When to Use Hinged Knee Brace？

Your Complete User’s Guide for Wearing a Hinged Knee Brace for Maximum Safety and Benefit

Hinged knee braces have a hinge on one or both sides of the knee for support, stability, and knee-injury prevention and recovery. Since they have more moving parts than a common compression sleeve, in order to get the intended benefit from your hinged knee brace, choosing the right type and getting a proper fit is essential.  

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In this article, you will learn about different types of hinged knee braces and their intended benefits, as well as how to use and wear them properly.  

What Type of Hinged Knee Brace Do I Need?

The two main types of hinged knee braces are prophylactic and functional. Your health care provider is your ultimate guide in choosing the right type of brace, but here is a general guide. 

Prophylactic Hinged Knee Brace

A prophylactic hinged knee brace has hinges on one or both sides and provides more support and protection for the knee than a non-hinged compression knee sleeve. The hinges encourage controlled, linear bending of the knee.  

This type of hinged knee brace is used to prevent a sports-related injury to the knee or prevent aggravating a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury or repair. People who play contact sports, which are prone to impact injuries, or have previously had an MCL injury or surgery, can benefit from this piece of protective equipment. 

How Does a Prophylactic Hinged Knee Brace Work?

This brace protects the knee from side-to-side stress by preventing your shin bone from moving too far past your thigh bone, which can damage your medial collateral ligament (MCL). 

Functional Hinged Knee Brace

A functional hinged knee brace is used after knee surgery or a knee injury, most commonly a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), or reconstructive knee surgery. This brace also helps prevent damage to your MCL or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) typically incurred in sports which require fast directional changes like football, soccer, and tennis. 

How Does a Functional Hinged Knee Brace Work? 

This brace restricts movement during the healing process. These hinged knee braces are bilateral, meaning that they have support on one side or the other, depending on the nature of the injury or surgery.  

Can I Walk in a Hinged Knee Brace?

 You can walk in a prophylactic or functional hinged knee brace. However, how much you should be walking post-surgery or post-injury is between you and your doctor.  

How Do I Know if My Hinged Knee Brace is Fitting Properly? 

Ensuring a proper fit for your hinged knee brace can mean the difference between injury prevention and injury aggravation. To determine the proper fit, slide two fingers between the brace and your skin. If you have wiggle room, the brace is too loose. If you can’t get two fingers under the brace, it’s too tight.  

Can I Wear a Hinged Knee Brace Over Pants? 

Hinged Knee Braces cannot fit and stay in place properly through your pants. If you have form-fitting leggings, you may be able to get by with wearing those under your brace, but it is not recommended. In fact, if the brace you’re using is equipped with a technology that responds to the moisture in your skin to stay firmly in place, you most definitely need to wear the brace directly on your skin. 

How Long Should I Wear a Hinged Knee Brace?

Many hinged knee braces may be worn daily, whether playing sports, going for a stroll, or working around the house. How long and at what times you should wear them depends on the injury you are preventing, treating, or recovering from.  

A prophylactic hinged knee brace should be worn as long as you are performing any activity that puts added stress on your knee that could result in a possible injury. A functional brace, usually worn post-surgery, or post-injury, should be worn as prescribed by your physician.  

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What is a knee brace?

A knee brace is a medical device that stabilizes your knee joint and holds it in place. Healthcare providers use braces to protect and support your knee after an injury. You might have to wear knee support after knee surgery. Providers sometimes call them orthoses.

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There are lots of reasons you may need to wear a knee brace. Some examples include:

• Knee sprains or other ligament injuries
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome
• Kneecap instability or dislocations
• Patellar tendinitis or other tendon issues
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Knee arthritis
• Joint hypermobility syndrome
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Your provider might suggest a knee brace to reduce your risk of sports injuries. Some people can wear a brace to help manage knee pain.

Wearing a knee brace isn’t a good substitute for seeing a healthcare provider. Visit a provider before buying or wearing one. They’ll diagnose any injuries or issues. And they’ll help you choose the right type of brace if you need one.

What does a knee brace do?

A knee brace supports your knee and holds it in place. It keeps your knee in alignment. Braces are usually made of stiff plastic or metal. They have cushions and straps that wrap around your knee and leg.

A knee brace helps you avoid putting too much stress on your knee joint. It keeps your knee from moving too far or too suddenly. How much resistance and support a brace gives depends on which type you need.

Types of knee supports

The most common types of knee brace include:

• Unloader knee braces: Unloader braces get their name from how they support your knee. They help absorb some of your weight and “unload” pressure off your knee to other parts of your leg. They’re the most common type of brace healthcare providers suggest for knee arthritis.
• Patellofemoral knee braces: Patellofemoral braces protect and support your kneecap and the front of your knee.
• Knee immobilizer braces: These are knee braces you wear while you recover from surgery. They’re usually stiffer and prevent some (or all) movement.
• Functional knee braces: Functional braces help you safely use your knee. They prevent your knee from moving too much or too far in one direction. They’re the most common brace people wear after a knee injury.
• Prophylactic braces: Athletes wear these to prevent injuries. They’re especially popular in contact sports like football or rugby. Ask your healthcare provider if you should wear a prophylactic knee brace before you buy one.
• Knee sleeves: Knee sleeves are made of tight elastic material that lightly squeezes your knee. Some brands call them compression sleeves. They’re not actually braces. But they’re the most common type of knee support people wear.

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Your healthcare provider will tell you where you can get a knee brace. You might need it custom-fitted. Some braces are available over-the-counter or at retail stores. Other types are only available with a prescription.

How do I put on a knee brace?

Most knee braces fit around your knee with stretchy elastic or Velcro® straps. The brace should be snug and secure without being too tight. It shouldn’t hurt or feel like it’s cutting off circulation to your leg.

It might feel strange or like the brace is pushing your knee into alignment. Especially at first. But it should never hurt or make knee pain worse. Talk to your healthcare provider or physical therapist before wearing a new brace. They’ll help you get used to putting it on, wearing it and moving with it.

What are the benefits and risks of wearing a knee brace?

Knee braces are a quick, easy way to support your knee joint. They may relieve symptoms like pain and stiffness. They can also help you heal safely. And they can help you feel safer and more confident. Many people also find that wearing a knee brace helps relieve pain and other symptoms, especially if they have knee arthritis.

But a brace may not help. There haven’t been studies that can prove for sure that wearing a brace was the reason someone avoided an injury. And you can’t prevent some kinds of injuries, even with a brace. But many people who wear prophylactic knee braces feel safer and more secure. That extra peace of mind is all they need to stay active or compete.

Complications from wearing a knee support are rare. But they can include:

• Skin irritation
• Pressure sores
• Nerve compression