Aknee bracestabilizes the joint and relieves pain from knee injuries, osteoarthritis, and surgery.
Someknee braces are designedso that you open up the brace and wrap it around your leg.
Braces that do not open are put on over your foot and then pulled up to your knee.
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A knee brace is typically worn under your clothes against the skin.
A poor-fitting or improperly positioned knee brace can be uncomfortable.
This article describes how to put on a knee brace.
How you put on a knee brace depends on the design.
Knee Sleeves
Compression-sleeve style braces are the most common jot down of knee support.
Though not technically a brace, a knee sleeve provides compression.
It holds the patella (knee cap) in place, which helps control pain and inflammation.
A knee sleeve is typically worn during physical activity to support a weak knee.
A knee sleeve should fit snugly.
It should not be loose, baggy, or slide down your leg.
It should also not be so tight that it pinches or slows circulation.
If you experience numbness or tingling below your knee, the sleeve should be loosened.
These have an open hole cut out for your knee and are used to treat osteoarthritis and knee instability.
Soft-hinged knee braces can be put on over your foot, like a compression sleeve.
Some types have a self-fastening wrap design.
A soft-hinged brace is typically worn while playing sports or performing physical labor to support the knee.
It may also be worn at rest to relieve pain and swelling during a flare up.
Hinged braces come in a wrap design with self-fastening straps above and below the knee.
Your healthcare provider will let you know when and how to wear a rigid-hinged brace.
It is designed to shift the pressure from the damaged side to the other side of the knee.
Unloader knee braces can be custom-fit or custom-made and are more expensive than rigid-hinged braces.
They have multiple self-adhering straps and can be adjusted for an ideal fit.
Your healthcare provider will let know when you should wear an unloader brace.
It immobilizes the joint to help your knee, muscles, or tendons heal.
A full-leg knee immobilizer can be worn over your pants or directly on your skin.
Your healthcare provider will tell you when you should wear a knee immobilizer.
It may or may not be needed when you sleep.
To ensure your knee brace fits properly, try the “two-finger” method.
They can help you use the right knee brace and double-check that your knee brace is fitted properly.
Is Your Brace Fitting Properly?
An improperly fit brace may not support your knee properly and may cause additional pain.
A brace that is too tight may also create problems for you.
It may cut off circulation to your leg or it may pinch nerves in your leg.
This could lead to discoloration, swelling, or numbness and tingling in your leg.
Loosen the straps and repeat the two-finger test.
How to Clean A Knee Brace
Knee braces should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check the label for washing instructions.
Check the label for washing instructions.
If the brace has removable pads, hand-wash with a mild detergent.
Be sure to thoroughly rinse out any soapy water before air drying.
Allow the brace to dry thoroughly before putting it back on.
A damp brace can be uncomfortable and may cause skin irritation.
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