Knee Braces

Your knees are something you don't give much thought to unless they are hurting! Knee braces can be the answer for relief to many painful knee complaints and injuries.

Knee braces are supports that you wear for a painful or injured knee. Some people use them to prevent knee injuries while playing sports. Knee braces are made from a combination of metal, plastic, foam, elastic materials and straps. They come in a variety of sizes, colors and designs.

Athletes are more prone to knee injuries due to their rigorous exercising, but it can happen to anyone. People who have active jobs can experience knee injury or pain, especially those that walk a lot during the day. Even sitting at your computer in the wrong position can bring on pain in the knees. For many people, knee braces are used to hold the knee in place long enough for the damage to heal.

Good knee braces support the knee, and hold everything in the proper position. Many knee injuries are the result of the knee being moved violently or repeatedly in an awkward position, and the supporting tissue around the knee weakens, tears, or in some cases, snaps.

A good knee brace allows for a range of motion while the knee heals, even if it is somewhat limited motion. You can buy knee braces just about everywhere, but make sure you are getting one that will support your knee. Some aren't strong enough, and you may not get the support you need.

Where to Buy Knee Braces

The best places to find quality knee braces are at a medical supply store, pharmacy, or by advice of your doctor. You may also order knee braces directly from the manufacturers or through the Internet.

Depending on the extent of the damage to your knee, you may need to use crutches along with knee braces. These are meant to keep your weight from resting on your damaged knees.

If your doctor has advised you to use a knee brace be smart and take him at his word. Better to be safe than sorry. Besides you could be doing more damage to your knees if not following your doctor's directions, and thus the knee braces at that point will no longer be helping you.

Many types of knee braces can be worn under your clothes, and no one will be the wiser. You may walk a little more stiffly, but you won't get hit with a ton of questions like, "What happened to you?"

Many knee braces are also adjustable, and come in different sizes. Some cover a six-inch area, while others will go up your thigh and down your calf, offering more support, but very little movement. If your doctor advises you to wear this type of brace, you know you have some extensive damage.

Types of Knee Braces

Different knee problems require different knee braces. There are four main kinds of knee braces:

Functional braces. These give support to knees that have already been injured.

Prophylactic braces (pronounced: pro-fa-lack-tick). These are designed to protect knees from injuries during sports like football.

Patellofemoral braces (pronounced: pa-tell-o-fem-or-all). These help the kneecap guide smoothly over the knee joint.

Rehabilitative braces. These limit harmful knee movement while a knee is healing after an injury or surgery.

Your doctor may suggest one kind of knee brace after knee surgery.

Sometimes doctors may choose another kind of knee brace for support instead of moving forward with surgery for a torn knee ligament. You may also need one for pain in the front of your knee that isn't getting any better with your strengthening and flexibility exercises.

If you are experiencing knee pain, but aren't sure if you need knee braces, you should consult with your doctor. If you are experiencing pain when you drive, after sitting at the wheel for awhile, or if it hurts you to stand from a squatting or sitting position, you may want to conclude that something is wrong. If the pain isn't too severe, you may just have to wear knee braces for a few weeks to help the specific area heal.

Inspect Knee Braces Periodically

Knee braces often get damaged after awhile. You should inspect your brace often for wear and tear. Regular cleaning with soap and water is good for the fabric. Any exposed metal should be covered to protect others from injury. A worn-out brace should be replaced for maximum benefit.

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