Choosing the Right Knee Brace for Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common complaint that can occur at any age. It may come as a result of injury or medical condition called Osteoarthritis. Minor knee problems respond well to self-care measures such as prescribed exercises, physiotherapy and knee braces.

Possible treatment options for knee pain:

Every person with knee pain has a different problem causing the pain. And given the variety of causes of knee pain, the treatment is also different for all causes. However, the basic protocol is the same including medicines, exercises, or knee brace support.

According to recent research, the treatment of knee pain can be a combination of all three therapies. One thing to remember here is that a knee brace is not only used for treatment but also to prevent the chances of any injury causing knee pain.

The ideal knee brace for pain depends on your activity level and the type of injury you have. In this article, we will discuss some common conditions with knee pain as the major symptoms.

Conditions or Injuries Causing Knee Pain:

There are many causes of knee pain and the most common include:

– Sports Injuries

– Osteoarthritis (OA)

– Ligament injury

– Meniscal injury

– Patellar pain

– Tendinopathies

What are the different types of braces?

To deal with the various causes or conditions causing knee pain, several types of knee braces have been designed.
The types of knee braces are:

1. Knee Sleeve
2. Hinged Knee Brace
3. Patella Stabiliser

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Fitting a knee brace:

While wearing a knee brace, it is important to consider the proper fitting rules. Most knee braces these days are adjustable, however, you still need to consider some do’s and don’ts while choosing the best fit for yourself. It is a good idea to measure the circumference of your thigh and knee to allow for proper fitting of the brace. So, what do you look for to chose the right knee brace for you.

– Don’t put on a knee brace or sleeve that is too tight because it can block the blood flow in your leg resulting in extra complications. Always go with a proper fit that is not too tight and not too loose.

– Don’t wear a knee brace or sleeve too loose because the extra gap between your leg and the brace allows your leg to move inside the brace thus producing friction. This kind of friction or rubbing can lead to skin rashes and irritation over time.

– Never wear a knee brace or sleeve during bedtime because it can block your arterial or venous circulation.

– If you are wearing an elastic knee sleeve, make sure it provides enough room for the patella/kneecap to slide when you flex or extend your knee.

– If you are wearing an adjustable hinged knee brace, make sure you fasten it in the right position so that the axis of the hinge is aligned with your knee joint axis.

– It is always important to consult with your Doctor or physiotherapist for advice.

How do I know which knee brace I need?

It can be difficult to decide which brace is best for you. It is always advisable to seek professional help.

“What best supports your joint and provides comfort is the best knee brace for you.”

– The best knee brace for Osteoarthritis: For OA in the initial stage an Elastic Knee Support sleeve gives immediate pain relief as proved by research.

– The best knee brace for Ligament Injury: There are several ligaments in the knee prone to injury including Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), Collateral ligaments and Patella ligaments. A minor ligament strain can respond well to support from a elastic knee support.

– The best knee brace for Meniscus Tear: The meniscus acts as a shock absorber in the knee joint and it is commonly injured in sports that require frequent twisting of the leg. A mild meniscus tear can be helped with a simple Knee Brace. Please follow advice from your healthcare professional. We have a variety of knee braces for mild conditions right up to post operative patients.

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– The best knee brace for Patellar Pain: Patellar pain can be due to patellar tendonitis, or patellofemoral dysfunctions. For tendonitis, the ideal choice is a patella knee strap that fastens the knee joint below the patellar and offloads the patellar tendon. In the case of patellofemoral dysfunction, evidence suggests the use of a knee brace as an effective management protocol. A Knee Brace with patella stabiliser helps with the patellofemoral pain.

As usual with all knee pain conditions, always consult your Doctor and/or Physiotherapist for advice.