Knee Braces That Immobilize the Kneecap

Knee braces are often prescribed after an injury, after surgery or to prevent injury to the joint. One of the most common knee conditions is patellofemoral instability, which can be caused by a naturally loose joint or by injury. If allowed to move around freely, a loose or injured kneecap can cause pain and swelling. Torn ligaments and tendons in the knee also might be cause for immobilizing it.

Knee Immobilizers

• Knee immobilizer braces prevent movement in the entire knee joint, not just the kneecap. While they are recommended for some patella injuries, including a ruptured patellar tendon, patellar fracture or dislocation, they are contraindicated for many patients. Since the entire knee joint is immobilized when wearing one of these braces, and prolonged use can cause atrophy of the muscles, stiffness and chronic pain, make sure you wear the brace only as long as prescribed by your physician.

  Knee immobilizer braces come in lengths from 12 inches to 24 inches and act similarly to a cast.

Patella Stabilizers

• Anterior knee pain braces, also called patella stabilizer braces, are another option for limiting the movement of the kneecap. Used to treat patellofemoral pain syndrome, these braces are instantly recognizable by the cutout at the kneecap. They usually are made of neoprene or another type of elastic with straps over the top to hold it in place and to further brace the patella. Some stabilizer braces also have a reinforced buttress for patellar support. These buttresses can be circular, C-shaped, J-shaped and H-shaped, all of which help maintain the patella's position when the knee joint is in motion.

  Patella stabilizer braces come in various sizes according to the diameter of the buyer's leg. It is important to get one that is going to stay on snugly but not cut off circulation.

Patella Straps

• New to the knee injury treatment and rehabilitation scene is the knee band or patella strap-type brace. Generally believed to relieve tension on the patellar tendon, knee straps might help reduce stress to the joint and provide relief to the already aggravated nerves. Some manufacturers of knee bands claim they also improve patellar tracking, meaning they help the patella stay in the femoral groove where it is supposed to be.

  While these do not immobilize the knee cap, they might provide relief if your pain is related to stress on the patellar tendon. It is always best to ask a doctor what option is best for your injury.