Good condition of the knee joint is important for normal movement. If there are problems, diseases or injuries of the joint, musculoskeletal system, each step is accompanied by intense, and sometimes unbearable knee pain. Medications and the use of physiotherapy are prescribed to treat the knee joint. Care must be taken to protect against external influences. For this, a knee brace was invented to fix the knee joint. Such devices are made of different materials, have different degrees of protection and wide application.
Indications for the use of knee braces
Such fixing devices are used not only to protect the affected joint, but also to reduce the load on it, as well as to normalize its functioning after injury and surgery. Knee pads can be used both for therapy (for example, in osteoarthritis), and for the prevention of various diseases. However, you can wear the device only after a doctor's appointment, otherwise it will cause a violation of blood flow to the joint and worsen the problem.
Wearing knee braces is indicated for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies. Athletes are often advised to wear them to prevent injuries. The fixation device is prescribed for therapy:
- arthrosis and arthritis;
- dislocations and subluxations;
- pathologies of rheumatic nature;
- sprains;
- injuries and resulting joint instability.
Often the use of fixatives is prescribed during the rehabilitation period after complex injuries or surgery.
Wearing an orthosis is recommended for the purpose of:
- relief of a damaged knee joint. The device is recommended for people who suffer from joint diseases, when every step is accompanied by unbearable painful feelings, which significantly slow down recovery;
- prevention of pathologies and injuries. The use of knee pads and bandages for sports is definitely recommended for athletes, as well as for people working in the field of trade and construction. People who suffer from excess weight must wear a special elastic knee brace;
- fixation of the injured knee joint. In this case, the use of a compression bandage is prescribed to prevent further damage to the knee or meniscus, reduce severe pain and swelling. In this case, the fixation device is a kind of additional stabilizer for the joint;
- movement restrictions. For that, the use of a rigid bandage is prescribed, which completely excludes any movements.
Knee pads help:
- Accelerate the healing process.
- Prevent meniscus and knee injuries.
- Strengthening the damaged joint.
- Maintaining patient movement.
- Pain reduction.
- Improving lymph outflow and blood circulation.
- Swelling removal.
- Minimizing inflammatory processes in the joint.
- Load reduction.
- Facilitate knee movement.
In addition, orthopedic fixators are a great alternative to impractical plaster bandages.
What materials are dentures made of?
A significant amount of material is used to make orthoses. The most popular are:
- Dog fur. It is used to make knee pads with a warming effect.
- Cotton. It is used to give the clamps strength and elasticity.
- Lycra, elastane, polyurethane - synthetic, elastic fabrics of high breathability.
- Neoprene. Elastic material that contributes to excellent fixation of the knee joint. These knee pads are easy to maintain. In addition, they have a warming effect.
Knee fixing devices: varieties
There are a large number of models and types of this orthopedic device. They differ in the material from which they are made. The knee prosthesis can be open or closed, flexible or rigid. In addition, knee pads for the knee joint can be equipped with hinges, metal inserts, magnetic plates, silicone rings, and even an infrared heating source.
Depending on the purpose of the fixing product, they are presented in the following variations.
- Bandage. Elastic corset that helps to fix the knee area, warming up and reducing the load.
- Orthosis. It bears a resemblance to a bandage, but is more functional.
- Caliper. It is used for preventive purposes, helps maintain the knee joint, prevents damage.
- Brace. A hard knee brace, which is used in most cases during the rehabilitation period. Assign such knee caps for osteoarthritis.
- Teacher. Device in the form of a metal rubber with rigid fixation. Assign it after surgery or injury. For the production of such knee pads, mostly soft materials are used. This device is hypoallergenic.
- Elastic knee protector. Many famous devices, practical and easy to use.
- Tape. Elastic adhesive tape. The task of taping is to help reduce the load on the muscular and ligament apparatus.
Details about the knee brace
The bandage on the knee joint serves to easily fix the knee. The knee pad helps to reduce the load, but at the same time such devices do not interfere with movement. Cotton, synthetics and knitwear are used for the production of fixing agents.
The orthosis is somewhat similar to a bandage. The main difference is the presence of additional elements in the first. Such products are functional and help to fix the knee joint, depending on the reasons. They can be equipped with solid ribs and inserts, silicone rings, side hinges. You can fix the knee prosthesis with Velcro tape.
A splint is a special splint whose main purpose is moderate or hard fixation. The device is much more practical and convenient than a plaster splint. In addition, when a splint is used instead of a cast, the duration of restoration of knee function is significantly reduced.
As for prostheses, the main purpose of such a knee brace is complete immobilization of the knee. The knee prosthesis is equipped with hinges that allow the patient to move without straining the knee, as well as neoprene-covered fasteners that help perform the necessary movements without injuring the meniscus. Such devices are used to fix the joint in diseases such as osteoarthritis and gonarthrosis, as well as in meniscus rupture.
The jaws are designed for people who are actively involved in sports and those who lead an active lifestyle. The caliper helps prevent the risk of various injuries, protects and fixes not only the joint, but also the lateral muscles and ligaments, the patella and the meniscus.
The elastic bandage was highly valued before the advent of modern fixation devices. It is used during sports to prevent injuries as well as to reduce pain.
The tape is a unique bandage equipped with a special adhesive surface. With the correct use of the product, it does not tighten the joint and does not restrict movements, but on the contrary, it performs micromassage of the skin. Cotton is mainly used for the production of such clamps. This product helps to minimize pain in the affected joint, swelling and bruising.
Recommendations for choosing a knee brace
The knee orthosis is selected only by a qualified specialist and depending on the purpose of use. The knee pad must match the individual knee parameters. In no case is it worth choosing a device yourself, especially if there are complaints of pain. Wrongly chosen knee brace can be harmful. Ideally, the knee pad should fit the knee, fix the joint, but not squeeze it. In case the product is large, it will slip and therefore will not perform its functions.
You only need to buy the bandage at a specialty store. The prices of orthoses will vary depending on the manufacturer, model and functionality of the device.
As for the size, you can determine yours like this: measure the leg a little above the knee (about fifteen centimeters). If the circumference of the hips is 44 cm, then your size is S, 44-54 cm - M, 54-60 cm - L, 60-67 cm - XL, 67 and more - XXL.
In order not to make a mistake with the size, be sure to measure the product before buying.
How to take care of a knee brace
In order for the knee orthopedic device to serve you for a long time and not lose its therapeutic and preventive properties, you must take care of it and adhere to the rules of operation prescribed in the instructions.
- Do not wash the bandage in the washing machine.
- Do not iron the cut.
- Do not hang the product to dry. Lay it on a flat surface. This will prevent the orthosis from deforming and stretching.
- Do not use additional chemicals during washing.
You can use the bandage only with a doctor's prescription. If you do sports and decide to take care of the condition of your joints during exercise, then it is recommended to buy an orthosis in the presence of a coach. Do not wear a knee brace for more than three hours a day. Wear it only while playing sports or exercising.