Good knee joint condition is important for normal movement. If there are any problems, diseases or injuries to the joints, musculoskeletal system, each step is accompanied by intense, and sometimes 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 outside influences. For this, knee braces have been created to improve the knee joint. Such devices are made of various materials, have different levels of protection and have a wide range of applications.
Instructions 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 function after injury and surgery. Knee pads can be used 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 trigger a violation of blood supply to the joints and exacerbate the problem.
Wearing a knee brace is indicated for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies. They are often recommended to be worn by athletes to prevent injury. Devices for fixation prescribed for therapy:
- arthrosis and arthritis;
- dislocation and subluxation;
- pathology of a rheumatic nature;
- sprained;
- injury and resulting in joint instability.
Often, fixative use is prescribed during the recovery period after a complex injury or surgery.
Wearing an orthosis is recommended for the purpose of:
- unloading a damaged knee joint. This device is recommended for people suffering from joint disease, when any step is accompanied by an unbearable painful sensation, which significantly slows down recovery;
- pathology and injury prevention. The use of knee pads and bandages for sports is mandatory recommended to athletes, as well as people working in the field of trade and construction. People who are overweight should wear special elastic knee braces;
- 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, reducing severe pain and swelling. In this case, the fixing device is a kind of additional stabilizer for the joint;
- restriction of movement. For this, the use of rigid bandages is prescribed, which in no way excludes any movement.
Knee pads help:
- Accelerates the healing process.
- Prevents injuries to the meniscus and knees.
- Strengthens damaged joints.
- Keep the patient moving.
- Reduces pain.
- Improves lymph outflow and blood circulation.
- Elimination of swelling.
- Minimizes the inflammatory process in the joints.
- Load reduction.
- Facilitates knee movement.
In addition, orthopedic fixators are an excellent alternative to impractical plaster castings.
What material are brackets made of?
For the manufacture of orthoses use a large number of materials. The most popular are:
- Dog fur. It is used for the manufacture of knee pads with a warming effect.
- Cotton. It is used to provide strength and elasticity of the clamp.
- Lycra, elastane, polyurethane - synthetic, elastic fabrics with high breathability.
- Neoprene. Elastic material that contributes to the excellent fixation of the knee joint. This knee pad is easy to care for. In addition, they have a warming effect.
Devices for correcting the knee: types
There are a large number of models and types of these orthopedic devices. 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 knee joints 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, it is presented in the following variations.
- bandages. Elastic corsets that help improve the knee zone, warm up and reduce strain.
- Orthosis. It has similarities to a bandage, but is more functional.
- Caliper. It is used for preventive purposes, helps maintain the knee joint, prevents damage.
- brackets. Rigid knee braces, used in most cases during the recovery period. Set the kneecap in such a way for arthrosis.
- Tutor. Device in the form of metal tires with rigid fixing. Fix it after surgery or injury. For the manufacture of such knee pads, mainly soft materials are used. This device is hypoallergenic.
- Elastic knee pads. Lots of common, simple and easy -to -use devices.
- Pita. Elastic adhesive tape. The job of recording is to help reduce the load on the muscular apparatus and ligaments.
About knee braces in detail
Bandages on the knee joint are used to repair the knee easily. Knee pads help minimize load, but at the same time, such devices do not impede movement. For the manufacture of tools for fixing, cotton, synthetics and knitwear are used.
Orthoses are somewhat similar to bandages. The main difference is the presence of additional elements in the first. Such products work and help repair 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.
Splints are special splints, the main purpose of which is simple or hard fixing. This device is much more convenient and practical than a plaster splint. In addition, when using a splint instead of a plaster cast, the recovery period of knee function is significantly reduced.
For braces, the main purpose of such a knee brace is 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 a hardener covered with neoprene, which helps perform the necessary movements without injuring the meniscus. Such devices are used to repair joints in diseases such as osteoarthritis and gonarthrosis, as well as when the meniscus is torn.
The caliper is designed for people who are actively involved in sports and those who lead an active lifestyle. Calipers help prevent the risk of various injuries, protect and repair not only the joints, but also the muscles and ligaments of the sides, patella and meniscus.
The elastic bandage was highly regarded before the advent of modern fixing devices. It has been used during sports to prevent injuries as well as reduce pain.
The tape is a unique wrap that comes with a special adhesive surface. With proper use of the product, it does not pinch the joints and does not restrict movement, but instead, it does a micro massage on the skin. For the manufacture of such clamps, mainly cotton is used. This product helps reduce pain in affected joints, swelling and bruising.
Suggestions for choosing a knee brace
Orthoses for the knee joint are selected only by qualified specialists and depend on the purpose of use. The knee pads must match the individual parameters of the knee. However, it is not worth choosing the device yourself, especially if there are complaints of pain. Wrongly chosen knee braces can be dangerous. Ideally, the knee pad should fit the knee, fix the joint, but not squeeze it. If the product is large, it will slip, and therefore will not perform its function.
You need to buy bandages only in specialty stores. Prices for orthoses will vary depending on the manufacturer, model and functionality of the device.
As for size, you can define yourself like this: measure your feet slightly 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 buying.
How to take care of your knee braces
In order for an 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 set out in the instructions.
- Do not wash the bandage in the washing machine.
- Do not iron the latch.
- Do not hang the product until dry. Place it on a flat surface. So you prevent deformation and stretching of the orthosis.
- Do not use additional chemicals while washing.
You can use the bandage only after a doctor's prescription. If you go 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 trainer. Do not wear knee braces for more than three hours a day. Wear only during sports or exercise therapy.