Know Your Brace - The Benefits of Professional Knee Brace Fitting

The knees include body parts both critical to mobility and that are immensely sensitive to pain. Treatment for knee-related complications begins with a combination of physical therapy and knee brace support. Each knee brace caters to a specific knee complication, whether for osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, ACL sprain, patellar tendonitis, or a meniscus injury.

You can get a knee brace online or from a store but consulting a healthcare professional about a knee related injury ensures you get the proper support for your needs. Getting a professional knee brace fitting opens doors for information about your injury and the best knee brace to support your knee.

Different Types of Knee Braces

There are several varieties of knee braces, and some offer more support than others, depending on the condition.

1. Functional braces: Provide stability and support the knee after an injury.
2. Rehabilitative braces: Designed for post-surgery support, these braces offer protected movement following injury.
3. Patellofemoral braces: Prevent lateral displacement of the knee joint, reduce knee pain, and keep the knee ligaments aligned.
4. Prophylactic braces: Preferred for contact sports. These braces prevent or decrease the impact of knee injuries.

How Knee Braces Work

The knee joint contains muscles, ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and bones. With a substantial extent of movement, the knee joint can bear a lot of weight. However, your knee structure can get damaged or misaligned due to an intense blow or underlying complications.

Knee braces differ according to their function and the amount of support they offer. Some are designed for protection against damage, while others control pain by supporting the knee cap. Others stabilize and immobilize an injury-prone knee to prevent further injury or hasten recovery.

How to Choose the Correct Knee Brace Size

To assure you get the full benefits from your knee brace, a professional conducts a fitting to take measurements that ensure the correct size knee brace is ordered. When fitting, stand up straight or sit on a chair's edge and stretch your leg out with your heel on the floor.

After taking your measurements, the professional refers to the manufacturer sizing chart for the knee brace you need.

Hinged Knee Brace vs. Compression Sleeve

A hinged knee brace supports and stabilizes an injured knee and prevents movement that could lead to further injury. The hinges on either side of the knee limit movement and prevent hyperextension of the damaged ligaments. They're suitable for knees that require extra support.

A compression sleeve does not provide the mechanical support offered by a hinged knee brace. A professional would recommend a compression sleeve for patients afflicted with arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, or to decrease swelling. They're perfect for pain relief for those who intend to remain fully active.

How Often Should You Wear a Knee Brace

How often you should wear a knee brace depends on the condition being treated. Usage for post-surgery recovery will be different than for conditions such as osteoarthritis and your doctor will provide a treatment plan to follow. A post-op knee brace is typically worn for 6 weeks during the recovery period. Whichever the case, you should consult your professional on whether to reduce or increase usage time.

Elite Medical Supply Has the Expertise You Need

If you require a professional knee brace fitting in the greater Buffalo area, New York City, and the Long Island area we've got you covered! Contact us today to find out if we have a representative in your area of New York that will come to you for a professional fitting.

Our employees coordinate with your healthcare provider to offer you the right brace or pain management solution. We'll even take care of the paperwork for you!