Thigh & Knee Braces
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What Does a Knee Brace Do?
A knee brace is designed to provide compression to the knee joint to help give added support and strength. The compression can help to reduce the stress that is put on the muscles, tendons, and the joint itself when you are running, walking, lifting, or engaging in other activities. These types of braces are most commonly worn after an injury, surgery, or even when you are going to be putting a lot of stress on the knees. This will allow your body to heal, if necessary, or can help to reduce the risk of injury or overstressing the joint. Many people also find that the compression from the brace helps to alleviate pain so they can continue normal activities.
How to Put On a Knee Brace
Most knee braces will slide on over the foot and then be pulled up until they are positioned on the knee itself. Some options will have a hole in the front where the kneecap goes, which helps make positioning the brace easier. Other designs are put on by wrapping them around the knee and then securing them in place using Velcro. The Velcro will also help to allow you to tighten or loosen the brace so that you get the support you need while still remaining comfortable.
How Long Should I Wear a Knee Brace?
It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor or physical therapist about how long to wear your knee brace. The general advice is usually going to be to wear it while engaging in strenuous activities but not to keep it on at all times, as you do not want your body to come to rely on it for strength and support continuously. That, however, is not always the case, so make sure to speak with a professional who can provide advice based on your specific situation.
How Does a Knee Brace Work?
A knee brace works by providing compression to the knee joint and the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This compression will help to keep everything in place so that there is less stress on this area of the body. This can help to keep you moving normally and reduce pain associated with heavy activity, injury, or other issues.
Chronic Knee Pain
When a chronic condition or injury causes pain and stiffness, staying active and completing your daily activities can be challenging. Knee and thigh braces can help give you the support you need to continue to live life to the fullest. Your medical provider can help you determine which type is right for you, and then you can find whatever he or she recommends here at CVS. This product selection includes a diverse assortment of thigh and knee braces that are available for purchase online.
Knee Supports
Knee supports are a type of brace that is typically used when the knee joint requires some support but can still be bent and straightened with relative ease. Supports are sheaths that cover the knee and the area of the leg directly above and below the joint. Once in place, the support stabilizes the knee to limit how much the joint moves from side to side. Depending on the design, knee supports may simply slide up the leg over the knee or be fastened by Velcro or hooks.
Knee Sleeves
A knee sleeve is another type of brace for the knee joint. Sleeves are stretchy fabric sheaths that travel from just above the knee to just below the joint. For wearers, knee sleeves provide light compression that supports the muscles around the knee and enhance blood flow to the joint. Typically, knee sleeves are recommended to address mild to moderate pain and swelling of the joint.
Hinged Knee Braces
For more serious injuries, knee supports and sleeves may not be adequate. In these instances, medical providers may recommend hinged knee brace. These braces look similar to knee supports but have hinges along the sides. Due to the hinges, the braces limit lateral movement of the knee more than traditional supports, typically giving the joint greater stability. These types of braces are often secured by adjustable hook-and-loop straps for a customized fit.
Knee Brace Sizing
When shopping for a knee or thigh brace, it is important to keep size in mind. Some products are one size fits all and will fit people of a wide range of leg or knee sizes. In other cases, manufacturers may offer braces in more than one size. Sizing varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. You can read the product descriptions for more information about how each brace in this selection is sized. Measuring yourself before you complete your purchase can help to ensure an optimal fit.
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