What Are The Types Of Knee Braces?

Knee problems can affect anyone, regardless of how active you are – whether you're a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or much more casual. You could discover that you're moving more slowly or losing effectiveness. Or maybe you'll cut back on how much you walk, how much you work, or how much you engage in leisure activities. 

Your sports performance, daily mobility, and general quality of life can all be significantly impacted by knee pain. Finding the ideal braces is essential. Your doctor may suggest a knee brace as part of your treatment plan in addition to physical therapy, stretches, or medication. 

Most braces are made to provide the most support, improve joint stability, and control motion to limit further damage. Many have been created to ease swelling, improve healing, and lessen general pain. Moreover, some of them are prescribed especially for rehabilitation and recovery following surgery. Let's learn about all types of knee braces.

1. Functional Knee Braces

When a knee is already hurt from falling or participating in physical activity—a functional knee brace is used to support it. Functional knee braces are also excellent for reducing rotation after an ACL tear or injury and for people who require extra support following ACL surgery. They may also be used to support PCL or MCL instability that is mild to moderate in some circumstances.

2. Prophylactic Knee Braces

Prophylactic knee braces are created to stop and lessen the severity of ligamentous knee injuries. It is most frequently created and used by athletes who compete in contact sports, like football. Prophylactic knee braces shield the MCL (medial collateral ligament) from valgus knee stresses and guard against the further knee joint damage. Athletes in contact sports who have previously sustained an MCL injury or who are at high risk of doing so are great candidates for these knee braces.

3. Unloader/Offloader Knee Braces

Unloader/Offloader knee braces are made to help people with arthritis in their knees, particularly those with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. These knee braces work by applying pressure to the thigh bone to relieve stress from the troubled joint. The knee is compelled to flex away from the painful area as a result. People waiting to have knee replacement surgery and want to ease the strain on their knees beforehand may find these braces beneficial.

4. Rehabilitative Knee Braces

While a person is recovering from recent knee surgery or an injury, rehabilitation knee braces assist in limiting potentially harmful knee movements. These braces facilitate early knee joint motion while protecting a ligament that has undergone replacement or repair. In the event of a future injury, using rehabilitative knee braces will effectively protect the knee ligaments and joints. 

Bottom Line WorldBrace provides all four types of knee braces and other orthopedic braces at competitive prices. Check with your doctor if you're still experiencing knee pain and are unsure of what to do. Before taking a further risk of injury, it is best to be aware of what you are dealing with.