5 Common Signs You Need a Knee Brace

We tend to brush off knee pain as just another sign of aging, but what good has ignoring health issues ever done? The longer you go without addressing those aches and pains, the more likely it is that you’ll compromise the strength and stability of your knees. It’s time to consider an orthotic device—the knee brace.

But how do you know when to use a knee brace? Well, that’s where we come in. Below are the five most common signs that you may need support braces.

Arthritis

Have you been diagnosed with arthritis of the knee? It’s definitely not uncommon; approximately 1 in 5 Canadian adults will be diagnosed with a form of arthritis at some point in their lives.

You may be experiencing arthritis of the knee even if you haven’t been formally diagnosed. Look out for symptoms such as swollen knees and legs that are hard to bend and straighten, and pain in your knees after sitting or standing.

So, do knee braces work for arthritis? The fact is that a simple knee brace is an excellent way to relieve pain and pressure for those suffering from osteoarthritis; they work by compressing the joints and shifting weight off the damaged areas of your knee, thus limiting potentially painful movements.

Torn Tissue 

If you’ve recently injured your knee and are still in recovery, you’re probably going to need a knee brace. You may already be using crutches or a cast, but it’s possible that without a brace you aren’t getting the optimal physical treatment that you need. 

This is especially true if you have torn ligaments in your knee, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Wearing a brace allows you to rebuild strength in your muscles and improve mobility while your torn tissue recovers; it also provides support to your knee and restricts certain movements.

Chronic Knee Pain

Speaking of injuries, it’s not uncommon for people who have experienced knee-related accidents to end up with debilitating chronic knee pain. Gout or obesity also factor into this issue by placing significant strain on the joints. 

Chronic knee pain can lead to the deterioration of knee health in the long term. It’s important to use a brace not just to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation, but also to provide enough support that it can reduce the risk of further damage in the future. It will also help with mobility if you are having issues with physical activity. 

Improved Athletic Performance 

For professional athletes or people who simply partake in a lot of physical activity due to work or hobbies, a weak knee can drastically reduce your overall performance.

Fortunately, wearing a brace during athletic activity should help to improve speed and overall ability. At the same time, it rebuilds muscle strength around the knee and alleviates some of the strain that is likely to worsen the condition of your joints in the future.

After gradually strengthening your muscles, you will be able to remove the brace and continue performing at optimum levels.

The Doctor Says So 

At the end of the day, your doctor knows best. If a qualified medical professional tells you that you’re going to need a knee brace to preserve your physical health, then you need one. 

A doctor will talk you through the process of finding the right knee brace and refer you to an orthotist or physiotherapist; they will then recommend the perfect design to treat your issues.

In Need of a Knee Brace? Contact Us Today!

It’s never a good idea to ignore knee pain. If you’ve experienced any of the above signs, you may need to look into orthotic devices. 

At Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab, our team of professionals are here to help treat your knee issues. We offer custom bracing, including Bauerfeind knee braces, on-site in our Mississauga clinic. 

To book your first consultation, make an appointment online or call us at +(905) 270-3086.