The good condition of the knee joint is important for normal movement. If there are any problems, diseases or injuries of the joints, musculoskeletal system, each step is accompanied by intense and sometimes even unbearable pain in the knee. Drugs and the use of physiotherapy are prescribed to treat the knee joint. Care must be taken to protect against external influences. For this, a knee brace was invented to fix the knee joint. Such devices are made of different materials, have different degrees of protection and have a wide range of applications.
Indications for the use of a knee brace
Such fixing 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 in osteoarthritis) 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 will aggravate the problem.
Wearing a knee brace is indicated for both treatment and prevention of various pathologies. Athletes are often advised to wear to prevent injuries. The fixation device is prescribed for therapy:
- arthrosis and arthritis;
- dislocations and subluxations;
- rheumatic pathologies;
- sprains;
- injuries and the resulting instability of the joints.
Often the use of a retainer is prescribed during the rehabilitation period after complex injuries or surgery.
Wearing an orthosis is recommended in order to:
- unloading of the damaged knee joint. The device is recommended for people suffering from joint diseases, when each step is accompanied by unbearable painful sensations that significantly slow down recovery;
- prevention of pathologies and injuries. The use of knee pads and bandages for sports is mandatory for athletes, as well as for people working in the field of trade and construction. People who are overweight should wear a special elastic knee;
- fixation of the damaged knee joint. In this case, the use of a compression bandage is prescribed to prevent further damage to the knee or meniscus, to reduce severe pain and swelling. In this case, the fixing device is a kind of additional stabilizer for the joint;
- traffic restrictions. For this, the use of a hard bandage is prescribed, which completely excludes any movements.
Knee pads help:
- Accelerate the healing process.
- Prevent injury to the meniscus and knee.
- Strengthening the damaged joint.
- Keeping the patient moving.
- Pain reduction.
- Improving lymph flow and blood circulation.
- Eliminate puffiness.
- Minimization of inflammatory processes in the joint.
- Load reduction.
- Facilitate the movement of the knee.
In addition, orthopedic fixators are an excellent alternative to impractical plaster castings.
What materials are the braces made of?
A significant amount of material is used for the production of orthoses. The most popular are:
- The dog's fur. Used for the production of knee pads with a warming effect.
- Cotton. Used to give strength and elasticity to the brackets.
- 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.
Knee fixation devices: variants
There are a significant number of models and types of this orthopedic device. They differ in the material from which they are made. The knee can be open or closed, flexible or rigid. In addition, knee braces can be equipped with hinges, metal inserts, magnetic plates, silicone rings and even a source of infrared heating.
Depending on the purpose of the fixing product, they are presented in the following variations.
- Bandage. Elastic corset that helps to fix the knee area, warming and reducing the load.
- Orthosis. There are similarities with a bandage, but it is more functional.
- caliper. Used for preventive purposes, helps maintain the knee joint, prevents injury.
- Bracket. Hard knee, which is used in most cases in the rehabilitation period. Assign such knee pads for osteoarthritis.
- Teacher. Device in the form of a metal rubber with a rigid fixation. Assign it after surgery or injury. Soft materials are mainly used for the production of such knee pads. This device is hypoallergenic.
- Elastic knee pad. Very 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 ligament apparatus.
For the knee in more detail
The knee bandage is used to easily fix the knee. The knee pad helps to minimize the load, but at the same time such devices do not interfere with movement. Cotton, synthetics and knitwear are used for the production of fixatives.
The 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 to fix the knee joint, depending on the cause. 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 whose main purpose is moderate or rigid fixation. The device is much more convenient and practical than the gypsum rail. In addition, when a splint is used instead of a plaster cast, the duration of recovery of knee function is significantly reduced.
As for the brace, the main purpose of such a knee is complete immobilization of the knee. The knee is equipped with hinges that allow the patient to move without straining the knee, as well as amps covered with neoprene, which help to perform 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 in rupture of the meniscus.
Subblemers are designed for people who are active in sports and those who lead an active lifestyle. The caliper 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 revered before the advent of modern fixation devices. It is used during sports to prevent injuries as well as to minimize pain.
The tape is a unique bandage equipped with a special adhesive surface. When used correctly, the product does not pinch the joint and does not restrict movement, on the contrary, it performs micromassage of the skin. For the production of such brackets is used mainly cotton. This product helps to minimize pain in the affected joint, swelling and bruising.
Recommendations for choosing a knee brace
A knee brace is chosen only by a qualified specialist and depending on the purpose of use. The knee pad must correspond to the individual parameters of the knee. In no case is it worth choosing a stand-alone device, especially if there are complaints of pain. An incorrectly chosen knee brace can be harmful. Ideally, the knee pad should fit the knee, fix the joint, but not press on it. If the product is large, it will slip out and therefore will not perform its functions.
You should only buy a bandage at a specialty store. The prices of orthoses will vary depending on the manufacturer, model and functionality of the device.
As for the size, you can define yours as follows: measure your leg just above the knee (about fifteen centimeters). If the circumference of the hips is 44 cm, then your size is S, 44-54 cm - M, 54-60 cm - L, 60-67 cm - XL, 67 and more - XXL.
To avoid making a mistake with the size, be sure to measure the product before buying.
How to take care of your knee
In order for the orthopedic knee brace to serve you for a long time and not lose its therapeutic and preventive properties, you must take care of it and follow the rules of operation prescribed in the instructions.
- Do not wash the dressing in the washing machine.
- Do not iron the lock.
- Do not hang the product to dry. Place it on a flat surface. This prevents the orthosis from deforming and stretching.
- Do not use additional chemicals during washing.
You can only use the dressing after a doctor's prescription. If you do sports and decide to take care of the condition of the joints during training, then it is advisable to buy an orthosis in the presence of a coach. Do not wear a knee brace for more than three hours a day. Wear it only during sports or training therapy.