A compression or elastic knee brace is a medical tool that is used in many different ways. Because it protects the knee joint, relieves pain, and sets up a good environment for recovery, it is recommended in cases of overuse, degenerative disease, and after surgery. When the knee needs support but not bracing, this works. What should you know?
What is a knee brace?
A knee brace is a piece of medical device made of stretchy, flexible material that molds to the knee. Usually, it’s made of lycra, nylon, neoprene, or polyester.
The knee braces are easy to make. They are pulled over the foot or fastened with Velcro, which lets you tighten them to the right level and get the stiffness you want without being uncomfortable while you move. Most of the time, they are seamless, which means they don’t squeeze the limb or cause abrasions.
What does an elastic knee bandage give you?
The knee brace does not limit movement in the area of the injured or strained joint, but it does relieve pain, keep the joint in the right position, support muscles and ligaments in stabilization, reduce swelling, and relieve pain (raising the body’s temperature around the knee).
This protects the knee joint and also makes it easier for the knee to heal and recover. It also helps people feel better when they are sick, which makes it easier for them to do the things they need to do every day.
The most simple stabilizer is the orthopedic knee brace. There are also knee braces, that are semi-hard and hard stabilizers with more complicated designs than soft stabilizers.
Even though it is made of neoprene or another flexible material, a soft stabilizer has tapes or soft underwires to make it fit better. Hard and semi-hard stabilizers have parts that are already stiff, so they are used after serious injuries or surgeries. The more stabilization there is, the stiffer and thicker the material.
Indications for the use of the knee brace
The type of stabilizer or bandage used should match the injury or illness. The knee brace is used on limbs that have been hurt, aren’t working right, are painful, have diseases, or are at a higher risk of getting hurt.
The indication for wearing a knee bandage is:
- contusion,
- slight joint instability,
- overload,
- edema,
- ligament damage,
- knee pain caused by heavy loads, repetitive movements, sitting for long periods of time or frequent kneeling,
- knee sprain
- chronic arthritis,
- osteoarthritis ,
- slight strain,
- tendon strain,
- Rehabilitation after injuries within the knee joint,
- prevention. The bands are used during activities associated with intense physical effort. Sports stabilizers do not restrict movement, but they protect the joints from undesirable movements and minimize the risk of injury.
Knee support – how to choose the size?
Size matters when choosing a knee brace. Too loose won’t support the joint, and too tight will cause discomfort, abrasions, swelling, and vein ischemia. How to choose wristband size? Simply measure the leg circumference above the knee and find your size in the manufacturer’s website table or stabilizer instructions. Pick the smaller size. Ask a pharmacy or medical store salesperson.
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