Knee Brace Information

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There are many different kinds of knee brace systems that offer pain relief, support, and stability for patients suffering from knee injuries. Orthopedic-based braces are typically used after an injured knee and give added support while an injured knee heals or is recovering. A bracing system can also be used to prevent knee injuries by helping the knee heal properly before it becomes too weak from excessive use. These kinds of knee support brace systems can help patients avoid the risk of additional injury and pain during rehabilitation.

Braces worn for pain relief are made from a variety of materials such as nylon or spandex for tighter elasticity and less friction with the skin, leather or suede for more breath ability, and mesh for maximum breath ability. A silicone brace that is worn on one knee may cause irritation in the other knee if worn for too long. Brace patterns can be changed through the use of color and patterning. Some brace patterns help to reduce knee swelling or pain during exercise while others are meant to stabilize the knee in place.

The type of knee brace might depend upon the kind of knee injury one has or the severity of the injury. Commonly used to relieve pain and reduce swelling is medial support braces for pain and swelling. It is usually a full wrap around brace that wraps around the entire leg and thigh. The fabric used for the medial support brace might be cotton, spandex, or polyester. Support straps are typically used to keep the fabric tight to the leg. Usually this kind of knee brace might have ankle straps to hold the fabric in place if there is a problem with the fit of the foot or ankle.

Knee braces worn for stability are usually custom fit braces that are sewn together and fastened with a buckle or clip. Wearing a brace like this can provide relief from pain and discomfort associated with joint stiffness. Braces like this might be needed for patients who cannot stand or walk without feeling uncomfortable. These kinds of knee braces can be worn for a short time or a longer time depending on the severity of the injury. The period of time worn by a person with this type of brace will depend on the length of time the injury takes to heal. Click here for more details about this subject.

A knee sleeve or splint is another option for pain relief and may be worn at night while sleeping. Wearing a splint helps to keep the bones and ligaments in the knee aligned as they should be. The splint is generally made out of a material that allows the straps or braces to move with the body so that it becomes easy for the person wearing the splint to get up and down from the bed or the bathroom without pain. The amount of time a knee sleeve is worn will depend on how the injury affects movement and how much pain is experienced.

An unloader or knee brace is a non-weight bearing, self adhesive brace that can be used to relieve pain related to arthritis in the knee. It is designed for people who are not able to wear weight bearing braces because of an injury. It is a simple to use, lightweight, molded plastic device that fits over the knee and supports the kneecap in a way that it can't be damaged. Anyone suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee should consider one of these unloader products if they do not want to wear a weight bearing brace.