Knee Brace

The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the four important ligaments of your knee that stabilizes your joint & knee. The ACL ligament is responsible for controlling your forward movement & knee rotation. A strong ACL ligament makes you capable to run, jump, twist, and change direction safely. But the weak ACL ligament makes your knee unstable, weak & painful.

ACL ligament controls the sudden & high-stress movements that many individuals perform in their daily life. When you make any speedy or sudden movement or change your direction, it exerts a lot of pressure on the ACL ligament. The ACL ligament is easily vulnerable towards awkward jumps & landings, missteps & direct impacts. That is why ACL injuries are so common in normal laymen.

An ACL knee brace is an effective device which stabilizes your knee in the case of weakening of the ACL ligament. This knee brace protects your ACL during walking, workouts, and sports, making daily activities safer & more comfortable. An ACL knee brace is an effective tool for getting confidence, stability, & preventing reinjury.

How Does an ACL Knee Brace Work?

An ACL knee brace works to increase the stability of the knee that has a weakened & injured ACL. Here is how it functions -

• The ACL knee brace prevents the movement of shin bone from sliding too forward and protects your ligament.
• ACL knee brace also helps in controlling the rotational motion especially in the case of sudden twisting, turning, & quick direction changes.   
• When you run, walk, or jump, the ACL knee brace holds around the knee & helps your knee aligned. 
• For doing the ACL recovery, the brace shares the extra pressure & load to protect your ligament from overstress. 
• With better stability, users feel more secure during performing their daily routine activities. 

Key Benefits of an ACL Knee Brace - 

• An ACL knee brace also improves your knee movement & helps in preventing knee reinjury.
• It provides firm stability to your weak ACL ligament & also reduces swelling & inflammation during daily activities.
• ACL knee brace also supports safe walking, running, & other daily movements.
• ACL brace also controls the forward movement & knee motion and also saves your knee from strain.
• If you have got recovery from ACL injury after surgery, then ACL knee brace is an ideal option.
• ACL brace also helps your knee alignment & improves your balance.
• It also provides gradual & safer mobility during rehabilitation.
• It reduces pressure on the ACL ligament & aids faster recovery from injury.

Who Should Wear an ACL Knee Brace? -

The individuals can wear an ACL knee brace in the following conditions -

• People with a partial or complete ACL tear.
• Individuals recovering after getting ACL injury.
• In the case of knee instability and frequent knee giving away conditions.
• In the condition of chronic ACL weakness from old injuries.
• People doing rehabilitation exercises and engaged in physiotherapy sessions.
• People needing extra knee support during heavy workouts or physical jobs.
• Individuals returning to work that involves lifting, bending, or sudden movements. 
• In the case of strengthening your ACL knee brace as a supporting device.
• People travelling long distances and experiencing knee instability on slopes or uneven grounds.

How to Use an ACL Knee Brace Properly? -

• Don’t forget to use the physiotherapist or doctor’s recommendation before you start using the brace.
• Select the brace type as per according to the stage of your injury.
• Make sure the knee brace should be as per according to your knee size. The loose one will not support and the tight one will restrict the blood flow.
• Wear your ACL knee brace when you straighten your injured leg to wear your brace comfortably.
• The hinges of the knee brace should be aligned with the natural bend of the knee.
• Fasten the lower straps first then the upper straps for a secure fit.
• Wear the brace directly on the skin or over the thin compression sleeves.
• Be sure that the ACL knee brace should be in center without sliding. Check the position of the brace regularly.
• Clean the brace regularly to maintain its hygiene and durability. Especially maintaining the straps and pads.

When Not to Use an ACL Knee Brace? -

• Don’t use an ACL knee brace until you confirm a complete ACL ligament tear from an expert medical professional.
• A knee brace can’t completely recover the ligament injury. Don’t use it as the placement of physiotherapy or medical precautions.
• You have no need to wear any knee brace at the time of sleeping.
• Don’t use this knee brace if it increases any kind of swelling, inflammation or joint pressure.
• Avoid wearing the knee brace if it is too loose, tight or damaged. Please return it to get a proper replacement.
• Avoid using the brace while swimming until it is water resistant.
• Don’t continue wearing an ACL knee brace if your doctor advises not to wear it.
• Avoid relying on the brace for a very long period of time as it can weaken your muscles & recovery time.

Final Thoughts -

An ACL knee brace is an orthopedic support device, which is used to stabilize your injured knee. It allows the knee to function properly during daily activities & rehabilitation exercises. This knee brace is ideal for preventing future injuries & improving the natural healing process.

It is important to consider that every ACL ligament injury is different and the required level of support varies from person to person. To consult with the proper physiotherapist is necessary because it helps you select the right brace on the injury severity, lifestyle, and recovery stage.

An ACL knee brace is an essential tool for ACL injury management because it supports healing, boosting confidence in moving, and helps restore normal function. With the correct medical guidance, therapies, exercises, & caution an ACL knee brace is a perfect ally in restoring knee function.