Knee Supports
Why do I need one?
A support or brace provides protection and support. They prevent injury to healthy joints and support unstable joints. Some retain the heat produced by the body in a specific area and so aids healing.
Heat encourages blood vessels to dilate and so allows more blood to the injured area. The more blood that gets to the injured area, the more nutrients it will get and the faster it will heal.
Types of Knee Support and Knee Brace:
Hinged Knee Braces
A hinged knee brace contains metal reinforcements in the sides which are connected by a hinge in the middle. Some knee braces use a geared hinge system in the middle which means the pivot point of the support moves as the knee bends (because the pivot point of the knee changes as it bends) providing a more snug fit. This provides excellent lateral support to protect the medial and lateral ligaments.
What type of injuries require a hinged knee support?
Moderate knee joint injuries involving some ligament or cartilage damage, or some ligament instability would benefit from using a hinged knee brace or support. For example medial ligament sprain, lateral ligament sprain, anterior cruciate ligament sprain and posterior cruciate ligament sprain.
Stabilized Knee Supports
A stabilized knee support shown below has reinforced side panels to provide extra support over the standard knee support - again helping to provent sideways stress on the knee ligaments. Stabilized knee supports may have flexible steel springs sewn into the material at the side or may have elastic straps which wrap around the side for additional support.
A stabilized knee support will provide less lateral support for the knee joint but will often be less bulky than a full hinged knee support.
What type of injuries benefit from using a stabilized knee support?
Non specific knee pain or injuries such as tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis or patella problems can benefit from protection with a stabilized knee support. For patella problems a thicker buttress around the patella opening can give additional support.
Basic Knee Supports
A simple neoprene heat retainer will not usually have any additional springs, stays or supports. Some are open patella and have a hole for the patella to fit through. This can decreases the pressure on the kneecap or patella. A padded knee support will be closed and have additional padding over the patella to protect from knocks or minor impact as well as pressure from the ground when kneeling for long periods or landing on the knees for example in volleyball.
Use a knee support for helping to get better and protecting from injury but do not rely on it indefinitely. By wearing it too long your muscles may weaken as they will not be needed as much. If unsure always seek professional advice and use a support as part of an overall rehabilitation programme.
