One of the frequently asked questions that we get from our patients with knee pain is “should I buy a knee brace?” And the frequently used answer to this frequently asked question would be “it depends.”
We understand that you are anxious about your knee injury and do not want to worsen it any further, and you are okay with spending more money if it means that your knee will be stable. The knee brace, in fact, does help with knee support and stability, but we as physiotherapists are very cautious when prescribing it to a patient.
The problem with wearing a knee brace is that you will eventually develop reliance towards it. Imagine you hired a super worker who can amazingly cover the job scope of 5 other employees. Your 5 good employees will eventually be less productive because someone else is doing the job for them. It is the same when you wear a knee brace. The knee brace does amazing job in stabilizing your knee and alleviating some of your symptoms, then your muscles become less effective in keeping the joint stable.
Physiotherapy is all about empowering yourself to take charge of your own body and make positive changes to it which can help with your symptoms long term. So, you will not find us encouraging you to wear a knee brace, unless it is necessary.
When would it be necessary?
In most cases that we see, a knee brace is necessary when the condition of your knee is deemed insufficient for your level of activity. For example, you are recovering from a ligament injury and would like to resume training for a sport. In this case, the brace helps to prevent recurrent injury while you go through the stability training phase with your physiotherapist. It is also recommended that you only wear the brace when doing the activity that requires extra support or stability, to minimize your reliance over it.
Which brace is suitable for you?
It depends!
The severity of your condition (concurrent with the level of your pain) and the activity you use it for would decide how much support you need from the brace. If you need more support, look for braces with straps or steel. If your activity requires some freedom in the knee, look for braces with minimal support, like a knee sleeve.
I will list down some of the different types of the brace so that you are able to differentiate the types:
- Prophylactic Braces: These are preventive braces often worn by athletes to reduce the risk of knee injuries, particularly during high-impact sports like football or basketball.
2. Rehabilitative Braces: These braces are designed to limit certain movements of the knee during the healing process after surgery or injury. They provide support while allowing controlled movement to aid in rehabilitation.
- Your skin condition decides the material of your knee brace. For example, if you are allergic to latex or neoprene, you may need braces made of natural rubber. In addition, if you have sensitive skin, you need to look for braces with better breathability to avoid skin rashes.
However neoprene does have some benefits over the other braces
2. Compression and Support: Neoprene material provides excellent compression, which helps improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. It also offers substantial support to the knee joint, making it ideal for individuals recovering from injuries or experiencing mild instability.
3. Flexibility: Neoprene is a highly flexible material, allowing for a wide range of motion during activities. This flexibility ensures that the brace does not hinder movement while still providing adequate support and stability to the knee.
4. Warmth: Neoprene has insulating properties, which help retain heat around the knee joint. This warmth can be beneficial, especially during cold weather or when engaging in activities that require increased blood flow to the muscles and joints.
5. Your orthopedic surgeon’s advice should of course be considered. Braces are especially necessary in post-operative conditions to prevent any complications.
Usually for Post-ACL surgery, the doctor will prescribe a rehabilitative brace for the immobilization of the knee .
In conclusion, the diverse array of knee braces available offers tailored solutions to address a wide range of knee conditions and support various activity levels. From prophylactic braces aimed at injury prevention in athletes to rehabilitative braces aiding postoperative recovery, each type serves a specific purpose in promoting knee health and function.
Functional braces provide stability and support post-injury, while unloader braces alleviate pressure on arthritic knees. Patellar stabilizing braces target specific issues like patellar instability, while neoprene sleeves offer compression and warmth for general knee support during activities. Hinged braces offer enhanced stability for ligament injuries, and postoperative braces immobilize and protect the joint during healing.
Understanding the advantages and applications of each type of knee brace allows healthcare professionals to prescribe the most suitable option for individual patients’ needs. Whether managing chronic conditions, recovering from surgery, or seeking preventive measures, the availability of diverse knee braces ensures that patients can find effective support to maintain knee health and continue engaging in their desired activities with confidence.
CARE IS OUR PROMISE
Prepared By
Chen Wei vvy
Your Physio Klang