Medical And Sports Knee Support Braces

KNEE BRACE · Slow shock and decompression, disperse knee pressure, improve blood circulation, protect knee from injury.
A knee brace can alleviate pain associated with arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other associated issues. These conditions become more common as we age. A knee brace unloads stress from the affected area and refers the pressure to the thigh, creating better mobility in the knee joint while reducing stiffness.
When are knee braces helpful?Will wearing a knee brace help prevent injury? Knee braces have become a common treatment option for millions of Americans, young and old, who suffer from knee pain. They are inexpensive, easy to find and comfortable to wear. But when are these contraptions really helpful?
Michael Behr, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Piedmont, says there are two main reasons to wear a knee brace:
Structural support
Pain relief
Knee braces for structural supportKnee braces are commonly prescribed by physicians for patients who have an ACL tear or some type of knee injury. The knee brace can provide added support during the recovery process.
Three types of knee braces that provide structural support include:
Functional braces. Studies have shown these types of braces provide some protection and additional stability to the knee after it has been injured.
Rehabilitative braces. These limit side-to-side and up-and-down movement of the knee while it is healing after an injury or surgery.
Prophylactic braces. These are designed to prevent injury to the knees during contact sports.
The decision to wear a structural support for the knee should be based on several factors, including:
Which ligaments are injured
What rehabilitation you have done or plan to do
The sport in which you are participating
It is always wise to consult your physician on which knee brace is right for you.
“A knee brace can help athletes through an injury by providing additional support that will allow him or her to continue with physical activity,” Dr. Behr says. “Today, many football players wear knee braces to prevent injury. Football players put an extra amount of pressure on their knees because of the sharp turns and lateral movement in this sport. All this movement can move your bones and ligaments in unnatural ways. Knee braces have proven to be a wise preventative measure in this particular sport.”
Knee braces for pain reliefOthers may find comfort and peace of mind in wearing a knee brace, especially those who suffer from osteoarthritis or chronic pain from a previous injury.
“There is no medical research that says a knee brace is a cure for knee problems, but if it helps the symptoms and provides peace of mind, it is okay,” he says.