Knee supports and knee braces have many medical uses, and are widely used by athletes, people suffering from arthritis or for physical therapy. Most commonly, though, braces, supports and immobilizers are used following knee surgery for common knee injuries like an ACL rupture, runners, knee or an MCL tear. The brace, in effect, supports and stabilizes the knee, preventing it from moving or twisting out of place.

There are many different types of knee supports, and they have many uses. More heavy-duty, hinged knee braces, for example, are commonly used post-surgery to prevent further damage to the knee. On the other hand, fabric crisscross braces may be used to relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis and provide reduced support for the knee.

So which type of knee brace is right for your ailment? It’s best to consult with a doctor, but understanding the various types can help you determine which might be right for you. Common knee braces, supports and immobilizers include:

Knee Supports, Sleeves and Stabilizers

Knee stabilizers and supports are a type of brace that can be worn for supporting the injured knees. They are designed to pad and support the anterior knee and patella, while adding a layer of cushioning. Knee sleeves, on the other hand, don’t offer as much support, and instead are designed to provide pressure to uninjured knees. Various types include:

• Crisscross Knee Stabilizers: This type of knee stabilizer is strapped into placed behind the knee with two crisscrossed Velcro straps. This provides a degree of flexibility, while adding support and compression. They are often used for preventative measure, or in the later stages of rehabilitation.
• Tri-Panel Stabilizers: The tri-panel stabilizer is a heavy-duty knee brace, used for mild to severe injuries. Most commonly, they are used to immobilize the knee following surgery, and they fit the leg from mid-thigh to mid-calf. Thus, when wearing a tri-panel stabilizer, the knee joint doesn’t bend, which is important following injuries like patellar dislocation.
• Front-Opening Knee Support: These types of braces provide compression and warmth to the knee joint, during exercise or physical therapy. They are commonly used to relieve arthritis pain, and they can be worn under clothing.
• Patella Straps: Knee straps, like a patella strap, are commonly used during sporting events or to relieve pain, and they apply pressure and compression to the knee joint. They can be used for preventative measure or for adding support to the joint following an injury.

  

Knee Braces: Functional, Hinged, Post-Op

Knee braces offer a greater degree of protection for an injured knee, and they’re often built with a hinge to accommodate the natural motion of the knee. Braces are commonly worn during athletic activities, and there are some versions that can be used to prevent knee injuries. Common types include:

• Functional Knee Braces: Functional knee braces are a hinged brace that provide support for the ACL, while allowing the knee joint to bend. The purpose of these types of braces is to provide stability to the joint following injury, as well as decrease the risk for new injuries. The hinges in these types of braces can be adjusted so that the wearer can limit the knee’s range of motion. There are functional options available specifically for post-surgery, as well as for specific injuries.

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