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Knee Braces

Knee Braces

Knee Braces

Knee Braces

Knee braces are generally used to help reduce knee pain. Knee pain is a common condition affecting all ages, both the young and elderly patients, ranging from strains, “growing pains”, traumatic events to chronic conditions. 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.

Orthotic Knee Braces can be categorised as Off the Shelf (OTS) or Custom-made braces which are designed to provide the knee with stability, off-loading or just to relieve strain, all 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 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. Off the Shelf braces allow for minor adjustments that we can make to try to ensure a good fit.

These braces are used when you experience general knee pain, joint stiffness, swelling of the knee, post operatively or when you injured your knee during activity. Knee bracing provides knee stability and comes in various forms, from wraps to make application easier to more complex bracing where hinges provide support on the sides of the knee. It is our responsibility at Chin and Partners to provide you with the best possible rehabilitation treatment which may allow you to continue with your activities or improve general daily activities

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.

In some cases, a customised fit is required rather than a general off the shelf knee brace.  These braces allow for a better, more contoured fit with various options available from our suppliers, please ask us for more information. These custom-made braces are commonly used in cases where a normal off the shelf brace will not provide the support with the desired effect, a custom manufactured brace will then be recommended. We at Chin and Partners will assess you and prescribe the best possible brace suited to your needs.

Functional and Supportive:

Functional knee braces provide you with the required stability while continuing with your daily and recreational activities such as hiking, playing sports or 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

Mild

Reaction Knee Brace

The reaction web knee brace is ideally used for general knee pain. The web is designed to help with shock absorption as well as disperses energy while doing activities. The web forms according to the contour of the leg making it comfortable to wear and easy to apply.

Indications

  • Patella femoral pain syndrome
  • General knee pain

Patella stabilizing knee Brace

This soft patella stabilizing knee brace is commonly used if you have had a dislocation of your knee cap. The buttress provides stability and keeps the kneecap in position while the knee moves through its normal range of movement

Indications

  • Mild patella discomfort
  • Acute Patella dislocation
  • Subluxation of the patella
  • Lateral patellofemoral malalignment.

Moderate

Rebound ROM

This neoprene semirigid knee brace is ideal if you require a combined ligament stability knee brace. It is available in a sleeve or as a wrap if you have limited hand function or hand strength. 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

MCL Knee brace

The MCL Knee brace (GII trainer) is a rigid knee brace with a unilateral hinge on the outer side of the knee. Two straps are adjusted in order to support the 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 allows you to continue with your activities while having the adequate support.

Indication

  • Mild to moderate MCL instability

Severe

Rigid Knee Brace

A Rigid knee brace is a dual hinged knee brace ideally used for activities where you require maximum support. This brace can be used post rehabilitation as well prophylactically.

Indications

  • Severe ligament instability post rehabilitation
  • ACL, MCL, LCL

Similar braces: OTS CTi, Armour, Custom CTi, Defiance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I care for my brace?

Please refer to leaflet in the box/ packaging.

Will the brace take away all my pain?  

The knee brace does help with knee stability, supporting the injured site resulting in varied amounts of pain relief depending on the reason for use.

Is the knee brace going to weaken my muscles? 

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 it is depended on what the requirements of the knee brace is).  We recommend seeing a physiotherapist during the rehabilitation process, but this should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

How long will I need to wear the brace for?

This is all dependent on the rehabilitation process and your recovery rate. Some people still wear the brace after the rehab process to provide that little bit of an extra support to the knee when doing activities.

Chin & Partners Benefits

Conveniently located

We have four practices across Cape Town and cater to international patients as well

Licensed Professionals

Our healthcare professionals provide the highest quality care and are fully licensed

A Solution For All

We provide solutions for all prosthesis, orthotics, mobility and bracing

Please call (021) 531 0841

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