How to Rate Knee Braces

Knee braces are used after injury or surgery, or during participation in sports to alleviate pain and swelling, and to help stabilize the knee during activity. There are many different styles, but they typically wrap around the leg above and below the knee, and around the knee joint, exposing the knee cap for easier movement.

Because there are so many different braces from which to choose, you may have to try a few before you find the right one for your needs and activity level. You will want to rate the brace on how it fits, the amount of support it gives, how comfortable it is to wear, and its overall effectiveness when worn.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine what type of knee brace you need, which should be doctor-recommended. There are four categories of knee braces:

  1. Rehabilitative--designed specifically to allow controlled or protected movement to an injured knee
  GO
  2. Prophylactic--designed to reduce or prevent severe injuries during contact sports, such as football
  GO
  3. Functional--designed to stabilize knees that \"give out;\"
  4. Patellofemoral--designed to relieve knee cap misalignment and pain.

• 2

  Select the longest brace available that fits your leg, especially if you require a prophylactic brace. Shorter braces do not provide as much support to the Medial Collateral Ligament (MLC), one of four ligaments that stabilize the knee. You will need to try on several braces to find the best fit before you make a purchase.

• 3

  Attach the brace according to the manufacturer's directions to obtain the proper support. The hinges should follow the natural bend of the knee. Tapes and straps should be fastened around the leg above and below the knee, but not around the knee. The knee should feel supported and less strained from weight and movement.

• 4

  Evaluate the brace for comfort. Most braces are made of flexible material that should not constrict blood flow or movement. The brace should be secure, but not too tight. Metal components, such as the hinges, should not be piercing or pinching the skin. The inner material should not be rough or scratchy against your leg.

• 5

  Assess how effective the brace is when worn for an activity such as a sport. The knee should not buckle or \"give\" while wearing the brace. Pain should be diminished, or disappear all together as stress is directed away from the joint. Activities involving the knee should be easier to perform.