May. 26, 2025
As you work with patients to improve their mobility and restore lower extremity function through stretches and exercises, recommending a knee brace can also help patients walk and move with more confidence. Knee braces are structured to offer compression, helping reduce the direct pressure from the upper leg on a damaged meniscus or torn ligament. The added pressure improves blood flow and increases blood flow to assist with the healing process.
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If you think the added support can help your patient through everyday activities, share this knee brace guide with them to find the right knee support for their needs!
Your knee joint is made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. With a considerable range of motion, the knee joint can carry a lot of weight. The structures in your knee however can become damaged or dislocated. Your knee can be injured due to an intense blow during athletic activities or may be susceptible to an injury due to an underlying condition.
So, how do knee braces work? The types of knee braces vary based on their function and level of support. While some knee braces are designed to protect the knee to prevent damage, others support the knee to control pain and inflammation. Patients can make the most of knee brace benefits when trying to stabilize an injury prone knee or when immobilizing the knee to optimize healing after an injury.
To ensure you get the benefits from a knee brace, it must be measured for the correct size. Be sure to stand up with your leg straight to accurately measure the circumference above and below the knee. If you are doing the measurement yourself or are unable to stand, sit on the edge of a chair with your leg straight out in front of you and your heel on the floor. Take a look at the individual sizing chart for the specific brace that offers the right support to see where measurements should be taken.
Be mindful of how the brace is applied to the knee. A knee brace should be snug, but not too snug. Some braces require you to slide it up over your foot and calf while others might open fully to be secured around your knee. If applicable, make sure the straps are tight enough to prevent movement, but not so tight that the brace causes pain, numbness, or tingling in your leg below your knee. To test how tight should a knee brace be, try the two-finger method:
To ensure the best fit, watch this video and see how to fit a knee sleeve with an open patella
When you first slide a knee brace on, it is recommended to wear it for at least one week. But, should you sleep in knee brace? It is sometimes recommended that you take a knee brace off while sleeping to give your leg a break. However, your doctor might instruct you to wear your knee brace while in bed depending on your post-operative care. Movement in your sleep could undo what the surgeon fixed, so wearing a knee brace can help you avoid further injury. Follow your doctor's recommendations and consult with them before increasing or decreasing the time during which you wear it.
Additional factors to consider when determining how long should you wear a knee brace each day are as follows:
So, be sure to check with your doctor and follow their advice.
To find which knee brace works best for you, work with a doctor or physical therapist. Professionals will know your injury best and recommend the use of a hinged knee brace to help keep your joint stable or the use of a compression sleeve to help with mild pain.
Remember, you'll want to have a feeling of tightness in your knee when wearing a knee brace. The brace should feel comfortable and provide a level of support necessary based on your individualized needs. However, if the knee brace is too small/uncomfortably tight and you're losing circulation, loosen the straps or choose a bigger size.
If you’re interested in alternative types of knee support, talk to your physical therapist about therapeutic taping and read more about the benefits of kinesiology tape!
How long should I wear the knee brace each day?
Wear time for a knee brace varies depending on the injury and type of brace. Some people may need to wear the brace all day, whilst others may only need it during activities that cause discomfort. It's best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate length of time to wear your knee brace.
Can I still participate in physical activities while wearing a knee brace?
For more information, please visit orthotic knee joint.
Knee braces are designed to support and stabilize the knee joint, helping to reduce pain during physical activities. For some injuries, some forms of physical activity may be safe. However, for other injuries, such as an ACL tear, physical activity may not be suitable for a short time. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate activities and any modifications to help you safely participate.
Can I wear a knee brace over clothing?
Knee braces are specifically designed for an injury and must be worn properly to adequately support and protect the knee. Whilst most braces should be worn against the skin, the wearing method will depend on the type of brace and your individual needs. It is best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate way to wear your knee brace.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with using a knee brace?
While knee braces are generally considered safe and can provide many benefits, there are some potential side effects. This includes skin irritation or chafing, restricted movement, and muscle weakness with prolonged use. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on proper brace use to reduce the risk of any risks.
Can a knee brace prevent or treat knee injuries?
Knee braces work by providing support and stability to the knee joint, which can help reduce pain and protect the knee. However, the effectiveness of a knee brace will depend on the type of brace and the specific injury. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best type of knee brace and to ensure proper usage.
How long does a knee brace typically last and when should I replace it?
The lifespan of a knee brace can vary depending on the type of brace, frequency of use, and level of wear and tear. Generally, a knee brace made of high-quality materials can last for several months or more with proper care. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help extend the lifespan of the knee brace and ensure it continues to provide support.
If a knee brace becomes damaged or no longer provides adequate support to the knee joint, a health professional should be consulted to organize a replacement.
Can I sleep while wearing a knee brace?
A knee brace is designed to provide support and stability to the knee joint, including when sleeping. Specific injuries may require overnight brace use to protect the knee while in various sleeping positions. It’s important to get guidance on the proper overnight usage of your knee brace.
How do I know if the knee brace is working effectively?
A properly fitted knee brace should provide adequate support, increase stability, and improve overall mobility. At the same time, a properly working brace should not cause any adverse side effects or additional pain. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination and provide recommendations on how to adjust or modify the brace to maximize its effectiveness.
Can knee braces cause more pain?
Knee braces, in general, should not be causing increased pain or exacerbating your symptoms. However, if you have the wrong type of knee brace or it is improperly worn knee braces may cause increased pain. Once again this is why it is so important to consult with your healthcare practitioner when choosing a knee brace. It is also important to remember that tighter doesn’t always mean better and it is important to make sure you are not wearing your brace too tight. Another important note is to only wear the brace when needed. Wearing a brace at rest for a mild knee pain will actually cause weakness of the surrounding musculature over time. Weakness will eventually cause more complications, so its important to rehab and remove the brace when you do not require the support.
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