If you suffer from knee pain, you know how frustrating it can be to find the proper knee support for your needs.
Choosing the right knee support can be confusing with so many options available. Our blog is here to guide you, providing simple insights into finding the best one for your comfort, stability, and needs – whether it’s for arthritis, injury, sports, or daily use.
What do Knee braces do?
Knee braces are supports you can wear to reduce knee pain, prevent injuries, and help recover after an injury. They work by keeping your knee in alignment, redistributing stress and load, and providing compression and stability.
Different types of knee braces are designed for different knee conditions, such as osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, ACL sprain or tear, patellar tendonitis, or meniscus injury. The proper knee brace for your knee pain will depend on your condition and your healthcare provider’s recommendation.
Why Use A Knee Brace?
You might use a knee brace for many reasons, depending on your condition and needs. Here are some benefits of wearing knee braces:
- It can help relieve or prevent pain by reducing stress on your knee joints and muscles.
- It can decrease swelling and inflammation.
- It can improve balance and stability.
- It can support weak ligaments or tendons.
- It can aid in recovery after injury or surgery.
- It can protect your knee from further damage or injury.
Types of knee braces and uses.
The best knee support for you will depend on your diagnosis, symptoms, and goals. You should consult your healthcare provider before choosing a knee brace, as they can recommend the most suitable one for your situation.
There are four general types of knee braces, each with different purposes and benefits:
- Prophylactic knee braces:
These are worn to protect the knee from injuries during high-risk activities, such as contact sports. They have padding and straps to shield the knee from impact and prevent excessive or abnormal movements.
- Functional knee braces:
These are worn to add stability and protection to the knee after an injury or surgery, such as a ligament tear. They have hinges and bars to limit certain movements and stabilise the knee joint.
- Rehabilitative knee braces:
These are worn to immobilise the knee and allow it to heal after an injury or surgery, such as a fracture or dislocation. They have rigid shells and locks to prevent any movement and protect the knee from further damage.
- Unloader/Offloader knee braces:
These are worn to relieve pain and pressure from the knee due to inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis or tendonitis. They have mechanisms to shift the load from one side of the knee to the other, reducing stress and inflammation.
Discover the best knee brace to keep your kneecap in place with Xtremity for enhanced comfort and protection during workouts.
What is the difference between a knee stabiliser and a knee brace?
A knee stabiliser and a knee brace are both terms that describe devices that support and protect the knee joint. However, they may have different designs and functions depending on the type and severity of the knee condition.
A knee stabiliser is intended to prevent a particular motion that may cause pain or injury to the knee, such as lateral or rotational movements. A knee stabiliser should be custom fit to the individual and may have rigid or flexible components to limit the range of motion.
On the other hand, a knee brace is a more general term that can refer to any device that assists the structures of the knee in moving appropriately. A knee brace may provide compression, warmth, cushioning, or stability to the knee, depending on the needs and goals of the user.
The Best Knee Braces for Specific Conditions
Osteoarthritis:
If you have mild osteoarthritis, a slip-on knee brace may be a good option for you.
It can reduce pain and inflammation by gently supporting and compressing your knee. Slip-on braces are usually easy to wear and comfortable for everyday use. A slip-on knee brace is the best knee brace for osteoarthritis. For severe cases, you may need a weight-distributing brace instead.
Patella Injuries
Consider braces with open or closed design.
These knee braces offer the best knee brace to keep the kneecap in place. They can reduce pain and inflammation by compressing and stabilising the knee joint, which is beneficial for some patella conditions.
Chronic pain
The best knee support for walking is the knee sleeve. This is a type of knee support that provides warmth, compression, stability, and pain relief for walking or other everyday activities. Knee sleeves are effective in reducing pain and inflammation by gently supporting and compressing your knee. They are also typically easy to wear and comfortable for everyday use.
Discover the Best Knee Supports for Your Needs At Xtremity
If you’re looking for the best knee supports to improve your mobility, reduce your pain, and prevent injuries, you’ve come to the right place. At Xtremity, we have a team of experts who can help you find the perfect knee support for your condition, lifestyle, and budget.
Whether you need a knee sleeve, a patella stabiliser, a hinged brace, or a custom-made support, we have it all.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get the best knee support for your health and happiness. Consult Xtremity for knee Supports today
About Us
Xtremity Prosthetics and Orthotics is a specialized health clinic where treatment is provided by a specialized team which comprises allied health professionals as well as medical professionals giving a multidisciplinary approach towards prosthetic and orthotic rehabilitation care.