Everything you need to know about knee braces

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What are knee braces used for?

The knee is a vital joint in the body. Your knees support a good part of your weight. Wearing an orthosis will help protect, stabilize and even rehabilitate your knees when their mobility is reduced and their movements are less fluid.

An orthosis or knee brace will allow you to continue your physical activities safely. It can help correct a knee problem that is limiting your mobility or that could end up affecting your health.

 

Who needs a knee brace?

A knee brace may be required in various situations. It may be prescribed following knee surgery, for example. Wearing a brace after surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a fractured tibial plateau or a ruptured quadriceps tendon will help you heal faster and regain mobility more quickly.

 

More active people who suffer from patellofemoral syndrome or ligament instability can also benefit from a knee orthosis or articulated knee brace. These devices have a stabilizing function that reduces the risk of injury.

 

A more flexible knee brace can be worn to help stabilize the patella. These lighter orthoses also compress the joint, which promotes blood flow and helps treat certain conditions, including osteoarthritis.

A knee brace has three functions:

  • It protects your knee during physical activity in case of awkward movements or weakness of the joint.
  • The brace stabilizes the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the knee and prevents them from being overstressed during activity.
  • The brace lets the knee do its job while avoiding excessive or awkward movements that can cause or aggravate an injury.

Why wear a knee brace?

Different types of knee braces

There are knee braces designed for different uses. Here are three of them.

 

Knee brace for osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis)

Orthopedic treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee significantly increases mobility. By improving the biomechanics of the knee, the brace realigns pressure on the knee and helps relieve pain in the affected area. The brace relies on the leg muscles to reduce the load on the joint. Often, this can help delay the need for knee replacement surgery.

The EVOKETM orthosis is a high-quality knee brace. It is the first one for osteoarthritis that reproduces the natural movement of the knee. It is 50% lighter than other osteoarthritis orthoses. It is available exclusively at Médicus.

 

Stability orthosis

A stability orthosis is used to stabilize the knee after ligament instability, injury or surgery. An orthosis or splint designed to improve stability increases the function of the joint during activity or rehabilitation, helping it function better.

A stability orthosis is recommended in cases where certain parts of the knee are weakened. It offers particularly crucial support after injuries like these:

  • Anterior cruciate ligament rupture
  • Meniscus tear
  • Posterior cruciate ligament rupture or sprain
  • Inner collateral ligament rupture or sprain
  • Outer collateral ligament rupture or sprain
  • Runner’s knee
  • Patellofemoral syndrome

 

Immobilizers

Immobilizers are designed to help patients recover from knee surgery. People who suffer from a knee injury or instability will also benefit from an immobilizer.

It immobilizes the knee, limiting its range of motion. This limit can be adjusted over time, depending on joint rehabilitation progress.

An immobilizer is mainly indicated in two situations:

  • Treatment of postoperative and acute knee injuries
  • Immobilization or limitation of knee movement

Since there are several types of knee braces, it is important to determine which one is best for your needs. Rigid, articulated and flexible knee braces do not all provide the same support to the joint.

Some braces are also designed for specific needs. They will more effectively relieve the pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee. They help people with neurological or muscular conditions to stand or move around.

The knee is a very complex joint. It is recommended that you see a doctor as soon as you feel any discomfort. They will point you toward the appropriate solution. They will also advise you on the proper way to wear and maintain your orthosis to avoid the discomfort that can sometimes come with prolonged wear.

Wearing your knee brace correctly

To work properly, a knee brace should be worn directly against the skin. Sometimes a flexible knee brace made of thin fabric can be inserted between the orthosis and the skin. If your knee has any injuries or wounds, keep your brace from coming into contact with these areas.

A brace should not be immersed in water, and it is important not to damage the mechanism, which could reduce its effectiveness and even lead to injury.

How to maintain your knee brace

A knee brace needs regular maintenance. Wash it quite frequently by hand with warm water and a neutral soap. Do not soak it, as this could end up damaging it. Wipe it off with a towel and let it air dry.

It is best to keep your brace away from direct heat sources as they could deform some of the device’s components.

 

Why should you maintain your brace?

Maintaining your brace is important if you want it to support your joint as efficiently as possible. Keeping the mechanism in good condition is obviously essential.

Regularly washing your knee brace will also prevent certain inconveniences that can occur over the long term. For example, some people may develop eczema from wearing an orthosis for long periods of time. In some cases, itching or an allergic reaction may occur if the orthosis is not maintained regularly and properly.

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