Knee supports and braces (page 1)
See this page for "elastic knee supports" and "hinged knee braces".
And Knee supports page 2 for Knee bands (above and below the knee), dual action bands, wraps, sports supports and splints.
The knee joint is one of the hardest "worked" joints of the body and it can suffer from many different kinds of injury, strains and stresses. As a result there are many different kinds of supports and braces from those aimed at recuperation from injury and surgery, to those intended for preventative and protective use in sport and everyday life.
Knee supports range from flexible fabric sleeves to multi point mechanical braces that work and look like science fiction exoskeletons. If you have a knee injury you should consult your doctor or occupational therapist for advice on which type of support will be the most advantageous solution for your injury.
Elastic knee support
The most basic knee support is one made from a breathable elasticized material with a multi directional weave that
offers both support and full freedom of movement. This kind of support will be sleeve like in appearance and it will extend from the lower part of the thigh to the upper part of the shin. The sleeve will encapsulate the knee joint and surrounding tendons. It will be larger, but similar in appearance to an elbow support.
Some supports of this kind often have an open section at the front of the knee and they are secured with an adhesive strap or hook and loop (Velcro) fasteners.
Elastic knee supports can be effective when used for mild medial and lateral ligament sprains, mild patellofemoral pain, meniscal injuries and general knee instability. Many who participate in sport feel an added sense of security and joint stability when wearing this kind of knee support.
These elasticized knee supports are re-usable and washable.
Hinged knee brace
There are many different hinged knee brace products and all are aimed at doing the same thing. Where these braces differ from the elastic supports (describe above) is in the range of movement that they allow (or restrict) the knee joint to make.
Whilst a standard sleeve type support potentially allows an almost unlimited range of movements, the twin hinges used in this type of brace restrict lateral movements to ensure that the joint only bends in only one alignment. Simply put, these braces are designed to make sure that the knee can only bend in the correct way.
This stability is further enhanced because the brace also helps to hold the joint in place keeping the socket tight. It does all of these things by acting like an exoskeleton around the knee joint and in so doing it adds strength and support to the knee and the structure of tendons and ligaments that enable it function.
Hinged knee braces vary significantly in price, construction and the ability to mechanically set restrictions on joint movement. They come in different sizes (which require you to obtain a fitting measurement) and either a left or right leg option. The frame can be made of a number of materials, aluminium being one example. Many have a Patella Donut at the front and customized fitting is achieved with two or more straps, one above and one below the knee. Most have a four point leverage system and removing the uprights enables washing.
The most expensive braces offer flexion and extension control and are made from aircraft quality aluminium. They can have coatings that make them waterproof and resistant to sulphates (salts) and they may have liners and comfort pads. Pin stop mechanisms allow the user to control the amount of flexion available to the joint which can be important during recuperation from surgery or injury.
Conditions that can benefit from a hinged knee brace
Hinged knee braces "can" be used to treat or protect the knee after injuries (or degeneration) to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), chondromalacia (cartilage softening or degeneration), patella Tendonitis (inflammation of the kneecap's tendon), subluxation (partial or incomplete dislocation of the knee or its joints), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
Back to Orthopedic supports, braces and cushions for joints and muscles.
Back to the Home Page
