Men, women and children are all equally subject to knee problems. Over exercising, obesity or old age can cause them. It is important to keep them healthy and if you do suffer from knee-related issues, it is crucial to find the right knee brace to protect yourself because your knees are an important part of the way you walk.
What are knee braces?
Knee braces are supports that you wear for a painful or injured knee. Some people use them to simply prevent an injury during sports. A combination of metal, foam, plastic, elastic material and straps makes these braces.
Do knee braces work?
Braces help some people more than others. In general, functional braces, rehabilitative braces and unloader braces are the most effective. However, everyone is different. There’s no better way to know what brace is right for you than consulting with your doctor.
There are four kinds of knee braces:
- Prophylactic: Designed to protect knees from injuries during contact sports (football, rugby, etc.)
- Functional: Give support to knees that have already been injured.
- Rehabilitative: These limit harmful knee movement while a knee is healing after an injury or surgery.
- Unloader/Off-loader: Designed to provide relief to people who have arthritis in their knee.
How do I get a knee brace?
Pharmacies or medical supply stores often carry simple knee sleeves or supports and are probably your best bet for proper protection. Some people order knee braces off the internet, however, it is always wise to try on a brace before purchase. Talk to your doctor to find out different knee braces and how they can help you.
How do I use a knee brace?
A knee brace should be worn during all activities that put you at risk of injury to your knee in order to work well. Don’t forget to warm up properly before beginning any athletic activity.
How do I care for my knee brace?
Regular cleaning with soap and water is good for the brace fabric. A worn-out brace should be replaced for maximum benefit. More durable materials may cost more, but the brace will be more secure and last much longer.
At MacDonald’s Pharmacy, we can help you find the perfect knee brace. Let us know what your concerns are so we can help you pick the right product. Keep in mind that if you want your item to be submitted to your insurance, you must have a valid prescription with a diagnosis code for fast and accurate processing.
