## Relief and Support for Your Knee
The knee joint is the largest joint in the body, and naturally, we heavily rely on its proper function to maintain our ability to walk. There are numerous reasons why our knee joints wear out. Much of this is due to natural wear and tear that comes with aging, such as osteoarthritis. We offer a wide selection of excellent knee braces for osteoarthritis, which alleviate pain and increase stability.
Another common cause is injuries to ligaments, meniscus, a bone fracture, or cruciate ligament, or any other form of overstrain to the knee.
After surgery, your knee is particularly vulnerable and needs support and rest to recover. A knee brace with a splint or a more rigid knee support is especially effective in these cases. A stiff or rigid knee brace keeps the knee in place and prevents unintended movements. As the injury heals, you can transition to using more flexible or elastic support braces for your knee.
There are many different types of knee braces – from small elastic bandages to large and stiff braces with splints. Most knee supports are ready to use when you purchase them, but some models need adjustments to ensure they fit you perfectly and comfortably.
## How a Knee Brace Helps
A knee brace or support is an effective tool for stabilizing and protecting the knee, especially in cases of injury or overstrain. It works by stabilizing the knee joint, which helps prevent unnecessary movements that could worsen the injury.
A knee brace can also reduce swelling by applying light compression, promoting blood circulation, and helping to remove excess fluid from the area. Additionally, it serves as a reminder to avoid sudden movements, thereby reducing the risk of further injury. Overall, a knee brace enhances the comfort and functionality of the knee while supporting the healing process during recovery.
### Typical Knee Problems:
- **Meniscus Injuries:** Meniscus injuries often occur with a twist while the knee is bent. If the injury is significant, surgery may be necessary, but in many cases, a knee brace suffices.
- **Ligament Injuries:** The knee has external and internal ligaments that can be partially torn in accidents. In such cases, it is important to rest the knee and provide solid support with a knee brace.
- **Cruciate Ligament Injury:** Severe cruciate ligament injuries require surgery, targeted rehabilitation, and additional support from a knee brace.
- **Osteoarthritis in the Knee**: Osteoarthritis is a condition where the natural cartilage between joints wears away. If you suffer from osteoarthritis, a supportive knee brace can help relieve pain and increase mobility.
A knee injury doesn't always have to be severe or require surgery. It could also be an overload of the knee's structure or a slight twist causing significant soreness. In these situations, many people benefit greatly from a knee brace as it supports the knee, helping the soreness and pain subside more quickly.
## Choosing the Right Knee Brace
If your knee has suffered an injury, it is strongly recommended that you consult your doctor or physiotherapist first. This ensures you receive professional advice and guidance, making certain you choose the right knee brace for your specific needs.
At Seniorshop, we offer a variety of support braces for knees and knee bandages. If you're unsure about the differences, read on as we have gathered descriptions of the most common knee braces:
- **Soft, Elastic Knee Braces:** This type of knee brace is soft, light in material, and easy to slip over the knee. They provide compression and support for mild pain or discomfort, also having a warming effect to soothe muscles and joints. A great example is our elastic knee bandage with wool or our bamboo support brace.
- **Stiff Knee Braces with Side Splints and Hinges:** We also offer more rigid or stiff knee braces, which stabilize the knee joint and are used for more complex knee problems or post-surgery. These ensure the knee remains in the correct position when bent, ensuring fast and correct healing. The more rigid a knee support is, the less mobility you have in the knee.
- **Knee Braces with Open Patella:** Many of our knee supports feature an open hole for the knee called a patella, providing relief to the knee itself. An open patella knee brace keeps the kneecap free, offering excellent support while reducing pressure on the kneecap.
You can always read specifically about which knee problems each product is used for under the individual item.
## How Your Knee Bandage Should Fit
Remember, your supportive knee brace must be properly fitted to provide optimal support. It is crucial that it is neither too tight nor too loose on the leg. If too tight, it can affect blood circulation, and if too loose, it loses effectiveness. Your knee bandage should fit snugly, offering comfortable compression without squeezing or constricting the leg. Most knee bandages can be adjusted and tailored to fit correctly and comfortably.