee brace (for osteoarthritis).
A complex knee brace is used for the first year. After the first year, a knee brace is not required for low-level activities. However, establishing baseline stability may take two or three years. A knee brace is not recommended and should not be worn if complete function has been established.
The right knee brace size can be determined by measuring the distance around the knee. The circumference of the injured knee should be measured using a flexible tape. Also, the circumference measurements above and below the portion of the knee cap are recorded. The right side of the brace can be determined using the size chart and the recorded measurements.
A knee brace can be worn while sitting or lying down. A knee brace should be removed before swimming or showering. In addition, wearing a knee brace for a prolonged period or insufficiently can cause various problems. Hence, it is essential to discuss it with the physician regarding the appropriate time for usage and its duration.
A knee brace can be worn the whole day if recommended by an orthopedist. However, the time and duration of usage should be discussed with the physician because improper usage can worsen the pain and cause further damage. Improper knee brace use that immobilizes the knee can weaken the joint.
Knee braces are of three types depending on the purpose they serve. 
It includes:
- Prophylactic Knee Braces prevent or reduce the severity of the knee injury.
- Functional Braces provide stability for unstable knees.
- Rehabilitative Braces protect the injured knees and help in rehabilitation.
A knee brace should offer a snug fit and be tight but not too close. It should offer a snug fit without restricting any movement. A knee brace that provides a comfortable fit should be chosen. If the knee brace is worn too tight, it cuts off blood circulation. Also, the knee brace should not be loose or slide down the leg, as it would not serve its function.
A knee brace should always be worn under the clothes against the skin. It offers a snug fit and provides support and stability if worn correctly. Wearing it over the clothes may not offer proper fit, support, and strength. However, non-functional knee braces can be worn over clothes if they are essential.
High-impact activities like running, kickboxing, stretching exercises like squats and lunges, or knee injuries can worsen knee pain. Medications, physical therapy, and knee braces can help relieve knee pain. However, improper use or overuse of knee braces can worsen knee pain.
Knee braces are worn to provide support for knee pain. Sometimes knee braces are worn to prevent knee injuries. Individuals with knee pain, joint stiffness, knee pain that worsens after doing activities, and sports injuries require knee braces. Discussing this with a physician before choosing a knee brace is crucial.
Knee sleeves can be used by individuals with minor knee injuries, stiffness in the joints, or mild pain during activities. It offers increased support for the joint. It is not bulkier and does not limit mobility like a knee brace. Wearing a knee sleeve improves pain and stability. It helps to perform various physical activities by providing much-needed support.
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Dr. L. Jaya Prakash Reddy from iCliniq
Dr. L. Jaya Prakash Reddy

Orthopedician and Traumatology

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