Good condition of the knee joint is important for normal movement. If there are any problems, diseases or injuries in the joint, musculoskeletal system, every step is accompanied by severe, sometimes even unbearable pain in the knee. The use of drugs and physiotherapy for the treatment of the knee joint is prescribed. Care must be taken to protect it from external influences. To do this, the knee was invented to straighten the knee joint. Such devices are made of different materials, have different degrees of protection and have a wide range of applications.
Instructions for using the knee
Such fixation devices are used not only to protect the affected joint, but also to reduce the load on it, as well as to normalize its function after injury and surgery. Knee pads can be used both for therapy (for example, with osteoarthritis) and for the prevention of various diseases. However, you can wear the device only after the appointment of the attending physician, otherwise it will lead to disruption of the joint blood supply and aggravate the problem.
Knee ligation is indicated for both treatment and prevention of various pathologies. Athletes are advised to dress frequently to prevent injuries. A fixation device is prescribed for treatment:
- osteoarthritis and arthritis;
- dislocations and subluxations;
- pathologies of rheumatic nature;
- torsion;
- injuries and consequent joint instability.
The use of a fixative is often prescribed during rehabilitation after complex injuries or surgery.
It is recommended to wear an orthosis for the following purposes:
- discharge of the injured knee joint. The device is recommended for people suffering from joint diseases, when any step is accompanied by unbearable pain, which significantly slows down recovery;
- prevention of pathologies and injuries. The use of knee pads and bandages for sports is mandatory for athletes, as well as people working in trade and construction. People who are overweight should wear special elastic knees;
- fixation of the damaged knee joint. In this case, the use of a compression bandage is prescribed to prevent further damage to the knee or meniscus and to reduce severe pain and swelling. In this case, the fixing device is a kind of additional stabilizer for the joint;
- movement restrictions. To do this, the use of a rigid bandage, which completely excludes any movement, is prescribed.
Knee pads help:
- Accelerate the healing process.
- Avoid damage to the meniscus and knee.
- Reinforcement of damaged joints.
- Keep the patient on the move.
- Pain reduction.
- Improving lymph flow and blood circulation.
- Eliminate swelling.
- Minimize inflammatory processes in the joint.
- Load reduction.
- Facilitate knee movement.
In addition, orthopedic fixatives are an excellent alternative to impractical plaster casts.
What materials are brackets made of?
A lot of materials are used to make orthoses. The most popular are:
- Dog fur. Used for the production of knee pads with a warming effect.
- Cotton. Used to give clamps strength and elasticity.
- Lycra, elastane, polyurethane - synthetic, elastic fabrics with high breathability.
- Neoprene. An elastic material that helps in excellent fixation of the knee joint. These knees are easy to care for. In addition, they have a warming effect.
Devices for knee correction: assortments
There are many models and types of this orthopedic device. They differ in the material from which they are made. The knee can be open or closed, elastic or rigid. In addition, knee pads for the knee joint can be equipped with hinges, metal attachments, magnetic plates, silicone rings and even an infrared heat source.
Depending on the purpose of the product for fixation, they are presented in the following modifications.
- Bandage. An elastic corset that helps straighten the knee area, warm up and reduce the load.
- Orthosis. It has similar features to the dressing, but is more functional.
- caliper. Used for prophylactic purposes, helps maintain the knee joint, prevents injury.
- Brace. Rigid knee used most often during rehabilitation. Assign such knee caps for osteoarthritis.
- Tutor. A device in the form of a metal tire with rigid fixation. Appointment after surgery or injury. Soft materials are mainly used for the production of such knee pads. This device is hypoallergenic.
- Elastic knee pillow. Many familiar devices, convenient and easy to use.
- Tape. Elastic adhesive tape. The task of bandaging is to help reduce the load on the muscles and ligaments.
Detailed information about the knee
The bandage on the knee joint is used to easily straighten the knee. The knee pad helps to minimize the load, but at the same time, such devices do not impede movement. Cotton, synthetics and knitwear are used for the production of fixatives.
The orthosis looks a bit like a bandage. The main difference is that the first has additional elements. Such products are functional and help to correct the knee joint, depending on the cause. They can be equipped with rigid ribs and attachments, silicone rings, side hinges. You can fix the knee joint with Velcro.
Splint is a special tire, the main purpose of which is a medium or hard fixation. The device is much more comfortable and practical than a gypsum tire. In addition, when using a tire instead of plaster, the recovery time of knee function is significantly reduced.
As for the bracket, the main purpose of such a knee ligament is complete immobilization of the knee. The knee brace is equipped with hinges that allow the patient to move without straining the knee, as well as neoprene-covered fasteners, which help to perform the necessary movements without damaging the meniscus. Such devices are used to correct the joint in diseases such as osteoarthritis and gonarthrosis, as well as during rupture of the meniscus.
Calipers are designed for people who are active in sports and lead an active lifestyle. The caliper helps prevent the risk of various injuries, protects and corrects not only the joint, but also the lateral muscles and ligaments, patella and meniscus.
Before the advent of modern fixation devices, elastic bandages were highly regarded. It has been used to prevent injuries and minimize pain during exercise.
Tape is a unique bandage equipped with a special adhesive surface. Proper use of the product does not tighten the joints and does not restrict movement, but performs a micro-massage of the skin. Cotton is mainly used for the production of such clamps. This product helps minimize pain, swelling and bruising in the affected joint.
Recommendations for the selection of elbows
The orthosis for the knee joint is selected only by a qualified specialist and depending on the purpose of use. The knee pad should match the individual parameters of the knee. In any case, it is not worth choosing a device for yourself, especially if you have pain complaints. Improperly selected knee pads can be harmful. Ideally, the knee pad should fit the knee, straighten the joint, but not squeeze it. If the product is large, it will slip and therefore will not perform its functions.
You only need to buy a dressing in a specialized store. Prices for orthoses will vary depending on the manufacturer, model and functionality of the device.
As for the size, you can determine yourself as follows: measure your foot a little above the knee (about fifteen centimeters). If the circumference of the hip is 44 cm, then your dimensions are S, 44-54 cm - M, 54-60 cm - L, 60-67 cm - XL, 67 and more - XXL.
To avoid making a mistake with the size, be sure to measure the product before buying.
How to care for your knee joint
In order for the orthopedic knee ligament to serve you for a long time and not to lose its therapeutic and prophylactic properties, you need to take care of it and follow the operating instructions in the instructions.
- Do not wash the bandage in the washing machine.
- Do not iron the lock.
- Do not hang the product to dry. Place on a flat surface. Thus, you prevent deformation and elongation of the orthosis.
- Do not use additional chemicals during washing.
You can use the bandage only after a doctor's appointment. If you do sports and decide to pay attention to the condition of the joints during training, then it is advisable to buy an orthosis in the presence of a coach. Do not wear a knee brace for more than three hours a day. Wear only during sports or exercise therapy.