The good condition of the knee joint is important for normal movement. If there is a problem, disease or injury of the joint, musculoskeletal system, every step is accompanied by severe pain, sometimes even unbearable 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 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 use of the 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 operation after injury and surgery. Knee pads can be used both for therapy (for example, with osteoarthritis) and for the prevention of various diseases. However, you can only wear the device after appointing the attending physician, otherwise it will provoke a disruption of the blood supply to the joints and make the problem worse.
Wearing a knee brace is indicated for both the treatment and prevention of various pathologies. They are often recommended for athletes to wear to prevent injuries. The fixation device is prescribed for therapy:
- arthrosis and arthritis;
- dislocations and subluxations;
- pathologies of a rheumatic nature;
- convulsions;
- injuries and consequently joint instability.
Often, the use of a fixative is prescribed in the rehabilitation period after complex injuries or surgery.
Wearing an orthosis is recommended for the purposes of:
- discharge of the damaged knee joint. The device is recommended for people suffering from joint diseases, when every step is accompanied by unbearably painful sensations, which significantly slow down recovery;
- prevention of pathologies and injuries. The use of pillows and knee pads for sports is recommended for athletes, as well as persons working in the field of trade and construction. People suffering from overweight should wear a special elastic knee brace;
- fixation of the damaged knee joint. In this case, the use of a compression bandage is prescribed to help 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;
- movement restrictions. For this, the use of a rigid bandage is prescribed, which completely excludes any movement.
Knee pads help:
- Accelerate the healing process.
- Prevent meniscus and knee damage.
- Strengthen the damaged wrist.
- Keeping the patient in motion.
- Reducing pain.
- Improving lymph flow and blood circulation.
- Eliminate bloating.
- Minimization of inflammatory processes in the joints.
- Load reduction.
- Facilitate knee movement.
In addition, orthopedic braces are an excellent alternative to impractical casts.
What materials are the holders made of?
For the production of orthoses use a considerable amount of materials. The most popular are:
- dog fur. Used for the production of knee pads with warming effect.
- Cotton. Used to give clamps strength and elasticity.
- 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.
Knee fixing devices: varieties
There are a considerable number of models and types of this orthopedic device. They differ in the material from which they are made. Knee support 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 heat source.
Depending on the purpose of the fixing product, they are presented in the following variations.
- Bandage. Elastic corset that helps regulate the knee area, warming up and reducing the load.
- Orthosis. It has similarities to a bandage, but it is more functional.
- Caliper. Used for preventive purposes, helps maintain the knee joint, prevent injury.
- Brace. Rigid knee brace, which is used in most cases in the rehabilitation period. Assign such knee braces for osteoarthritis.
- Tutor. A device in the form of a metal rubber with a rigid fastening. Assign it after surgery or injury. For the production of such knee pads, mainly soft materials are used. This device is hypoallergenic.
- Elastic knee padding. Many popular, convenient and easy to use devices.
- Tape. Elastic adhesive tape. The task of gluing is to help reduce the load on the muscular and ligamentous apparatus.
About the knee brace in detail
Bandage on the knee joint is used to easily adjust the knee. Knee padding helps minimize the load, but at the same time, such devices do not impede movement. For the production of fastening tools, 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 to regulate the knee joint, depending on the reasons. They can be fitted with rigid ribs and inserts, silicone rings, side hinges. You can adjust the knee brace with Velcro.
The slint is a special splint, the main purpose of which is moderate or strong fixation. The device is much more convenient and practical than a plaster hanger. In addition, when using a splint instead of a cast, the duration of knee function restoration is significantly reduced.
As for the brace, the main purpose of such a knee brace is complete immobilization of the knee. The knee support is equipped with hinges that allow the patient to move without stressing the knee, as well as with neoprene-covered stiffeners, which help perform the necessary movements without damaging the meniscus. Such devices are used to fix the joint in diseases such as osteoarthritis and gonarthrosis, as well as when the meniscus is torn.
Calipas are designed for people who are actively involved in sports and those who lead an active lifestyle. Caliper helps prevent the risk of various injuries, protects and regulates not only the wrist but also the lateral muscles and ligaments, patella and meniscus.
Elastic bandage was highly valued before the advent of modern fastening devices. It is used during sports to prevent injuries as well as minimize pain.
The tape is a unique bandage equipped with a special adhesive surface. With the correct use of the product, it does not tighten the joint and does not restrict movements, but on the contrary, performs micromassage of the skin. For the production of such staples, mainly cotton is used. This product helps to minimize pain in the affected wrist, swelling and bruising.
Recommendations for choosing a knee brace
An orthosis for the knee joint is selected only by a qualified specialist and depending on the purpose of use. Knee filling should match individual knee parameters. 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 pad should fit the knee, adjust the knot, but not squeeze it. In case the product is large, it will slip, and therefore will not perform its functions.
You should only buy a bandage at a specialty store. Prices for orthoses will vary depending on the manufacturer, model and functionality of the device.
In terms of size, you can define yours this way: measure your foot just 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 go wrong with the size, be sure to measure the product before you buy.
How to care for 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 rules of operation described in the instructions.
- Do not wash the bandage in the washing machine.
- Do not iron the latch.
- Do not hang the product to dry. Lay it on a flat surface. Thus preventing the deformation and extension of the orthosis.
- Do not use additional chemicals at the time of washing.
You can use the bandage only after a doctor's prescription. If you do sports and decide to take care of the condition of the joints during exercise, 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 it only at the time of sports or exercise therapy.