Knee Brace

Ligaments are the structures that connect the bones to each other so that your joint can become stabilized. Ligament knee brace is a specialized device designed to provide support & stability to the knee and joint. It is a prime device in protecting your knee during injury, providing physical support during daily activities, & making your movement more feasible.

How Ligament Knee Braces Help in Knee Protection & in Injuries? -

• Ligament knee braces provide external support to your knee abnormal movements. They reduce the level of anterior tibial translation by counter forces and reduce extra pain.
• Ligament knee braces distribute the load away from your injured ligaments. Their mechanical offloading can reduce peak joint stress & minimize microtrauma and aid tissue recovery.
• Ligament knee braces increase the skin feedback around the knee. It improves neuromuscular control & joint position awareness.
• Ligament braces consist of the adjustable hinges & straps restrict motion to safe ranges. It maintains the proper collagen fiber alignment under low strain.
• Braces provide the psychological & physical support during rehab & slow return of activity. It reduces the joint laxity & improved confidence allows for safer knee repairing.
• Braces also lower the risk of injuries in compensatory injuries in surrounding tissues like - meniscus, cartilage etc. It also stops the chondral damage.

Types of Ligament Knee Braces -

There are many types of ligament knee braces like -

• Hinged knee braces
• Functional knee braces
• Rehabilitative knee braces
• Prophylactic knee braces
• Sleeve knee braces

Let’s explore each of these ligament knee braces like -

Hinged knee braces -

Hinged knee braces are supportive orthopedic devices with metal or plastic hinges. It is primarily used for securing ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL ligaments and promoting stable movement for the user. In this knee brace, neoprene or fabric sleeves provide compression & warmth. The metal hinges mimic the natural motion of the knee joints which allows it to bend and move easily.

Functional knee braces -

Functional knee braces are called functional because they help you to continue your routine activities while keeping your knee safe. It has hinges on both of the sides which allow natural bending of the knee. Straps and rigid frames hold the brace firmly which prevents the extra bending of your knee.

Rehabilitative knee braces -

These knee braces are designed orthopedic devices, which are used by anyone who is suffering through any knee injury or surgery. It is a post-operative knee brace which restricts harmful knee movements, excessive knee bending, and side-to-side motion. It is made of metal hinges, rigid frames, straps & padding, & lightweight design. It should be used alongside physiotherapy with the doctor's advice.

Prophylactic knee braces -  

Prophylactic knee braces are an effective device which you can wear around your knee to protect ligaments & soft tissues during intense physical treatment. It saves your knee against sudden twists & direct blows. These braces are made from neoprene, carbon fiber, or metal hinges. It also effectively increases proprioception to lower the risk of awkward knee positioning.

Sleeve knee braces -

It is considered the most common & user-friendly type of knee braces. It is designed for providing comfort, compression, warmth, & mid joint stability. Users can slide over them on their knee like a sock and are helpful in lowering the swelling, & improving blood circulation. They are good for mild pain, early stages of arthritis, & minor sprains.

How Ligament Knee Braces Help in Healing and Prevention? -

Ligament knee braces help you in lowering your chronic knee pain problems & other joints related issues like -

• It stabilizes the joint to prevent excessive movement and stops the damage of healing  ligaments.
• It reduces strain on your ligaments whether it may be ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL.
• It reduces the proper alignment of the knee for faster tissue recovery.
• Its adjustable metal hinges control the range of knee motion to protect surgical repairs.
• Ligament knee braces are helpful in improving blood circulation & reducing inflammation.
• Ligament braces also help in sideways stress on your knee and also reduce twisting.
• It promotes the natural alignment of your knee during healing, so that it allows ligaments to repair naturally.

How to Choose the Right Knee Brace for Ligament Injury -

Choosing the right knee brace for ligament injury is essential for proper healing, & long-term joint protection. The right knee brace helps in reducing knee pain, preventing damage, & restoring confidence. Some recommendations are there for your help -

• Determine the type and severity of your ligament injury like - ACL, PCL, MCL etc.
• You need to match your brace to your plan - for recovery, prevention, & post-surgery. 
• Choose the right type of brace as per according to your injury.
• Measure your knee circumference, kneecap, thigh & calf as needed and check the brand’s size chart.
• Avoid a brace which extra reduces more motion than prescribed or is too bulky. It can hamper muscle recovery.
• Use the brace as part of your recovery schedule. Don’t rely on it solely.

Common Myths About Ligament Knee Braces -

There are some common myths which are famous amongst the users worldwide -

• Knee braces completely cure the ligament injuries. The fact is that they help in supporting healing but regular medical treatment is necessary.
• Wearing a brace makes your knee weaker. The fact is they maintain joint stability & prevent the injury effects during recovery.
• Only athletes need ligament knee braces. The fact is that anybody passing through joint pain & ligament injuries can use them for comfort.
• All knee braces work the same way. The fact is that different braces serve different purposes.
• Expensive braces are always better in providing comfort. But the fact is that only qualitative knee brace is helpful in preventing your injury.
• Once the injury is removed, the brace is not needed. But the fact is that continuous use of this knee brace can prevent your future injuries and harm. Prevention is better than cure.

Final Thoughts -

Ligament knee braces are an important accessory in protecting, stabilizing & supporting the knee during recovery. Choosing the right type of brace & using it under proper medical guidance can make a big difference in healing & long-term joint condition. A well-fitted ligament knee brace helps you to stay active, confident & pain-free.

You need to think about ligament knee braces as a helping tool - not a magic wand. Wearing a ligament knee brace reduces your immediate risk but your long term health of joints depends on regular recovery interval and prevention of joint strain.

Just try our ligament knee braces once if you are suffering through any ligament injury.