The good condition of the knee joint is important for normal movement. If there are any problems, diseases or injuries of the joint, musculoskeletal system, each step is accompanied by intense, and sometimes even unbearable pain in the knee. For the treatment of the knee joint, medications and the use of physiotherapy are prescribed. Care must be taken to protect it from external influences. For this, a knee brace was invented to fix the knee joint. Such devices are made of various materials, have different degrees of protection and have a wide range of applications.
Indications for using a knee brace
Such fixation devices are used not only to protect the affected joint, but also to reduce the load on it, as well as to normalize its functioning after injury and surgery. Knee pads can be used both for therapy (for example, with arthrosis) and for the prevention of various diseases. However, you can wear the device only after the appointment of the attending physician, otherwise it will provoke a violation of the blood supply to the joint and aggravate the problem.
Wearing a knee brace is indicated both for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies. They are often recommended for athletes to wear in order to prevent injury. The device for fixation is prescribed for therapy:
- arthrosis and arthritis;
- dislocations and subluxations;
- pathologies of a rheumatic nature;
- sprains;
- injuries and resulting joint instability.
Often, the use of a fixative is prescribed in the rehabilitation period after complex injuries or surgery.
Wearing an orthosis is recommended for the purpose of:
- unloading of the damaged knee joint. The device is recommended for people who suffer from joint diseases, when any step is accompanied by unbearable painful sensations, which significantly slow down recovery;
- prevention of pathologies and injuries. The use of knee pads and bandages for sports is mandatory recommended to athletes, as well as people who work in the field of trade and construction. People suffering from excess weight need to wear a special elastic knee brace;
- fixation of the injured knee joint. In this case, the use of a compression bandage is prescribed to help prevent further damage to the knee or meniscus, reduce severe pain and swelling. In this case, the fixation device is a kind of additional stabilizer for the joint;
- movement restrictions. For this, the use of a rigid bandage is prescribed, which completely excludes any movements.
Knee pads help:
- Speeding up the healing process.
- Prevent injury to the meniscus and knee.
- Strengthening the damaged joint.
- Keeping the patient moving.
- Reducing pain.
- Improving the outflow of lymph and blood circulation.
- Elimination of puffiness.
- Minimization of inflammatory processes in the joint.
- Load reduction.
- Facilitate knee movement.
In addition, orthopedic fixators are an excellent alternative to impractical plaster casts.
What materials are braces made of?
For the manufacture of orthoses use a considerable amount of materials. The most popular are:
- Dog's fur. Used for the manufacture of knee pads with a warming effect.
- Cotton. It is used to give the clamps strength and elasticity.
- Lycra, elastane, polyurethane - synthetic, elastic fabrics with high breathability.
- Neoprene. Elastic material that contributes to excellent fixation of the knee joint. These knee pads are easy to care for. In addition, they have a warming effect.
Devices for fixing the knee: varieties
There are a considerable number of models and types of this orthopedic device. They differ in the material from which they are made. The knee brace can be open or closed, flexible or rigid. In addition, knee pads for the knee joint can be equipped with hinges, metal inserts, magnetic plates, silicone rings and even an infrared heating source.
Depending on the purpose of the product for fixation, they are presented in the following variations.
- Bandage. Elastic corset that helps to fix the knee zone, warming and reducing the load.
- Orthosis. It has similarities with a bandage, but is more functional.
- Caliper. It is used for preventive purposes, helps to maintain the knee joint, prevent damage.
- Brace. Rigid knee brace, which is used in most cases in the rehabilitation period. Assign such kneecaps for arthrosis.
- Tutor. A device in the form of a metal tire with a rigid fixation. It is prescribed after surgery or in case of injury. For the manufacture of such knee pads, mainly soft materials are used. This device is hypoallergenic.
- Elastic knee pad. Many familiar device, convenient and easy to use.
- Tape. Elastic adhesive tape. The task of taping is to help reduce the load on the muscular and ligamentous apparatus.
About knee brace in detail
The bandage on the knee joint is used to easily fix the knee. The knee pad helps to minimize the load, but at the same time, such devices do not hinder movement. For the manufacture of means for fixation, cotton, synthetics and knitwear are used.
An orthosis is somewhat similar to a bandage. The main difference is the presence of additional elements in the first one. Such products are functional and help to fix the knee joint, depending on the reasons. They can be equipped with rigid ribs and inserts, silicone rings, side hinges. You can fix the knee brace with Velcro.
The splint is a special splint, the main purpose of which is moderate or hard fixation. The device is much more convenient and practical than a plaster splint. In addition, when using a splint instead of a plaster cast, the duration of restoration of the functioning of the knee is significantly reduced.
As for the brace, the main purpose of such a knee brace is the complete immobilization of the knee. The knee brace is equipped with hinges that allow the patient to move without stressing the knee, as well as stiffeners covered with neoprene, which help to carry out the necessary movements without injuring the meniscus. Such devices are worn to fix the joint in diseases such as osteoarthritis and gonarthrosis, as well as when the meniscus is torn.
The calipers are designed for people who are actively involved in sports and those who lead an active lifestyle. The caliper helps to prevent the risk of various injuries, protect and fix not only the joint, but also the lateral muscles and ligaments, the patella and the meniscus.
The elastic bandage was held in high esteem before the advent of modern fixing devices. It has been used during sports to prevent injury as well as to minimize pain.
Tape is a unique bandage equipped with a special adhesive surface. With the correct use of the product, it does not pinch the joint and does not constrain movements, but on the contrary, it performs micro-massage of the skin. For the manufacture of such clamps, mainly cotton is used. This product helps to minimize pain in the affected joint, swelling and bruising.
Tips for choosing a knee brace
An orthosis for the knee joint is selected only by a qualified specialist and depending on the purpose of use. The knee pad must match the individual parameters of the knee. In no case is it worth choosing a device on your own, especially if there are complaints of pain. An incorrectly selected knee brace can be harmful. Ideally, the knee pad should fit the knee, fix the joint, but not squeeze it. In the event that the product is large, it will slip, and therefore will not perform its functions.
You need to buy a bandage only in a specialized store. Prices for orthoses will vary depending on the manufacturer, model and functionality of the device.
As for the size, you can determine yours like this: measure your leg a little above the knee (about fifteen centimeters). If the hip circumference is 44 cm, then your size is S, 44-54 cm - M, 54-60 cm - L, 60-67 cm - XL, 67 and more - XXL.
In order not to be mistaken with the size, be sure to measure the product before purchasing.
How to care for your knee brace
In order for the orthopedic knee brace to serve you for a long time and not lose its therapeutic and preventive properties, you need to take care of it and follow the operating rules prescribed in the instructions.
- Do not wash the bandage in the washing machine.
- Do not iron the latch.
- Do not hang the product to dry. Lay it out on a flat surface. So you prevent deformation and stretching of the orthosis.
- Do not use additional chemicals at the time of washing.
The bandage can only be used after a doctor's prescription. If you go in for sports and decide to take care of the condition of the joints during exercise, then it is advisable to buy an orthosis in the presence of a trainer. Do not wear a knee brace for more than three hours a day. Wear it only at the time of sports or exercise therapy.