Knee supports provide compression and support for the knee which may help to provide external knee support, heat or cold therapy or prevent sprains and strains. They can be made from elastic or neoprene with some containing metal side strips for added support.
There are four main styles of knee supports:
- Prophylactic braces which protect knees from injuries during sports
- Functional braces which give support to already injured knees
- Rehabilitative braces which limit harmful knee movement while a knee is recovering from an injury
- Unloader/offloader braces which provide relief to people who have arthritis in their knees.
There are various knee supports available that can provide compression and orthopaedic support for an individual including:
- thermal knee supports which provide intense therapeutic warmth
- cold compress supports which provide compression to the knee whilst also providing cold therapy
- hinged supports which have metal side supports with a hinge that can be adjusted to limit the amount of knee movement
- patella (knee cap) stabilising supports which specifically target the knee cap and hold it into position
- patella tendon strap supports which provide compression on the patella tendon alleviating pain and discomfort.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
People that may benefit from use of a knee support in the workplace include those with:
- occupational overuse injury
- tendonitis
- degenerative cartilage conditions
- swelling around the knee.
People with knee instability or injuries may require a knee support if their work role involves:
- walking
- climbing stairs or ladders
- carrying heavy loads
- squatting or
- cycling.
Professional advice should be sought prior to buying or wearing of any brace or support. This will ensure that a suitably designed support is recommended, appropriate instructions given for use and alternative treatments considered such as strengthening exercises.
When considering a support brace the following information may be useful:
References
Bad Backs 2001-2011, Belts, Braces and Supports: Knee, Bad Backs, Melbourne, viewed 1 February 2011, http://www.badbacks.com.au/shop/product/1706/130/pro-tec-patellar-knee-tendon-strap.
Family Doctor.org 2000-2011, Knee Bracing: What works? , online, viewed 1 February 2011, http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/physical/injuries/490.html.
Return to Fitness 2011, McDavid Deluxe Hinged Thermal Knee Brace, Return to Fitness Ltd., online, viewed 1 February 2011, http://www.return2fitness.com.au/supports_and_braces/knee_supports/mcd427.