Knee Braces For Pain Relief Versus Recovery The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) categorizes knee braces into several types: • Prophylactic: Used for preventing or reducing the severity of knee injuries. They can help with medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries. • Functional: Help with injuries such as anterior collateral ligament (ACL) tears or posterior collateral ligament (PCL) injuries. They can offer support after ACL surgery. • Rehabilitative: Designed to allow protected, controlled motion, doctors recommend rehabilitative devices during the rehabilitation of an injured knee. • Patellofemoral: Improve patellar tracking (when the kneecap shifts out of place) and relieve anterior knee pain. Knee braces can help with pain relief, injury prevention or recovery after injury. Understanding the different types of support can help you determine which type of knee brace aligns best with your specific needs. How Do You Get A Good Fit And Avoid Discomfort? Ensuring your knee brace fits snugly is crucial. Excessively tight knee braces can interfere with circulation, and loose ones fail to provide adequate support. Properly using the braces and regularly tightening the straps and adjustable closures will help prevent the brace from shifting. Additionally, you should promptly replace broken or damaged knee braces. A physician, physical therapist or athletic trainer can provide invaluable guidance in selecting the best brace based on your goals and needs. Can Wearing A Knee Brace Make Knee Problems Worse? While knee braces offer valuable support and protection, there’s a caveat.
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