What is Knee Bracing?
Knee bracing is a common method used to support and stabilise the knee joint, helping you to manage pain, recover from injuries, and/or improve your mobility. Whether you are dealing with an acute injury, chronic condition, or post-surgical recovery, a knee brace can provide the necessary support to help you get back on your feet.
A knee brace can be made from various materials, including carbon fibre, plastic, metal, and fabric, designed to fit snugly around the joint. Knee braces come in different types, each designed to address specific issues or provide varying levels of support.
Knee braces function by:
- Stabilising the Knee: They provide external support to the knee joint, helping to keep it in place and prevent further injury.
- Reducing Pain: By offloading stress from certain parts of the knee, braces can help alleviate pain caused by conditions like arthritis or injuries.
- Improving Functionality: Braces can enhance the stability and function of the knee, allowing for more confident movement.
Types of Knee Braces:
- Functional Braces: Used after an injury has occurred, these braces provide support to injured knees and help with recovery.
- Rehabilitative Braces: Often used post-surgery, these braces limit harmful knee movement while allowing for a certain range of motion to promote healing.
- Unloader/Offloader Braces: Designed for individuals with arthritis, these braces help reduce pain by redistributing weight away from the affected area of the knee.