Knee Brace: Your Partner in Knee Support and Stability
Knee braces are devices designed to support, stabilize, or offload the knee joint during movement or recovery. They are commonly used in the management of injuries, chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, or post-surgical rehabilitation. Knee braces are available in a range of designs and can be classified as custom-made or off-the-shelf (OTS) depending on the complexity of the condition and the level of support required.
Stabilizing Knee Brace
Stabilizing knee braces are designed to provide external support and control to the knee joint, particularly in cases of ligament injuries, jointinstability, or after surgery. These braces help limit excessive motion—especially in the frontal (side-to-side) and sagittal (forward-backward) planes—protecting healing tissues and preventing re-injury during movement or rehabilitation.Stabilizing knee braces feature hinged designs, adjustable straps, and rigid or semi-rigid frames. By limiting excessive movement such as hyperextension or side-to-side stress, these braces protect healing ligaments, reduce the risk of re-injury,and support safe mobility during recovery or activity. Some models include range-of-motion controls. These braces are ideal for chronic instability, post-surgical rehabilitation, and ligament injuries like ACL, MCL, LCL, and PCL.
Unloading Knee Brace
An unloading knee brace, also known as an offloading knee brace, is a specialized orthotic device designed to reduce pressure on a specific compartment of the knee joint, typically used for managing knee osteoarthritis. These braces work by applying a gentle valgus or varus force to realign the knee and shift the joint load away from the damaged cartilage area, thereby reducing pain and improving function.
An unloading knee brace utilizes a three-point pressure system that applies a valgus or varus force to shift weight away from the arthritic compartment of the knee. This targeted unloading reduces joint stress, alleviates pain, and improves function. Lightweight and often low-profile, these braces can be worn under clothing and adjusted for comfort, offering a non-invasive, conservative option to delay or reduce the need for surgery while enhancing daily function.
Patella Stabilizer knee brace
A patella stabilizing knee brace is designed to keep the kneecap (patella) properly aligned during movement, helping to treat or prevent conditions like patellar tracking disorder,patellar subluxation, or dislocation. These braces typically feature an open patella design, a buttress or strap to guide the kneecap, and compression for joint support and pain relief. Some models also include hinges for added stability. Commonly used for patellofemoral pain syndrome, chondromalacia patella,or post-surgical recovery, they offer non-invasive support during activity or rehabilitation, though they should be complemented by physical therapy for long-term results.
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