The use of knee brace has always been a controversial issue among health professionals and practitioners of physical activities. Its use would be justified as an attempt to reduce the occurrence of injuries to the ligaments of the knee joints without inhibiting its general mobility. The knee injuries are a big and frequent problem in sports. Athletes and sportsmen suffer a wide variety of injuries. However, people can also develop knee pain due to arthritis. There are several categories of knee braces, with different materials, shapes and colours.
Knee brace during exercises
A very common discussion among athletes is whether knee braces are really necessary for protection and performance. Knee braces do not need to be used for all weight lifting exercises. If the knee is not involved as a source of primary strength, they are not needed. However, as the intensity increases and the weights get progressively heavier, knee braces can provide additional support. You can also use it away from your workout location, at home or at work to facilitate faster recovery. Wearing knee brace is recommended to protect the knee joints.
Knee brace for osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can make you feel like your knee is about to pop out. An orthopaedic knee brace is required for managing the discomfort of osteoarthritis of the knee. This type of particular knee brace can help reduce pain by shifting the weight that would normally fall on the most damaged part of the knee. Knees brace offers stability if worn constantly. As a result, you may automatically safeguard your knee and avoid putting any additional weight on it. There are several types of immobilization devices used for knee arthritis.
Knee brace during walk
A knee brace is suggested during walk or any other exercises. However, it is not recommended to wear for healthy people. People with arthritis of any age can wear knee brace during walk. People with age above 50 (male), 40 (female), must wear knee brace during walk, as one of the best exercises to address knee pain is simply to walk. Practicing extreme warm up exercises in the morning or evening will require knee brace for extra protection of the knees. Osteoarthritis is a complex condition that affects the entire joint. The disease often affects one side of the knee more than the other.
Knee brace for discomfort in patella
The knee joint is made up of several elements – femur, tibia, patella, menisci, cartilage, and ligaments. The knee articulates thanks to the proper functioning of all of them. Pain in the anterior area of the knee can be due to various causes. This wear and tear causes the patella to slide and rub on the femur, causing pain in the area or even dislocation of the patella. The dislocation can also be outwards or inwards. A particular orthopedic knee brace significantly reduces discomfort in patella.
Knee brace for good posture
People often hunch or lean more as they age. It is problematic because poor posture shifts the body’s centre of gravity, putting additional pressure on the knees and hips. In this case, doctors recommend proper exercises and marinating a good life. But, due to knee pain (from arthritis or normal wear and tear in the ligament) we face serious challenges. Wearing knee brace regularly will significantly improves the posture, thus, excluding extra loads on your knees.
Types of knee braces
When searching the market, you will find several models and types of knee braces, and each one of them has a different indication.
Single track
This type of knee brace is very popular among weight lifters. It is a very simple piece of equipment, because it is actually just an elastic band that is placed around the knees in a spiral. This model helps prevent injuries, but it needs to be used correctly. When this does not happen, there can be an excessive pressure of the patella against the cartilage of the femur, which would cause damage to this structure.
Elastic
The elastic knee brace is the most common among athletes and people who practice physical activities with a level that varies from medium to high intensity. Its function is to support the knees to prevent injuries when they are healthy, assist in the treatment of mild to moderate injuries or alleviate symptoms of pathologies such as arthritis. The pressure promoted by the material, in conjunction with pads, shock absorbers and rods helps to stabilize the knee.
Orthosis knee brace
Of the types of orthopedic knee braces, it is the one that has a slightly more complex structure, to keep the knee aligned, avoid deviations, perform compression and limit the movement of the joint. These types of knee braces are indicated for rehabilitation. They protect ligaments and aid in recovery when there is already an injury or the person has had surgery.
