Knee pain is a common condition affecting individuals of all ages. Symptoms include but are not limited to, “growing pains”, strains, traumatic injuries, and chronic conditions like arthritis. The knee joint is one of the largest, most complex joints in our body and it carries a considerable amount of load/weight through its weight bearing surfaces during daily activities. Knee braces are often prescribed to treat knee pain.
Knee Bracing
Orthotic Knee Braces can be categorised as ready to fit Off the Shelf (OTS) or Custom-made braces. Braces may be fitted to provide the knee with compression, stability, off-loading or just proprioceptive support, all with the intention of ultimately relieving pain and improving function. At Chin and Partners our qualified Orthotists will assess, measure, and fit you with the correct knee brace for your individual needs.
Off the Shelf (OTS):
Off the shelf knee bracing can either be soft or rigid, depending on the required level of support. They can range from a simple knee sleeve to a brace that provides complete immobilization of the knee joint. We use knee braces from internationally reputable companies such as DJO, Össur, Ottobock and Breg.
Braces are frequently fitted to treat general knee pain, joint stiffness, swelling of the knee, post operative support or control or as a short-term conservative treatment following an injury to the knee during activity. Knee braces are available in various forms, from wraps to allow for ease of application to more complex bracing with hinges that can provide support, limit range of movement or change the alignment of the knee joint to offload a compromised area of the joint. At Chin and Partners we have the knowledge and access to product to provide you with the best possible bracing treatment to meet your individual requirements.
Custom Braces:
When an off-the-shelf knee brace is not fit for purpose, you may require a custom-made knee brace. These braces are either manufactured in our workshop or by our suppliers, such as a CTi from Össur or Defiance III from DJO. Our qualified Orthotist will measure, and custom fit these braces.
Custom made braces are made to accommodate for an individualised fit and/or specific need. The braces are manufactured to meet specific design requirements like individualised anatomical shape, increased brace strength, decreased weight of brace or sport specific brace design. Please enquire should you want more information on these and other options available.
Functional and Supportive Bracing:
Functional knee braces provide you the user with the required stability while continuing with your daily and recreational activities such as hiking, kit surfing, cycling, playing sports or for general stability that may be required in your working environment. These braces do not limit your range of movement, but provide support to your knee, reducing knee pain and improving function.
Indications
- General knee pain.
- MCL, LCL, ACL, in some cases PCL stability
Contraindications
- Check with your healthcare provider
Types/ Variations of the knee products/ services
- Mild support
- Moderate support
- Severe stabilization
Hinged Knee brace (mild)
The Hinged Knee brace is a dual hinged knee brace that provides you with comfort as well as the required stability for mild to moderate activities. The thin popliteal (area behind the knee) sleeve makes flexing the knee more comfortable and does not restrict any movement.
The donut buttress around the kneecap provides additional patella control in combination with improving proprioception.
Indications
- Mild to moderate ligament instabilities of the ACL, MCL, LCL and PCL
Similar Braces: Reddy brace, Play maker, Formfit knee brace range, Reaction knee braces.
Reaction Knee Brace (mild)
The reaction web knee brace is an ideal brace to use for anterior and general knee pain. It is often used to treat runner’s knee. The web design interacts with the skin and this proprioceptive control aids with impact/shock absorption while doing load bearing activities. The silicon web forms to the contours of the leg making it comfortable to wear, easy to apply and functional.
Indications
- Patella femoral pain syndrome
- General knee pain
Patella stabilizing knee Brace (mild)
This soft patella stabilizing knee brace is commonly used to control patella tracing following dislocation of your patella (kneecap). The buttress provides stability and keeps the kneecap in position while the knee bends and straightens through its normal range of movement
Indications
- Mild patella discomfort
- Acute Patella dislocation
- Subluxation of the patella
- Lateral patellofemoral malalignment.
Rebound ROM (moderate)
This neoprene semirigid knee brace is an ideal cost-effective option if you require a combined ligament stability knee brace. It is available as a sleeve or wrap design for those with limited hand strength and function. This knee brace is available in 2 lengths, short and long, depending on the stability that is required. The durable hinges on the side of the knee have the option of limiting the Range of Movement (ROM), should this be required during your rehabilitation period.
Indications
- Mild to Moderate Ligament instability of the MCL, LCL, ACL, and PCL,
- ROM can be set
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Brace (moderate)
The MCL Knee brace (GII trainer) is a semi-rigid knee brace with a unilateral hinge on the outer side of the knee. Two adjustable straps support the (MCL) inner (medial) side of your knee when the knee is in extension. This brace provides the required stability for the MCL during and after rehabilitation and can be worn when you when you return to activity.
Indication
- Mild to moderate MCL instability
Rigid Knee Brace (severe)
We have a range of OTS and Custom braces. A Rigid knee brace has dual hinges and a rigid frame. It is ideal to use during activities that require maximum support and protection of the knee joint. This brace can be used prophylactically and for recovery and post rehabilitation treatment.
Indications
- Severe ligament instability post rehabilitation
- ACL, MCL, LCL
Similar braces: OTS CTi, Armour, Custom CTi, Defiance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The knee brace will provide knee stability, supporting the injured site which will result in varied amounts of pain relief depending on the reason for use.
The knee brace supports the injured site. This allows you to use all your muscles and does not restrict activity, therefore it does not weaken the muscles groups in your knee (NB this is depended on the prescription requirements for the knee brace). In most cases we recommend seeing a physio bio or exercise therapist during the rehabilitation process, this should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
This depends on the rehabilitation process and your recovery process. Some people continue wearing the brace after the rehab process to provide additional support to the knee when doing specific activities.