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A knee brace, also known as an orthosis, is an orthopedic apparatus that keeps the knee joint in a fixed position. It is a common alternative to plaster, which performs the same function but is heavier and definitely less comfortable. The materials used to manufacture the stabilizers are made of lightweight, air-permeable materials. The form protects against abrasions and you can comfortably use the orthosis on a daily basis.
Use of a knee stabilizer
The stabilizer is used to treat a damaged limb resulting from an injury or inflammation of the knee joint. Another reason may be injury prevention. Due to the functions of the stabilizer, it is worth using it also in the case of injuries, sprains of the joint or Achilles tendon rupture, as well as in the case of neurological, rheumatic and postoperative problems, so it has a wide range of applications.
Knee brace functions
First of all, the brace is designed to stabilize the knee joint and muscles. Thanks to this, the joint is immobilized, and the incorrect system relieves and corrects it. The stabilizer relieves the joints, ligaments and muscles.
How to choose a knee stabilizer?
The main determinant of the choice of a knee brace will be the type of injury. The type of physical activity will also help you decide if it is to relieve strain. The choice of the stabilizer should be consulted with a doctor who should decide on the appropriate type of orthosis. You should look at the functions that the knee stabilizer is to serve: will we use it for healing, prophylactic or corrective purposes. The level of knee damage also matters. There are many factors that go into choosing a good stabilizer, such as body weight. Before choosing, it is worth trying on the appropriate type of orthosis. An incorrectly selected type of knee stabilizer will not perform its function properly, on the contrary – it may harm the person who wears it or lead to abnormal changes in the area of the knee, for example abrasions.
Types of knee supports
There are rigid, semi-rigid and flexible stabilizers. There are also those with an adjustable angle, otherwise known as a clock. It can be used in rupture of the anterior or lateral cruciate ligament, as well as after surgical treatment of the patellar ligament, meniscus reconstruction, knee surgery and serious injuries. In this case, the stabilizer adjusts individually. Another type is an orthosis with a hole for the kneecap, where the kneecap has been damaged and the brace is worn because of it. Thanks to this, there is no pressure on the kneecap, and the movement is properly controlled.
Knee support and sport
The orthosis can also be used for any form of physical activity, typically professional and more recreational. It is yet another type of stabilizer. They are selected because of the sport practiced. They differ from typically medicinal stabilizers. They are light and guarantee stabilization. Importantly, they do not limit traffic in any way.