They are made out of a variety of materials and offer a range of support levels.
How They Work
Your knee joint includes bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
A knee brace stabilizes these structures, preventing them from moving too much or too suddenly.
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For example, some braces stabilize the knee while others completely immobilize the joint.
They can also check the fit of your brace and determine if adjustments or a different size are needed.
The mostcommon knee bracesinclude:
What is the difference between a knee brace and a knee support?
A knee support (such as a knee sleeve) is usually a tight-fitting fabric garment.
It provides compression to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
A knee brace provides much more support and may also limit mobility.
Some people only need to wear a knee brace when doing certain activities or during a flare-up of pain.
Ask your healthcare provider about when you should and should not wear your knee brace.
Summary
Knee braces can provide relief from discomfort and aid healing after an injury or surgery.
It’s important to wear a knee brace correctly and for the recommended amount of time.
If you’re not sure when to wear your knee brace, ask your healthcare provider.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Knee Bracing: What Works?
Sprouse RA, McLaughlin AM, Harris GD.Braces and Splints for Common Musculoskeletal Conditions.
2018 Nov 15;98(10):570-576.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Knee pain: how to choose the right knee brace for your child.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Knee bracing: what works?.
Mayo Clinic.Knee braces for osteoarthritis.
2021 Mar 26;11(3):e048196.
PMID: 33771832; PMCID: PMC8006841.
