How Effective Are Knee Braces for Pain Relief?

Knee pain is a very common type of pain that many people all over the world deal with. Chronic conditions are on the rise for the aging population and acute injuries are common in the athletic community. A combination of rest and physiotherapy can be helpful in treating pain in the knee but many people will buy knee braces in order to further help recover the joint. In this article, we are going to look into how these products can be helpful in relieving pain in the knee joint. 

Knee Braces, What Are They? 

Knee braces have the main purpose of protecting the knee joint through stabilization and support. These types of supports are most commonly used by those who have undergone surgery, recovering from an acute injury, or dealing with chronic conditions like arthritis. There are many different styles of knee braces online including sleeves, hinged, and rigid braces. Each different type caters to a different need, so when selecting a brace you will need to be sure that you get one that is the right fit for your condition.

How can they help with Pain Relief?

Depending on the type of injury you have the effectiveness of the knee braces will be different as there are differing levels of support. This is why it is important to ensure you select the right product in order to maximize the effectiveness of pain relief. There are seven key ways in which knee braces help with pain relief: 

1. Providing support to the joint 

One of the most important features of a knee brace is its ability to provide stability within the joint. Many different injuries to the structures within the knee can lead to a high level of instability. The prevention of excess movement of the joint makes these supports very effective at reducing the pain that occurs after injury or during chronic conditions. Through supporting the joint the brace can reduce the likelihood of further damage and more pain. 

2. Arthritis relief

Osteoarthritis is quite common in the aging population and can be very painful, limiting a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Compression-based knee supports can be helpful in reducing swelling and inflammation in the joint that is present due to arthritis. Medical grade compression helps improve blood flow to the area which promotes healing while draining built-up fluid in the joint. An offloading brace can be helpful in redistributing the pressure that is on the knee joint due to Arthritis. The breakdown of cartilage in the joint causes more pain, so incorporating knee sleeves can assist in extra support. 

3. Increased proprioception 

Proprioception is an important process where the body can sense the position and movement of the joints. Wearing extra support can improve proprioception which provides more feedback to the brain. This higher level of awareness allows individuals to move with more control and be aware of the joint. The feedback received from a knee support sleeve can reduce the likelihood of irritating existing pain. 

4. Reduction of swelling

As mentioned above, compression does a great job at reducing the swelling in the knee. Swelling often contributes to pain and a reduced range of motion for the joint, which can occur from both chronic and acute injuries. Compression also aids in the draining of fluid that can build up in the joint which can cause stiffness. Knee braces with adjustable straps are also good at allowing individuals to adjust the amount of pressure the brace provides. 

5. Recovery from surgery

Extensive rehabilitation is required after any type of knee surgery. Most Doctors will recommend a knee support in order to provide stability and promote healing. This will highly reduce the chances of reinjury to the surgical site, as the movements of the joint will be limited. These types of support will also help reduce the load and pressure on the knee during movements and rehabilitation exercises. They will help regain any lost strength that can happen post-surgery. 

6. Overuse injuries

These types of injuries are common among the athletic population, jumper’s knee or patellar tendonitis. High-impact sports can put a lot of strain on the knee joint and depending on the frequency of the activity, can cause overuse injuries. Knee sleeve supports can help prevent these conditions by reducing the amount of stress placed on the joints during physical activity. They will significantly reduce the chances of developing a painful overuse injury, especially for those who partake in high-intensity workouts. Braces can be used as a preventative measure to ensure the individual is supported. 

7. Increased mobility

Not only are they effective for pain relief but braces can also improve a person’s mobility and therefore their performance. Giving people the confidence to move without the fear of re injuring the knee, braces can act as a tool to build confidence after an injury. An extra layer of support will make returning to everyday activities a lot smoother allowing individuals to increase their mobility. 

How to choose the right product for Pain relief

In order to choose the right product, you will need to know the level of support you need and the specific condition that needs to be resolved. If you only need mild support, a knee sleeve would be best. They are light and easy to incorporate into everyday wear. If you have a more serious condition like Osteoarthritis or an ACL injury, an offloading brace will be required. These braces tend to be larger and more supportive in order to prevent movement in order to promote healing. There are several places where one can buy knee braces online, make sure to find a reputable source and ask questions if needed! 

Knee braces are quite impressive when it comes to effectively managing pain, the correct knee brace can make a large difference in an individuals comfort and mobility after an injury!