Physical Therapy In Grande Prairie and How to Choose the Right Knee Brace for You
If you are like many people, you may not think much about your knees until they start to hurt. Knee pain can be caused by a number of things, from arthritis to sports injuries. If you are dealing with knee pain, it is important to see a doctor and find out the cause. In the meantime, you may want to consider using a knee brace to help relieve some of the pain. But how do you know which one is right for you? The experts at Kinesis Physical Therapy are here to help and in this blog post, we will discuss the different types of knee braces available and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Identify the different types of knee braces
If you're dealing with knee pain, you may be wondering what the best course of treatment is. There are a few different methods that can be effective in managing knee pain, and the right approach for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your pain. If you have mild knee pain, conservative treatments such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication may be all that's necessary for relief.
For more severe pain, however, you may need to see a doctor for a cortisone injection or other type of treatment. If your knee pain is being caused by arthritis or another chronic condition, you may need to take a long-term approach that includes physical therapy, weight management, and joint-supporting braces or devices.
There are a number of different types of knee braces available on the market, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. The most common types of knee braces are:
- Hinged knee braces: These braces are designed to provide support and stability to the knee joint. They are typically used to treat conditions such as arthritis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries.
- Unilateral knee braces: These braces are designed to support and stabilize the knee on one side only. They are typically used to treat conditions such as ACL tears or instability.
- Patellar straps: These braces are designed to help keep the patella in place and prevent it from moving out of position. They are typically used to treat conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome.
- Knee sleeves: Knee sleeves are not technically braces, but they provide some support and compression to the knee.
Understand how to choose the right one for your needs
When choosing a knee brace, it is important to consider the type of injury you are trying to protect against. For example, if you have a history of ACL injuries, you will want to choose a brace that offers support for the knee joint.
There are three main types of braces: hinged, sleeve, and wrap-around. Hinged braces are the most supportive and offer the most stability, while sleeve braces are less bulky and offer more range of motion. Wrap-around braces offer a combination of both stability and mobility.
Ultimately, the type of brace you choose should be based on your individual needs and preferences. Speak with your doctor or physical therapist to get started.
Understand what a good fit should feel like, and when you should see a doctor if your pain persists
When you put on a knee brace, it should feel snug but not tight. The brace should stay in place without sliding down your leg. You should be able to move your knee freely without the brace slipping or bunching up. If you're wearing a hinged knee brace, make sure the hinges are aligned with the joints in your knee. You should be able to bend and straighten your knee without the hinges pinching or digging into your skin.
If you're not sure if your brace is the right size or fit, talk to your doctor or orthopedic specialist. They can help you find a knee brace that will provide the support you need while still allowing you to move freely.
In Conclusion
If you're dealing with knee pain, it is important to see a doctor and find out the cause. In the meantime, you may want to consider using a knee brace to help relieve some of the pain.
The Knee Brace experts at Kinesis Physical Therapy can help, reach out and we'll be happy to help you find a reliable knee brace to help deal with pain.
Find them
Kinesis Physical Therapy Corp
8805 Resources Rd #120
Grande Prairie, AB
T8V 3A6
(780) 513-8313