With three bones, unique cartilage, multiple ligaments, a fluid-producing membrane, muscles and tendons, the knee is "not simply a hinge-joint," notes Vivian Grisogono, author of "Sport Injuries: A Self-Help Guide." Because it has a complex structure, your knee can sustain injury from impacts or from overuse that can cause tears, breaks, strains and dislocations. Your doctor may recommend a knee therapy device constructed specifically for your injury.
Protective Devices
A September 2000 study by researchers at John Hopkins Medical School found that young people who have injured their knees have a substantially higher risk for developing arthritis as they age. The study suggests that doctors talk to patients about using knee braces to reduce that risk. Lightweight knee sleeves designed for general knee support are one option.
Devices to Reduce Swelling
Immediately after an injury, your knee may begin to swell. An elastic sleeve compresses the tissues and reduces swelling. Grisogono recommends a bandage that extends about 4 inches above and below the knee. Some knee braces provide warmth, which aids in healing after the application of ice during the acute phase of an injury.
Devices for Arthritis
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, braces are especially helpful for stability and maintaining function if you have arthritis. "Unloader" braces move the body's weight away from the injured part of the knee while "support" braces support the entire knee. The academy adds that research studies have found that braces help reduce pain and allow patients to walk longer distances.
Devices for Moderate Problems
Many devices help keep your kneecap aligned properly as it moves up and down and back and forth. These braces also protect your knee from impact injuries while you are playing sports like football or soccer. Some devices are simple bands that you place above or below the knee; others are lightweight sleeves with small openings for your kneecap. Some are open braces with supports on either side and on the top and bottom of your knee. Braces designed for mild to moderate injuries go from mid-calf to mid-thigh and have both compression and support functions.
Devices for Severe Problems
Braces for more severe knee problems have stronger support---made of metal instead of cloth---above, below and on the sides of the knee. Like the braces for mild to moderate knee problems, these braces either enclose the entire knee with a small opening for the knee cap or are composed of supports only, without elastic or cloth coverings.
Immobilizing Devices
If you've had major knee surgery, you may need to wear a knee braces that run from the ankle up to the top of the thigh to protect and stabilize your knee until it heals. These devices allow for some therapeutic movement. They can be lightweight, constructed with only the supporting braces made from aluminum, or they can enclose the leg entirely with supporting braces and foam protection.
References
- "Sports Injuries: A Self-Help Guide"; Vivian Grisogono; 1984
- John Hopkins University: Study Says Youthful Knee Knocks Raise Arthritis Risk
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Arthritis of the Knee
