Our knees play a big part in just about every sort of physical activity we engage in. Whether walking, running, sitting down, climbing stairs or doing just about anything else, it’s amazing to think just how many times we bend and straighten our knees in a single day. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that knee pain, whether from some sort of trauma or general wear and tear, is as common as it is. While severity varies, one solution for those who are living with weakened knees is a knee brace. While different knee problems require different knee braces (i.e., a brace used while recovering from surgery is different than one used while playing sports), here are some things you might want to know:

• THE EFFECTIVENESS OF KNEE BRACES: The effectiveness of knee bracing depends on your particular situation however knee braces can provide support, help your knee heal and even be an alternative to invasive knee surgery (e.g., in some cases, an MCL/ACL tear can heal without surgery if the knee is properly supported with a brace). However, not all knee braces are created equal. Over-the-counter sleeves or braces are not the same as custom bracing. Bracing is most effective when a correct diagnosis is found with the help of a health professional and a brace is applied based on your particular situation.
• CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF BRACE: Due to the sheer number of supports available, choosing the right knee brace on your own can be a challenge. In general, there are four main kinds of knee supports. Prophylactic knee braces are designed to protect your knees from injury during contact sports and other physical activities. Functional knee braces are designed to provide support to a knee that has already been damaged. Rehabilitative knee braces limit harmful movement while a knee is healing, such as after injury or surgery. Control knee braces are designed to take pressure off of the knee joint while walking and are commonly used by people who have knee arthritis. Any of these braces can be customized to fit your exact measurements and to provide the particular support needed.

Not only are knee injuries painful and limiting, the recovery process can often be challenging. Working with a dedicated professional who understands your situation and what it takes to recover from your particular injury, including the selection of strengthening exercises and an appropriate knee brace, can be crucial to a successful recovery.

Need help with recent or nagging knee injury? Don’t hesitate to give us a call. Remember, at Physiomed…Healthier Starts Here.