The good condition of the knee joint is important for normal movement. If there are problems, diseases or injuries of the joint, of the musculoskeletal system, each step is accompanied by intense and sometimes even unbearable pain in the knee. For the treatment of the knee joint, drugs 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 repair 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 fasteners 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 injuries and surgical interventions. Knee pads can be used both for therapy (for example with osteoarthritis) and for the prevention of various diseases. However, it is possible to 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 for both treatment and prevention of various pathologies. They are often recommended for athletes to wear to prevent injury. The device for fixation is prescribed for therapy:
- osteoarthritis and arthritis;
- dislocations and subluxations;
- pathologies of a rheumatic nature;
- sprains;
- injuries and consequent joint instability.
Often, the use of a fixative is prescribed in the rehabilitation period after complex injuries or surgical interventions.
The use of the orthosis is recommended in order to:
- discharge of the damaged knee joint. The device is recommended for people suffering from joint pathologies, when every step is accompanied by unbearable painful sensations, which significantly slow down healing;
- prevention of pathologies and injuries. The use of knee pads and sports bandages is mandatory recommended for athletes, as well as for people working in the field of trade and construction. People suffering from overweight must 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 fastener 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 movement.
Knee pads help:
- Accelerate the healing process.
- Preventing injuries to the meniscus and knee.
- Strengthen the damaged joint.
- Keep the patient moving.
- Reduce the pain.
- Improve lymph outflow and blood circulation.
- Elimination of swelling.
- Minimization of inflammatory processes in the joint.
- Load reduction.
- Facilitates knee movement.
In addition, orthopedic fixators are a great alternative to impractical plaster casts.
What material are the braces made of?
A considerable amount of materials are used for the manufacture of orthoses. The most popular are:
- Dog fur. It is used for the production of knee pads with a warming effect.
- Cotton. It is used to impart strength and elasticity to the clamps.
- Lycra, elastane, polyurethane - synthetic, elastic fabrics with high breathability.
- Neoprene. Elastic material that contributes to the 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 numerous models and types of this orthopedic device. They differ in the material they are made of. 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 fastening, they are presented in the following variants.
- Bandage. Elastic corset that helps secure the knee area, warming and reducing the load.
- Orthosis. It has similarities to a bandage, but is more functional.
- Caliber. It is used for preventive purposes, helps to maintain the knee joint, prevents damage.
- Braces. Stiff knee brace, used in most cases in the rehabilitation period. Assign such kneecaps for osteoarthritis.
- Legal guardian. A device in the shape of a metal tire with rigid attachment. Assign it after surgery or injury. For the manufacture of such knee pads mainly soft materials are used. This device is hypoallergenic.
- Elastic knee brace. Many devices that are familiar, comfortable and easy to use.
- Tape. Elastic adhesive tape. The task of taping is to help reduce the load on the muscular and ligament apparatus.
Information about the knee brace in detail
The bandage on the knee joint is used to easily fix the knee. The knee brace helps to minimize the load, but at the same time such devices do not hinder movement. For the manufacture of fastening means, 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. Such products are functional and help repair the knee joint, depending on the reasons. They can be equipped with ribs and rigid 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 comfortable and practical than a plaster splint. In addition, when using a splint instead of a plaster cast, the duration of the restoration of the functioning of the knee is significantly reduced.
As for the brace, the main purpose of this 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 lined with neoprene, which help to carry out the necessary movements without injuring the meniscus. Such devices are worn to repair 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 for those who lead an active lifestyle. The forceps helps prevent the risk of various injuries, protects and fixes not only the joint, but also the lateral muscles and ligaments, the patella and the meniscus.
The elastic bandage was highly valued before the advent of modern fasteners. It has been used during sports to prevent injury and to minimize pain.
The tape is a unique bandage 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 performs micro-massage of the skin. For the manufacture of such clamps, cotton is mainly used. This product helps minimize pain in the affected joint, swelling and bruising.
Recommendations for choosing a knee brace
A knee joint orthosis is selected only by a qualified specialist and according to the purpose of use. The knee brace must match the individual parameters of the knee. In no case is it worth choosing a device yourself, especially if there are complaints of pain. An incorrectly selected knee brace can be harmful. Ideally, the knee brace should fit the knee, secure the joint, but not squeeze it. In the event that the product is large in size, it will slip and therefore will not perform its functions.
You need to buy a bandage only in a specialized store. Prices for orthoses vary depending on the manufacturer, model and functionality of the device.
As for the size, you can determine yours like this: measure the leg a little above the knee (about fifteen centimeters). If your hip circumference is 44cm, your size is S, 44-54cm - M, 54-60cm - L, 60-67cm - XL, 67 and more - XXL.
In order not to make a mistake with the size, be sure to measure the product before purchasing.
How to take care of the 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. Spread it out on a flat surface. This prevents deformation and stretching of the orthosis.
- Do not use additional chemicals when washing.
You can use the bandage only after the doctor's prescription. If you play sports and decide to take care of the condition of the joints during exercise, it is advisable to purchase an orthosis in the presence of a trainer. Do not wear a knee brace for more than three hours a day. Wear it only during sports or physical therapy.