Brace Yourself: An Effective Way to Control Knee Pain

Being the largest joint in the body, knees have always been a vulnerable area for human beings. Without healthy knees, early man could not have outrun the prey he needed to survive.

Things haven’t changed much since. Although we’ll never starve, the quality and functionality of our lives can be severely compromised if our knees become painful or inflamed, rendering us unfit and overweight if we’re unable to walk or exercise.

Fortunately, the prevention and treatment of knee pain and injuries has evolved with the development of knee braces. Whatever the reason for the pain, braces are a popular and effective way to prevent further injury and reduce inflammation.

How Do Knee Braces Help?

Knee braces act as a support for your knees. They stabilize the knee area to protect against further injury or pain. They can also realign the knee, taking pressure off damaged areas to help relieve pain and restore function.

Who Uses Knee Braces?

Many people use knee braces for many different purposes, from professional athletes and weekend warriors to people who have never played a sport in their life. Anyone who is concerned about a potential knee injury, on the job or during physical activity, can use a knee brace to minimize the chances of injury. Also, anyone experiencing pain or stiffness from a degenerative disease, such as osteoarthritis, can reduce the pain they experience with the right type of brace.

What Are the Different Types of Knee Braces?

Knee braces are made from a combination of several materials, including metal, foam, plastic, elastic material and straps. Different knee problems require different braces and ultimately you should consult a medical professional or physiotherapist to find out which is the right knee brace for you. The five main types are:

• Prophylactic (pro-fa-lack-tick). Designed to protect knees during activities such as football, running and skiing.
• Functional. Designed to provide support to injured knees.
• Rehabilitative. Designed to limit potentially harmful movement while a knee is healing after injury or surgery.
• Unloader/Offloader. Designed to provide relief to people with osteoarthritis.
• Patellofemoral. Designed to resist lateral displacement of the patella, decreasing pain.

Some braces are “off the rack”. They may allow you to adjust the support they give your knee, depending on how much you need for a certain type of activity. Custom knee braces are designed to your exact measurements by doctors and physiotherapists trained in diagnosing and treating the specific injury or condition that affects your knee.

If you have suffered a knee injury, or experience chronic knee pain, please call HealthMax Physiotherapy at 416-431-4000, or Contact Us to find a clinic near you. Your initial consultation with a knee brace specialist is free-of-charge.