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What part of the body is both crucial for mobility and incredibly sensitive to pain?
That’s right, the knees.
Usually, treatment for knee pain begins with a combination of physical therapy (PT) and knee support. Each type of knee brace is designed to address a specific knee problem.
For a list of some of the more common knee problems and the general type of knee brace used for each, we spoke with Dr. Greg Minnis, physiotherapist at Excel Physical Therapy in New Jersey.
To narrow our list, we’ve looked at the most common knee problems and injuries, supportive treatments, braces on the market, and user experience.
To begin with, Minnis defines the following types of knee pads for reference:
- Sleeve style suspenders slip over your knee like a sleeve.
- Strap-style suspenders stabilize the knee with low profile straps that fit under clothing.
- Wraparound straps use two straps that wrap around the knee.
- Unloading spacers are specially designed to relieve the knee joint.
- Open patellar braces have a hole for the kneecap (kneecap) to sit on.
The knees are one of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis, which is the wear and tear of the protective cartilage at the ends of your bones.
“Depending on the severity of the arthritis, a variety of braces can be used,” says Minnis. “Mild osteoarthritis may only require a soft splint or sleeve-style splint, while people with moderate to severe osteoarthritis may benefit from a relief splint, which relieves the arthritic side of the joint. knee. “
Best knee brace for osteoarthritis
DonJoy Advantage Deluxe Elastic Knee
- Price: $
- Brace Type: Handle
- Pro: Added support.
- Inconvenience : Partial irritation of the skin caused by the materials of the corset, especially if you have sensitive skin.
This elastic knit compression knee brace features mid and side stabilizers. Cutout opening adds support to the knee and kneecap. It is designed to be lighter, which can also make it discreet, breathable and comfortable. So, it’s probably best for people with mild arthritis who just need a little extra support.
Sizes are available in small, medium, large and extra large.
He received good marks on Amazon (4.3 out of 5 stars), with customers reporting that the additional support has kept them going.
Particularly common in athletes, patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap is damaged as a result of injury or overuse.
“Typically, this problem doesn’t require a stiff brace or too much support,” Minnis says. “An open patella splint, wrap-around splint, or knee brace can help a person with this problem.”
Best knee brace for patellofemoral pain syndrome
McDavid / Double Wrap Knee Support
- Price: $$
- Brace Style: To wrap up
- Pro: Can significantly help relieve pain.
- Inconvenience : Some people may find that the velcro irritates the skin.
This double jacket is designed to be light and flexible. It can provide good support for people with pain under the kneecap.
Designed for comfort, the thinner neoprene material is perforated to allow for more breathability and fit. The first set of Velcro wraparound wings regulate muscle compression, while the second is intended to isolate and stabilize the kneecap.
The splint is available in small, medium or large. It received 5 star reviews on McDavid’s website and 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers report that they love the versatility and “cuddly” support of the straps.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most important parts of the knee joint due to its stabilizing role. When a sprain or tear occurs, usually from sports activity, it can cause severe pain and instability in the knee.
“A person with an ACL injury or after an ACL reconstruction will usually receive a rigid hinged brace from their doctor,” says Minnis. “These orthotics may or may not be locked to limit knee mobility.”
Best knee brace for an ACL sprain or tear
DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee Pad
- Price: $$$
- Brace Style: Envelope, hinged
- Pro: May improve function and may allow faster return to activity or sport.
- Inconvenience : If a brace severely restricts movement, muscle atrophy and stiffness can occur.
This knee brace combines bilateral hinges with breathable compression fabric designed to minimize skin irritation and discomfort.
There is a hole on the kneecap for support and on the back of the knee to prevent friction burns. It is available in six sizes, ranging from small to 2X-large.
Rated 4 stars on Amazon, customers love the light but supportive feel. Some report a problem finding the right size or a comfortable fit.
Knee tendonitis, common in runners and other athletes, occurs when the tendon connecting the tibia to the kneecap becomes inflamed. Runner’s knee syndrome and patellofemoral pain can occur when your kneecap has deviated from the patellar crease.
“This problem is often helped by a strap-style splint,” says Minnis. He explains that “the strap helps compress the patellar tendon and aims to relieve stress on the tendon.”
Best knee brace for patellar tendonitis
Bauerfeind GenuPoint Knee Brace
- Price: $$
- Brace Style: Webbing
- Pro: May help reduce swelling.
- Inconvenience : May restrict movement and cause skin irritation.
This strap can help reduce the strain on the patellar tendon. It is specially designed for people who practice running and jumping sports.
The lightweight fabric is designed for freedom of movement. The pads integrated into the strap can stimulate the patellar tendon and provide targeted compression.
It received 4 stars on Amazon. Most customers report excellent support, but some express frustration with how difficult it is to put the strap on.
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the tibia (tibia) and the femur (femur). A meniscus tear is a common injury.
“Someone with a meniscus injury is looking to reduce excessive movement of the knee joint while still allowing maximum function,” says Minnis. “Depending on the severity of the injury, one of the braces mentioned above may be helpful.”
Best knee brace for meniscus injury
Pro-Tec Athletics Articulated Knee Support
- Price: $$
- Brace Style: Envelope, hinged
- Pro: An unloading splint can prevent an injury from getting worse.
- Inconvenience : Restricted movement can cause stiffness.
Think of this as an alternative to an unloading rack. An unloading splint from a reputable company can cost $ 350 or more and can sometimes restrict movement beyond what’s comfortable, so it may be best to try a slightly less technical splint first.
A typical articulated orthosis, like this one from Pro-Tec, provides dual axis hinges for improved stability while allowing full range of motion.
It comes in two sizes, medium and large. Customers on Amazon report less pain and ease of use. Some customers felt it was too tough and resulted in uncomfortable wear.
When choosing a knee brace, it’s important to find one that offers adequate support without being too bulky.
“A person with mild knee pain does not need a large articulated knee brace which will severely restrict movement. They would benefit more from a compression sleeve or a soft orthosis that would provide some support but not restrict mobility too much, ”says Minnis.
Often times, this delicate balance requires a bit of trial and error, but the guide above is a good place to start.
Minnis, who has advanced training in manual extremity therapy treatment, running gait analysis and orthopedic rehabilitation, says knee pads and supports are just one tool among many for knee problems.
Other treatment options may include:
Here are some answers to common questions about using a knee brace.
When should i wear a knee brace?
“If you sit for long periods of time or only walk short distances at home, you should remove the knee brace because you probably don’t need to put it on,” says Minnis.
“People with degenerative disease, such as osteoarthritis of the knee, may find it helpful to wear a knee brace when you’re more active, play sports, or stand for long periods of time,” he says.
Wear your knee brace when you need to stand for long periods of time or perform simple tasks that can irritate or destabilize your knee, such as bending or twisting. Use your knee brace for any activity where you need support with your stability.
Can I wear a knee brace at night?
“As a general rule, you shouldn’t wear a knee brace at night,” says Minnis. “However, post-surgical patients may be instructed by their surgeon to wear a splint overnight to limit unwanted movement.”
How long do I have to wear a knee brace?
“If the splint is useful and allows you to keep doing what you love, then you should keep wearing the splint indefinitely,” says Minnis, adding that the splint can be used concurrently with physical therapy.
What else can I do other than wear a knee brace?
Physiotherapy improves strength, range of motion, and gait quality while reducing soft tissue tension, Minnis explains.
“Treatment with PT, as well as the brace, can be very helpful in reducing pain and improving overall function,” he says.
Will a knee brace weaken my knee?
Minnis says, “Unless you use a brace that significantly restricts your movement or provides rigid support, the muscles around your knee are not going to weaken. In fact, if wearing a knee brace allows you to be more active / resume exercising or walking, then your strength is likely to improve.
Keep in mind that everyone is different. In some cases, wearing a knee brace may cause you not to use the muscles that support your knee as much as you should. This in turn can make you rely on your knee brace for stability instead of muscles like your quads.
Your best bet is to speak with your physiotherapist about strengthening your legs and using a knee brace.
Knee pads may be a low risk option for reducing knee pain and improving function.
Fortunately, the joint knee brace offers an accessible, affordable and effective intervention for many knee problems.
Johanna Sorrentino is a writer, editor and traveler. His appetite for stimulating information and great storytelling is matched only by his appetite for cheese and chocolate. Learn more about her on johannasorrentino.com.
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