The knee is the largest as well as the most flexible joint in the human body. It works like a hinge supporting much of the body weight. The average person uses their knee joints over one million times a year.
The very flexibility of the knee also causes it to be less stable and as a result knees can be particularly vulnerable to injury. Fortunately, the methods of preventing and treating knee injuries have changed as modern knee braces have been developed and refined. Most individuals who use knee braces already have a knee ligament injury.
How do Knee Braces Help?
Your knee is kept in alignment by ligaments and tendons. Knee braces provide lateral support while allowing flexability and extension. Knee braces also protect against hyperextension, which is a common cause of major knee ligament injuries.
The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons states that rehabilitative and functional knee braces can be effective in many treatment programs, especially in preventing further injury to a previously injured knee by providing protection and support. Most individuals who participate in sports within a year of knee surgery will use a knee brace.
What kinds of knee braces are there? What do knee braces do?
There are four main kinds of knee braces:
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Prophylactic Knee Braces - Prophylactic knee braces are designed to prevent knee injuries in healthy athletes, especially during contact sports like football. These knee braces first gained popularity in the late 1970s when the use of prophylactic knee braces was tested in National Football League (NFL) players. Offensive and defensive linemen who are at greatest risk for injury often wear prophylactic knee braces.
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Functional Knee Braces - Functional knee braces are designed to give support to knees that have already been injured by providing control for unstable knees. They are designed to protect the knee from "giving way." These knee braces came to the attention of football players after Joe Namath used one in his successful comeback after a knee injury. Today, functional knee braces are often recommended following knee reconstructive surgery. Many individuals who wear knee braces report reduced pain and improved stability, performance, and confidence.
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Rehabilitative Knee Braces - Rehabilitative knee braces are designed to protect knees and limit harmful knee movement while a knee is healing after an injury or surgery.
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Patellofemoral Knee Braces - Patellofemoral knee braces are designed to help the kneecap move smoothly over the knee joint. These knee braces improve patellar tracking to relieve anterior knee pain. Individuals who wear patellofemoral knee braces report significant improvements in pain and knee movement.
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How are Knee Braces Used?
It's important when using a knee brace to make sure the hinges are located where the knee bends. The knee brace is fastened to the knee with straps, tapes or velcro. Poorly positioned braces can hurt rather than help you, so make sure to check the placement of the knee brace during activities to make sure that it hasn't moved.
To work well, a knee brace should be worn during all activities that put you at risk of injury to your knee. It's also important to warm up properly before beginning any athletic activity.
Knee braces often get damaged during normal use and should be inspected often for wear and tear. Most knee braces can be cleaned regular soap and water. A worn out brace, especially one with exposed metal, should immediately be replaced.
How Long Should a Knee Brace Be Used?
Knee braces no substitute for knee rehabilitation Its important to remember that you can still injure your knee even while wearing a knee brace. The best idea is to strengthen the knees through appropriate exercises, which in the long run may eliminate the need for a brace entirely. Knee braces should always be used in conjunction with a rehabilitation program that incorporates stretching, strengthening and technique improvement.
