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01

How to Choose the Best
Knee Brace?

February 24, 2023

01

How to Choose the Best
Knee Brace?

February 24, 2023

The knees joints are crucial to mobility and can be incredibly sensitive to pain. The knee joint is responsible for bearing weight and allowing movement in the lower leg, and is made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and muscles. 

There are different types of knee braces available and the specific type of knee brace needed depends on the individual’s specific knee issue. The knee braces are selected according to the functional requirements,user activity level, comfort and price tolerance.

When to wear a knee brace and Why

Knee issues are common, Most common issues in the knee are pain, instability or swelling.

There are hundreds of knee brace designs which can address these issues individually or combined.

Soft knee braces:- Can be a helpful tool in managing knee pain and improving mobility. Knee braces can provide support and stability to the knee joint, which can reduce excessive movement in the joint and help prevent knee injuries from getting worse.

Studies found that soft knee braces can help with the knee pain and increase mobility. This is likely because the knee brace helps to offload stress and pressure from the knee joint and surrounding structures, which can help to reduce pain and discomfort. Additionally, knee braces can provide a sense of stability and confidence, which can lead to improved knee function and mobility.

Hard knee braces:– Are helpful when knee stability is compromised severely. The brace acts as an external joint to offload the damaged knee joint. Some models also come with additional functions like restricting the movement (ROM) or offloading a compartment in case of uni-compartment arthritis.

How to choose a knee brace?

A good approach is to narrow down the option when looking for a knee brace. Some of the most common knee issues and injuries that people experience include ligament sprains, meniscal tears, patellar tendinitis, and arthritis. Depending on the specific knee issue, different types of knee braces may be recommended.

User experience is also an important factor to consider when choosing a knee brace. Comfort, ease of use, and durability are all important considerations. It is important to choose a knee brace that is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and does not restrict movement excessively. A knee brace that is easy to put on and take off can be important for people with mobility issues.-

Here are a few knee brace types:

Sleeve-style knee brace:

Sleeve-style knee braceGenuPro Comfort Elastic patellar knee support from Thuasne is designed to slip over the knee like a sleeve. They are typically made from pillow-soft viscose yarn and stretchable knit in a popliteal area which is  elastic and breathable materials. The brace is anatomically-shaped extensible knit with comfort zones, anti-slip and pull tabs which conform to the shape of the knee and provide compression to the joint.

Due to compressive elastic knit (compression: 23-32 mmHg/ 31-43 hPa) provides compression and proprioceptive effect.It is also supported by flexible lateral stays with anti-slip improving hold.

The brace can provide a moderate level of support  and stability to the knee joint, which can be helpful for individuals with mild to moderate knee issues or for those who engage in low-impact activities. They can also help to reduce pain and swelling in the knee joint by providing compression.

Hinged knee brace with soft fabric:

Hinged knee brace with soft fabricThuasne Genu Dynastab Knee Braces are designed to provide stabilization and support to the knee joint using low-profile straps and low profile side bars.Stabilisation of knee joint ligaments provided by the rigid hinged side uprights. An anatomically-shaped knitting for even compression. The brace is maintained on the leg by the Suspension Straps and the silicone-coated threads at the top of the knee brace.

These types of braces can be helpful for individuals with mild to moderate knee issues or for those who engage in low-impact activities. They are particularly useful for individuals who prefer a low-profile and discreet brace that can be worn under clothing.

Patella relieving brace:

Patella relieving braceThuasne Patella Reliever soft braces are round knitted knee compression sleeves with guide wires to control patella lateral movement. It is used in specific knee conditions like   Patello-femoral pain syndrome, lateral patellar subluxation,lateral patellar dislocations,patello-femoral arthritis and lateral patellar compression syndrome.

Hinged knee brace with rigid knee frame:

Hinged knee brace with rigid knee frame:Thuasne Genu pro control is a rigid knee brace which can be used for a moderately to the severely unstable knee.the knee brace provides effective support during daily and sporting activities for cruciate ligament injuries, collateral ligament injuries, or other instability conditions.
The rigid shell provides stability to the knee joint while the external metal joint will mimic the knee joint motion during movement.
Thuasne ROM-R Post operative knee brace is designed for patients who require post-operative fixation and/or range of motion control for post-injury stabilization.The brace hs ROM hinges with drop locks and tool-free adjustable flexion and extension settings. It is easy to adjust,comfortable and lightweight.

Unloader braces:

Unloader bracesThuasne UniReliever Offloading single-upright knee braces are specially designed to take pressure off the knee joint. They are typically recommended for individuals with knee osteoarthritis, a condition that causes wear and tear on the cartilage in the knee joint and can result in pain, swelling, and stiffness. Unloader knee braces work by redistributing the weight and pressure on the knee joint with a 3 point pressure principle, which can help to reduce and improve mobility.

Patellar band:

Thuasne Patellar Bandage for relieving pressure on the patella tendon. It applies local pressure over the patellar tendon and supports the kneecap due to its anatomical shape.The conditions product can be used for are patella tendon disease and supports the kneecap.

Knee immobilizer:

Knee immobilizerKnee immobilizers are used when an injury to their knee and their healthcare professional has advised to immobilize the area, it’s integral that the patient follows their advice to prevent further damage. The brace provides comfortable knee immobilization at 0 degrees, ensuring their joint is held stable to aid healing.

You can also speak with our experts to understand the types of knee brace and which one will be beneficial as the needs of the individuals. We can help you guide through the process.

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