What Is The Best Knee Support For A Stiff Knee?
• A stiff knee is typically as a result of overuse and a failure to cool down properly following exercise • 40% of all ACL injuries occur as a result of extreme sports • You are 50% more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee following an ACL injury • Ligament damage is graded from 1-3 in terms of its severity
Following a knee injury, the joint can become painful and stiff. It's important with minor strains and sprains not to keep the knee still for too long, as this can cause issues with stiffness. Once the initial pain and swelling has gone down, you should start moving the joint and performing gentle exercises. During this period, the use of a support can help to reduce the amount of pain experienced.
There are a number of different types of knee support available, which will largely depend on the type of injury and your requirements. Some will offer more benefits for particular knee injuries, whereas others provide compression technology as well as support. The supports work by keeping the joint stable and provide protection against further injuries. While wearing a knee support, patients will limit the degree of pain and reduce the stress that is placed on the joint.
Hinged braces
One type of knee support is a hinged brace. This is used in the rehabilitation process for a range of knee injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage. They are also a way of preventing the knee becoming injured again while taking part in sports or other strenuous activities. These braces enable the knee to perform a number of movements and can even be worn while competing. The braces feature adjustable straps, enabling them to be fitted to the exact specifications of the patient. They can also provide compression therapy to the affected area, helping to speed up the recovery process by reducing swelling.
Sleeves
This form of knee support works along similar lines to a hinged brace, but it doesn't have the external structure that these provide. These braces are designed to provide the knee with flexible support and help to relief pain. They are a way for the patient to remain mobile, which prevents the joint from becoming too stiff. They are also adjustable, providing a comfortable fit that directs the compression treatment straight to the affected area.
Knee straps
Knee straps and patella bands are available to support the joint following an injury. They allow the patient to make everyday movements and compete in sports without feeling too much pain or exerting too much pressure on the area. This type of support is convenient to wear and a patient will hardly notice it. They can maintain their movements without having to wear a bulky form of support. As with other methods of support, the straps are fully adjustable and can be comfortably worn round the knee.
A knee support can be worn in conjunction with other methods of rehabilitation, including pain relief medication and physiotherapy. It not only provides support for knee injuries, but is a way of preventing further damage in the future. Patients who have previously suffered an injury to this joint are more at risk of doing so again at a later date. Therefore, it's important to maintain a complete range of movements and stop the knee from becoming too stiff.
About the Author
The use of braces in the treatment of knee injuries is becoming mainstream. Mark Rogers writes blogs for Össur Webshop and discusses use of a knee support http://www.ossurwebshop.co.uk/categories/braces-%26-supports/knee-support/ and other treatment following injury. Original: What is the best knee support for a stiff knee? http://www.ossurwebshop.co.uk/pages/what-is-the-best-knee-support-for-a-stiff-knee%3F.html
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