Knee braces (also called knee pads or knee supports) have  not only become the primary protective gear to assist numerous knee joint problems but are also used to help prevent knee injuries and for support following orthopedic knee surgery. Knee braces are used extensively in sports medicine to help injured athletes. Knee braces generally fall into two categories, functional and commercial knee braces.

Functional braces have become the preferred support for people suffering from an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear, ligament damage and several other knee injuries.  They are used to take the strain from the injured part basically allowing the knee to work as it would if it wasn’t damaged.  Many people who use functional braces can continue many activities and sometimes postpone knee surgery. Functional braces do have some limitations and are not recommended for use in strenuous situations. Even though they could never be considered a  lasting alternate to the knee’s own ligaments, they can give much needed stability to the knee and in many situations provide more than adequate support, certainly being more helpful than not using a brace at all.

If you are contemplating using a functional knee brace you should firstly consult your health care professional. Whether or not to use a brace depends on several factors e.g. which ligament has been damaged, which sport the person wishes to undertake, whether any knee rehabilitation has been done and so forth.  It is important for the injured person to realise that although a functional knee brace may prevent further injury it will probably not do much to speed up the healing process of the knee.  Proper rehabilitation including knee strengthening exercises and physical therapy will never be superseded by using a knee brace.

Some athletes, however, use knee braces to help prevent injury even though there have not been any studies that show definite results that they are effective in doing this.  There does appear to be less MCL (medial collateral ligament) tears in athletes using braces even though this cannot definitely be attributed to the braces solely.  There has been some concern that using a brace to prevent injury could actually increase the risk of injury as it may reduce knee movement. Studies have disproved thistheory where the brace has been correctly and professionally fitted.

There are several commercial knee braces on the market.  Probably the best known brand is Futuro.  Their knee support is made to provide solid and comfortable support for people who have weak muscles, tendons or ligaments and help to stop any injury. With the Futuro brace knee movement is not hindered and so it does not have to be solely for use during sporting activities but can provide help anytime the user feels he or she needs a bit of extra support.

Magnetic Wave Knee Support provides support with the addition of Magnetic therapy. It is available in several sizes and has magnets sewn into the material. For treating aches, sprains and similar problems, the HoMedic Knee Support is very good as it allows the user to apply heat or cold therapy to the affected area. If knee arthritis is a problem then relief can be obtained with the Mueller Sport Care Knee Support Open Patella.  It is also helpful for minor sprains and strains. This brace is designed to retain body heat to assist lower pain. It helps preserve knee flexibility. It has an open patella and adjustable straps. It is made from stretch nylon and provides a comfortable fit and is simple to put on and remove.

There are several other types of knee braces including Tese braces that reduce pressure on the knee joints, braces for use after knee surgery to immobilise the knees and special braces for arthritic conditions.

www.orthopedickneesurgery.net

Suffering From A Hurt Knee From Running

If you believe that you can benefit from improved stability in one or both of your knees, and would like to pursue pain reduction then you should consider a knee brace today.

The Lazy Man’s Guide To Treating A Hurt Knee From Running

They also know that all it takes is for a poor warm up, plus a sudden twist, to have a serious knee injury occur. Many professional runners have a knee brace on hand, because the support that they can provide can really help reduce knee injuries.

Knee Braces For Football

Mild knee injuries generally need a simple knee sleeve to help out keep the knee warm and to remind you to keep away from movements that might bring on further pain. The next level up is a knee sleeve with uncomplicated or simple hinged knee brace.

Chronic Knee Pain Relief – Could a Knee Brace Be the Answer?

A knee brace can also help support the muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint, helping to reduce inflammation caused by conditions such as bursitis, or meniscal tears.

ACL Knee Brace

Hi everybody, I had a knee injury about 2 years ago and again last year and I was diagnosed (MRI) a full ACL rupture. I don’t heve any pain now,I can.

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Tags: brace, braces, injuries, injury, knee, ligament, orthopedic, pad, support, surgery

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