Knee Brace
Your knee may be screaming with pain. You can choose to suffer through the pain until it finally subsides or you could learn to just live with it. Or you could explore alternative therapies or even surgery. Whatever you decide to do, a good knee brace can help!
A knee brace may conjure up images of metal rods, clanking metal and limited mobility, but today’s knee braces are lightweight and some weigh-in at a mere 16 ounces. Many knee braces are created using 21st century materials that make them strong, durable and effective.
A knee brace can be used for mild to moderate support. It can be made from all kinds of products, including foam, plastic, metal and elastic. Most varieties are the “clip on” kind and many are made with straps and Velcro tabs for easy fastening and adjustment. A good knee brace will support not only the kneecap but also the entire knee joint. This will give you a moderate range of motion while your knee heals from whatever is bothering it.
A knee brace can be bought from your local drug store or the nearest discount chain. The more expensive brands can be purchased at any medical supply store. Where you buy your knee brace depends on what kind you need and how many bells and whistles it comes with. Your doctor should help you decide which type of knee brace is best. Take his or her advice. Don’t mess around with your joints or you may end up with more trouble than you bargained for. Many fresh injuries require specific measures for healing to occur: your knee may have to remain stabilized or immobilized during the healing process.
A rehabilitative knee brace is also known as a Post Operative knee brace. This brace is meant to support the recovery of an injured knee. It can either be used in therapy after surgery, or while simply recovering from a knee injury.
How a Post Operative knee brace works
This brace has adjustable hinges that determine the degree to which the knee will extend or flex. These hinges facilitate healing by allowing gradual, controlled motion according to the level of knee recovery. These hinges can be totally locked to prevent knee extension or adjusted to allow a certain degree of movement.
When one undergoes surgery due to a serious knee injury, therapy is done in order to strengthen the knee to its normal functioning. This brace is used during therapy to control the extension of the knee. Since the knee is in recovery stage, it cannot flex or extend as a normal knee. Doing so will cause further damage to the ligaments especially the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). If this ligament is severely injured, it leads to surgery. Other ligaments that can be injured include: MCL, LCL, and PCL.
There are knee injuries that may not necessarily require surgery according to professional medical examination. Knee braces are used in these cases to support the knee from further damage. These braces therefore facilitate progressive healing of injured ligaments. You can therefore continue with your everyday business without worrying of your knees giving way leading to further damage.
How to choose a rehabilitative knee brace
Professional consultation is a must when getting this brace. Analysis of the injury has to be done in order to recommend the most appropriate rehabilitative brace.
This brace needs to be light in weight. An injured knee will only worsen when a heavy weight is placed on it. The brace has to be durable. This allows for effective use throughout the recovery period. The material used to make the brace needs to be breathable. It has to have user-friendly hinges that allow for adjustments according to the level of extension allowed. This brace comes in different lengths which can be adjusted to perfectly fit its user.
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