To make an informed decision, if you or your loved one has been recommended a knee brace, it’s important to understand different knee bracing options.

Orthopedic braces are made from combinations of materials, such as metal, foam, plastic, or elastic material and straps. They come in many sizes, colors, and designs. There are typically 5 categories of knee braces.

Prophylactic Braces

If you play contact sports, prophylactic knee braces can protect your knee from damage. These knee braces can also relieve MCL strain and knee stiffness. If you have suffered MCL injury, prophylactic braces can protect against re-injury.

Functional Braces

Functional braces can be used after a knee injury to support the knee while it heals from an injury. Such braces not only reduce knee instability but also reduce the risk of injuring other parts of the knee.

Depending on whether your injury affected the MCL, ACL, PCL, LCL or a combination of these, you will have to wear specific knee braces. Each specific brace applies a different force to support the affected ligament. Functional braces are also worn during recovery from a knee surgery or injury, as part of a knee rehabilitation program.

Rehabilitative Braces

Rehabilitative braces are designed to restrict knee movement of the knee as it heals after a knee injury or surgery. Such braces can protect injured ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL or the meniscus. You may be required to wear rehabilitative braces for 2-8 weeks and use crutches to allow space for swelling and controlled movements.

Unloader Braces

Unloader braces are usually recommended for people suffering from knee arthritis. As the name suggests, these braces can reduce stress on the knee joint during walking. Unloader braces can help people with arthritis remain active. They can also help delay knee surgery.

Knee Sleeves

Knee sleeves are typically made of a material, such as neoprene. These are often worn by athletes and people with an active lifestyle. They provide compression around the knee joint and some knee stability.

Your orthopedic doctor is the best judge whether you would benefit from a knee brace. S/he can recommend the kind of brace you would benefit most from and where you can get it.

To learn more about shoulder and knee treatments, consult one of the top orthopedic surgeons and bracing specialist in Phoenix at Phoenix Shoulder and Knee Clinic; call 480-219-3342 Today. If you are suffering from a painful knee condition and think that it can be improved by orthopedic bracing, please discuss this with Dr. Farber at Phoenix Shoulder and Knee Clinic.