Knee brace

A knee brace protects the knee against excessive movements. A knee brace can be used for prevention or for the treatment of knee injury. It is a myth that a brace makes muscles ‘lazy’.

Knee brace for prevention

A knee brace is often used to prevent knee injury. In most cases there has already been a previous knee injury. A knee with osteoarthritis can also be protected by a knee brace. This makes it possible to continue sports or work.

Knee brace as treatment for knee injury

A knee brace is only used as a treatment for injury to the inner knee ligament. This is the only correct application. Furthermore, a knee brace is not used to treat injuries. It can, however, be used to postpone surgery after, for example, an anterior cruciate ligament tear. When an anterior cruciate ligament is not operated on, a brace can also be part of the treatment, but then to prevent other knee injuries due to the resulting instability.

Types of knee braces

There are many different types of knee braces, from an elastic sleeve to a fully custom-made brace. A brace is usually recommended to prevent new knee injuries. People with knee osteoarthritis or knee instability benefit from a knee brace. With a knee brace, they can continue to play sports and/or work.

A brace largely prevents sideways and extreme rotational movements in the knee joint. It is still possible to bend and straighten the knee. It is known that movement is good for the body and for joints. With osteoarthritis, a joint must also keep moving. A brace makes this possible.

An elastic sleeve does not prevent extreme movements but does provide compression. This can help against fluid buildup. The pressure also creates a feeling of stability and confidence, which reduces pain. Often such an elastic sleeve also serves as a reminder to be cautious, thereby preventing extreme forces on the knee.

Important with a knee brace

For a knee brace it is very important that it fits well. The thigh is always thicker than the lower leg. This can cause a knee brace to slide down.

A knee brace in the correct size is therefore important. The brace should clamp firmly around the thigh and lower leg. But if the brace is too tight, other complaints can arise, such as cold feet or tingling in the foot. In addition, it is important that the problematic movement is restricted, which is often sideways movement in the knee.

Ask a physical therapist to advise you on which brace suits you best.