Knee injuries can be both scary and painful. Sometimes a person may notice that knee pain limits their ability to walk, to work, and to participate in recreational activities. To help improve range of motion and strength while reducing pain, it may be necessary to utilize physical therapy. Usually, after a knee injury or if a person is experiencing knee pain, knee sleeves and braces may be necessary.
A Knee Immobilizer
Knee immobilizers are braces that do just what the name implies. It helps to immobilize the knee joint and keep it from moving. It’s a long cloth brace that extends the full length of the thigh and shin. It includes metal support struts on the interior and exterior of the brace with Velcro straps that keep the knee immobilized.
If a person suffers a fracture of the upper shin bone or patella, the knee immobilizer can be used to keep things in place while it is healing. The benefit of the immobilizer over plaster is that it can be removed to allow gentle motion during the healing process.
Bledsoe Brace
This is a type of brace that’s used for stabilizing the knee after surgery. The brace is typically prescribed after any type of ACL surgery. It includes straps that wrap around the shin and the thigh and support braces on the interior and exterior portion of the knee joint. There’s also a small locking mechanism that can be used to keep the knee completely straight, or that can be unlocked, allowing the knee to bend a certain amount.
Patella Control Brace
This is a type of neoprene sleeve that is put over the knee. It includes a cutout that exposes the patella and that holds the patella in place during activities like squatting, running, or walking.
If a person has suffered a dislocated patella, then this brace is a good option to help keep it in the best position. There are other conditions, such as chondromalacia patella, knee arthritis, and patellofemoral stress syndrome that may also be beneficial by using a patella control brace.
When it comes to various supports and sleeves, there are more than a few things that need to be considered. It’s a good idea for a person to work with a doctor to see what type of brace is right for them, one of the options here, Hg80 knee braces, or something else. Being informed is the best way to ensure the right brace is found and used.