If you are recovering from an unfortunate knee injury, you may need a brace. A good knee brace limits the range of motion by reducing pain and speeding up recovery; to enjoy its benefits, however, it is essential to wear it correctly. Choose a model that offers the right support based on the severity of the injury and wear it as recommended by the orthopedist, to protect the joint until recovery is complete.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Wear the Brace
Step 1. Choose the right model
The type of brace you need to use depends on the severity of the injury. If you have suffered a slight stretch, maybe you just need a compression knee brace; for more severe lacerations or fractures, you need an articulated, sturdy brace reinforced with metal or plastic splints.
- The orthopedist should point you to the most suitable device for your health condition;
- You also need to find the right size for the knee. Usually, the size is shown on the back of the package and commercial models are available in standard sizes.
Step 2. Pull it along the leg
Roll the pants over the knee, put your foot in the upper opening of the brace (the one that will rest on the thigh) and let it come out of the lower one; slide the device up until it is over the injured joint.
If it is not a tubular model but is wrapped with straps, place the padded part on the knee and band it with the fastening strips
Step 3. Align the device with the patella
Most braces have an anterior hole where the kneecap should stay. When worn correctly, the tip of this spherical bone should be visible through the opening; this detail guarantees greater comfort and good ventilation.
- Align it so that the edges of the hole do not pinch or pull the skin;
- Make sure it doesn't slide up or down before attaching it.
Step 4. Tighten the straps
If you are using a compression knee brace, just position it correctly around the joint. If there are additional straps, wrap them behind the knee and secure them in the front using Velcro; the brace should be snug but not too tight.
- You should be able to stick a couple of fingers between the skin and the fabric; if this is not possible, the brace should be loosened slightly.
- By closing the bottom strap first, you can keep the knee brace in place and better fit your leg.
Part 2 of 3: Wear the Brace Comfortably
Step 1. Put it under your clothes
When the weather is cold or you have to adhere to a rather strict dress code, such as at school or at work, it is necessary to hide the knee brace. Opt for loose clothing, such as jeans or sweatpants, so that there is enough room for the orthopedic device. in this way, it is also less visible.
- First, wrap the brace and then get dressed; the knee brace is more effective if it is closer to the skin.
- Sportswear is looser and slightly stretch, making it easier to manage than tight pants.
Step 2. Put on the shorts
Most people find it easier to use a brace without other fabrics covering it. The shorts give you immediate access to the injured joint, as well as improve air circulation so you don't get too hot or feel "stuffed".
This item of clothing is perfect for wearing a very long brace (such as the articulated one) that also covers a large part of the thigh
Step 3. Remove it from time to time
By doing this, you relieve the pressure around the knee and give the skin an opportunity to breathe. Be careful not to load the affected limb with excessive weight without the support of the orthopedic device; on such occasions you should remain seated or lying down.
- Take it off when you shower or go swimming to prevent it from getting wet.
- Ask your doctor if you can walk without a brace and for how long.
Part 3 of 3: Avoiding Later Injuries
Step 1. Follow the doctor's prescriptions
Pay attention and rely on your orthopedist's advice when dealing with debilitating injuries. Your doctor gives you important details you need to know about how to best wear the brace, how long and what movements you shouldn't do.
- Sometimes it is enough to wear it during certain activities or for a part of the day, but in severe cases, your doctor recommends that you always wear it.
- Don't hesitate to ask questions regarding your injury and the rehabilitation process.
Step 2. Do not transfer body weight to the injured limb
Walk carefully to avoid putting unnecessary load on your knee. When standing, do not bend over and do not shift your weight onto the injured leg; as long as the joint is not strong enough to support you, it is unstable and vulnerable to changes in pressure.
- If the injury is severe enough, you need to use crutches to walk for the first few days or weeks.
- It is quite normal to limp and it is also useful, as it limits the time the body weight is on the affected leg.
Step 3. Reduce your range of motion
Knee pads and knee braces are designed to prevent the joint from bending too much; regardless of this, be careful how much you move the limb even when wearing the device, as bending or rotating the joint excessively could aggravate the situation.
- In most cases, the knee must remain straight, relaxed and elevated during healing;
- Avoid movements that force him to assume painful positions.
Step 4. Wear the brace during any type of physical activity
Assuming your orthopedist has given you this, you can start exercising or playing some sport again as soon as the limb begins to heal. However, it is essential to use the knee brace in the right way, limit strenuous activities as much as possible, and avoid weight-bearing exercises such as weight lifting, unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise.
- Do not overdo it; if you experience any abnormal pain or discomfort, immediately stop what you are doing.
- The brace is useful for avoiding injuries during sports that place the knees in unstable or vulnerable positions, such as rugby, football, hockey or gymnastics.
Advice
- If you decide to use the brace without being prescribed by the orthopedist, choose a model suitable for the severity of the injury.
- Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories as needed to reduce swelling and pain.
- When you are able, begin to gently extend the injured leg to regain range of motion.
- Put the brace in the gym bag or store it in the locker room to remind you to always wear it.
- Unless your orthopedist has advised you otherwise, you can usually remove the knee brace when you go to bed.
Warnings
- The doctor's instructions are not just suggestions; if you don't respect them, you could make the healing process more complex.
- Be careful when walking or standing on slippery, unstable, or saggy surfaces, such as the beach or shower tray.
