In diseases of the knee joint and injuries, it is important to reduce the load and limit the mobility of the damaged area in order to avoid pain, swelling and complications. For this, an orthosis is used on the knee, which provides a secure fixation. However, before purchasing this product, you need to study the technical characteristics of each type, indications, contraindications and rules for using the product.
Varieties of clamps
Knee orthosis is an orthopedic product that fixes the joint in the required position. It is indicated for use in people with age-related bone diseases, injuries, as well as during the rehabilitation period after surgery. Fixatives are often used by athletes during training and competitions.
Variety of models differing in their functionality, technical characteristics and cost,allows you to choose a product with optimal parameters for each person. There are movable (articulated) and fixed (splint) mechanisms.
There are several types of orthoses that differ in the type of impact on the joint:
- fixing;
- corrective;
- compensating;
- unloading.
Fixing is designed to ensure complete immobility of the joint for high-quality tissue repair.
Corrective is a rigid or semi-rigid product designed to correct the movement of the knee and normalize its position.
Compensating is used if you need to redistribute the load. Designed to eliminate deformation.
Unloading helps to redistribute the load, facilitates joint movements and reduces the likelihood of trauma.
In addition, a knee brace can be soft, made of fabric materials, or hard, equipped with hinges. Rigid ones often require the use of additional soft inserts.
Functional purpose of knee orthoses
Knee orthosis helps to improve and stabilize the joint and, depending on the model, helps to reduce pain or provide complete rest to the injured area. The functions of each type are different. For example, compensatory types replace and perform the function of damaged parts of the joint.
Durable fixation orthopedic product provides:
- reduce soreness and inflammation;
- peace of the damaged area;
- restoring the reference function;
- conditions for quick recovery;
- offset correction.
Corrective prostheses help to gradually eliminate the deformity of the damaged area, and special unloading knee pads reduce the load on a certain area.
Indications for use
Before using an orthosis to stabilize the knee joint, you need to consult a phlebologist and an angiosurgeon. These doctors will help determine the condition of the veins and blood vessels. Only then can you select the desired product. The main indications for use are:
- need for knee replacement after cast removal;
- postoperative period;
- flow of inflammatory processes in the body;
- meniscus injury;
- sprain or injury to ligaments;
- age-related changes;
- sports competitions and training.
Orthoses are used from the moment the injury occurs until full recovery. During this period, treatment and rehabilitation takes place. Moreover, many products are used around the clock, if there is evidence.
What materials are used for manufacturing
Modern types of orthopedic products are made from various materials, namely from:
- cotton;
- lycra;
- neoprene;
- nylon;
- spandex.
Cotton products are designed for long-term use; used in combination with synthetic materials for greater elasticity.
Lycra is used to create rigid structures without a warming effect.
Neoprene is very breathable and warms the joint well.
Nylon gives strength and durability to the product. It is used to make models with easy fixation. The only drawback of this material is that it can provoke an allergy. It is also undesirable to wear it for a long time.
Spandex is a synthetic elastic thread that is combined with other fibers. This material is very comfortable and breathable.
Mounting Methods
To decide which orthosis to choose for the knee, you must first study all the available options, as well as follow the doctor's recommendations, taking into account the functional purpose and individual characteristics of the person. In addition, you need to select the product according to the degree of fixation, so there are such models of orthoses as:
- stretchy with easy hold;
- with spiral ribs;
- articulated;
- tutor;
- patellar.
In case of traumatic injury, a semi-rigid or rigid knee brace is used. In a fixator of average degree of rigidity in the area of the patellaspecial ribs and soft elements are inserted. Such a product helps to minimize the exertion, improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.
In addition, there are special orthoses for athletes that are worn in case of injuries or as a prevention of damage to the knee joint. They are made of stretchy fabric and have a low degree of fixation.
How to choose the right product
Today, there is a wide variety of fixators for the knee joint, among which everyone can choose the required option. However, there are many different factors to consider, namely:
- size;
- design;
- material.
If you choose the wrong orthosis, you can provoke various complications and additional stress on the joint. In the case of insufficiently good fixation, the condition may worsen, and the rehabilitation time will be significantly delayed. With a very strong fixation, there is a violation of blood circulation in the area of the knee joint, and muscle tone will weaken. That is why you need to consult with a specialist first. The doctor will conduct an examination and, based on this, select the required treatment.
Before purchasing a product, you must definitely try it on, walk around in it for some time to determine the degree of convenience and the possibility of eliminating pain. It is necessary to take into account the quality and strength of the fastening, since the comfort of wearing largely depends on this. Modern retainers have special silicone drops that provide reliablefastening on the leg.
One of the most important parameters is the size of the product. Therefore, you need to measure the circumference of the knee 15 cm above and below the patella.
How to put on an orthosis. Wearing rules
Regardless of which type of brace is chosen, with ribs or a detachable version, you need to know how to properly put an orthosis on your knee and wear it. There are several rules for its use, which must be taken into account.
Elastic products should never be worn all the time, they are worn only for a few hours a day. A knee brace with detachable type joints can not only be worn throughout the day, but also left overnight. It restricts limb movements even during sleep, which is especially important in the postoperative period. The period of wearing such a fixator is determined only by the attending doctor, however, the rigid knee orthosis with hinges must be periodically removed in order to treat the skin with the prescribed means.
When using ointments and creams, it is forbidden to put on the fixative immediately, you need to allow time for the absorption of the drug.
A knee fracture orthosis is put on only by a surgeon who first performs certain manipulations to fix the leg in the required position. During the application of the product, you need to monitor the area of \u200b\u200bthe skin that is covered with a bandage so that irritation does not appear on it.
Contraindications
There are no contraindications for the use of the fixativeso many, but still they exist. Contraindications include:
- varicose veins;
- leg swelling;
- presence of irritation or skin rash.
Before using the product, be sure to consult a doctor so as not to provoke irritation.
