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Types of Knee Braces

A support or brace can be used to help support unstable joints, or to prevent injury from healthy joints. Knee braces provide protection and support, as well as keep body heat inside the brace in order to promote healing.

  1. Expert Insight

    • The type of knee brace worn should limit the excessive wear on the knee joint and prevent any further damage. According to Dr. Robert Molloy, an orthopaedic knee surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic, the knee is comprised of three compartments: medial--the area on the inside of the knee; lateral--the area on the outside; and patellofemoral--the area behind the knee cap. It is important for one or all of these areas to be supported through a knee brace, depending on the extent of the damage to the knee.

    Purpose

    • Knee braces are used to prevent knee disorders and injuries from happening. Knee related conditions or disorders can have a vast array of severity that can range from a simple sprain, to a dislocated joint, to a torn tendon, muscle or nerve. Knee braces can be used to help with knee pain from various disorders and conditions such as arthritis. The knee is the central joint involved when it comes to immune diseases that affect tissues of the body.

    Prophylactic Brace

    • Prophylactic braces are used to protect knees from injury while participating in contact sports such as football and lacrosse. They are designed to protect uninjured knees from valgus stresses and are not recommended for regular use. No studies have been conclusive in the evidence to support their effectiveness. These types of braces can be purchased for as little as $12 on up. They have been proven to help reduce the number of knee injuries seen from contact sports each year.

    Functional Braces

    • These braces were designed to help those with existing injuries, such as a person recovering from ACL damage. Functional braces are used to stabilize the knee during rotational and anteroposterior forces and are used to help in rehabilitation for ligament injuries. They offer knee support to MCL, ACL, PCL injuries ranging from mild to moderate instabilities. You can buy this variety of knee brace starting at $25 or spend well over $500.

    Rehabilitative Braces

    • Rehabilitative braces help to limit medial to lateral movements as well as limiting extension and/or flexion of the need joint directly after surgery or injury. More often than not, these braces are larger than other kinds because of the need to immobilize the knee. This type of knee brace can be purchased starting at $150.

    Arthritic Brace

    • Unloader/Offloader braces were designed for those people who suffer from arthritis in the knee. These braces help to reduce pain and promote stability. These types of braces can be used to prevent having surgery. Sufferers of knee arthritis can opt for a soft or rigid version of this brace, helping to provide support and reduce excessive weight or loading on a damaged knee joint. The sleeve option in this variety of brace offers warmth to the area, helping to reduce the radiating pain and provide a method to promote healing and better functioning during everyday life.

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