If you recently suffered from sort of sports related knee injury or are experiencing any sort of joint discomfort then you may need to get a knee brace. However, depending on the severity of your injury, where the injury is exactly, and what kind of support you need, there are several considerations to make. Read on to learn more.
What types of knee braces are there?
- Knee Sleeves: Knee sleeves are the easiest type of knee support to wear and are great for individuals who are suffering from mild discomfort but need to have some sort of support. Placed across both the front and back side of the knee, with an opening for kneecap, knee sleeves are easy to put on take care of.
- Knee Stabilizers: Knee stabilizers are typically given to patients who have suffered from a fairly intense knee injury and need some additional support. These knee stabilizers have steel springs on either side of the brace in order to offer patients an extra layer of support
- Hinged Knee Braces: Offering the most advanced form of support, hinged knee braces offer patients the ability to move in a manner that best mimics the knees natural movement patterns.
How can I tell which one is right for me?
Although in a perfect world you would be able to be in tune with your aches in pains in a way that you could self diagnose any issues, that unfortunately just isn’t the case. In order to accurately tell which type of knee brace is right for you, you should visit a medical professional in order to get properly examined. During your examination, the doctor will test the movement of your knee and the surrounding muscles by having you complete basic exercises. If your doctor notices a problem, you will likely have to have some sort of high intensity scan like an MRI.
If you are suffering from knee pain and are looking to invest in some sort of knee brace, visit your doctor beforehand in order to determine what solution is right for you and your medical needs. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today!
