Returning from a knee injury is a long process for a runner or any athlete. Wearing a knee brace, though, helps reduce swelling, elevate pain and prevent further damage to the surrounding tissue by stabilizing the joint and allowing only a certain range of motion. The knee brace that is best for you depends on the type of knee injury you sustained. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to determine which knee brace is best for you.
Rehabilitative Braces
Rehabilitative braces are typically prescribed or recommended by a doctor following serious injury or surgery. They are used to provide support, reduce swelling and limit range of motion as you regain full use of your knee. These braces are usually very large, with hinges that run from mid-thigh to mid-calve. In its 1997 position statement on knee braces, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommended against the use of rehabilitative braces because they have not shown effectiveness in rehabilitation outcomes.
Patellofemoral Braces
Patellofemoral knee braces are designed to give support to the front of the knee joint at the patella, or knee cap. These braces are ideal if you suffered a dislocated knee cap or patellar tendonitis. However, a patellofemoral brace is not recommended for use if you have any other type of knee injury, have been recently operated on or still have instability in the joint or surrounding musculature, according to a January 2000 article in "American Family Physician."
Functional Braces
Functional knee braces provide support for an injured ligament. There are four ligaments in the knee joint -- medial, lateral, anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, all of which attach the femur to the bones of the shin. Some functional braces are specifically designed to give extra support to an individual ligament, so be sure your brace matches your injury. According to Dr. Lyle J. Micheli in his book "The Sports Medicine Bible," the most effective functional knee brace has cups that enclose the thigh and calf to give support.
Neoprene Sleeve
The simplest of all braces is the neoprene sleeve. Slide it up your leg to provide compression and relieve pain. The sleeve fits snugly around the knee but may stretch over time and need replacing. These braces are probably the most practical for runners, since they do not limit range of motion and are relatively inexpensive. Dr. Robert Malloy of Cleveland Clinic explains that active patients may benefit from these sleeves, as "a fair number" of them report having less pain when wearing one.
References
- Joint Rehab: Knee Brace Facts and Myths
- "American Family Physician"; Knee Braces: Current Evidence and Clinical Recommendations for Their Use; Paluska, Scott A. and McKeag, Douglas B.; Jan. 15, 2000
- "The Sports Medicine Bible"; Lyle J. Micheli, M.D; 1995
- Newswise: Brace Yourself for Knee-Pain Relief
