What is the best knee brace? Orthosis on the knee joint: types, selection criteria, price. Functions and types of orthoses

Every person who has had problems with the functioning of the joints knows what a knee orthosis is.

It is known that a person, due to a certain structure of his joints, performs various types of movements. For example:

• crouches;
• jumping;
• does gymnastics and so on.

But when any disease occurs, which leads to a violation of this process, a person begins to feel some discomfort and often pain. The reason for this is damage to the knee joint.

It is clear that when a person makes any movement, his joints begin to experience strong loads. This is due to the fact that during walking or any other movement, the entire mass of the human body begins to put pressure on the joints. The latter do not withstand this load, as a result, injuries occur. It should be noted that injuries can occur both in athletes and in ordinary people. Of all the possible injuries, most often there are injuries associated with the functioning of the knee joint.

When this unpleasant situation occurs, a knee brace should be used. This is a special orthopedic product that allows you to maintain the correct position of the joint for the desired period. Of course, this is not a remedy, but in the process of treatment it is very necessary.

It is important to remember that the type of orthosis is selected only after a complete examination by a doctor. He writes out a referral, and only after that the patient goes to the salon, where various orthopedic equipment is sold, and makes the necessary purchase.

It is important to remember that for each specific ailment there are separate types of construction. They also differ depending on which part of the body they are intended for.

How to choose a product?

As mentioned above, this product should be selected by a professional specialist. In addition, in the salon, the client should be told how to properly care for this product and how to wear it. Of course, it is best to try on the design before buying and move a little with it in order to understand how comfortable it will be in the future. This advice is especially relevant if you buy ankle orthoses. After all, if the patient is allowed to move, the convenience and ease of movement will depend on how correctly the bandage is selected.

In any case, when making a purchase, you should pay attention to the fastening of the orthosis, to understand how durable it is. Otherwise, in the future, in the process of wearing, you will have to constantly correct it. It is worth remembering that any low-quality item will constantly slip and cause discomfort. If the orthosis is of high quality, then the manufacturer completes it with special silicone drops. They are the ones that help you get it right.

Particular care should be taken when choosing a product for complex injuries. In this case, you need to purchase structures with rigid fixation. Moreover, it should be carried out on the problem area. Some large manufacturers, such as Medi and Orlett, install a special hinge in the design. It is a biomechanical analogue of the joint itself. Thanks to this, the fixation will be rigid and reliable.

What's the Difference?

If we talk about the main differences between a quality and a cheap product, it is important to note that quality products allow the skin to breathe. That is, they can be worn all day without removing, and at the same time the skin will breathe, and various kinds of irritation will not appear on it. In addition, they do not rub the skin itself and do not contribute to its overheating. As a result, a person feels comfortable and easy. And the bandage itself resembles a second skin and does not cause any inconvenience.

But besides the fact that you need to choose the right designs, you should also know how best to wear and care for it. For example, some patients try to independently control the level of fastening rigidity. Thus, increasing the likelihood of improper union of the joint and violating the established rules of treatment, which is dangerous when it comes to serious damage. You need to understand that in the salon the master initially sets all the main parameters of the orthosis, based on the requirements that the doctor prescribes. And you don't need to change them yourself. You should also check with your doctor in advance the duration of wearing this device. Although in many cases this period reaches several months, nevertheless, the decision to stop wearing this orthopedic product is made by the attending physician after a complete examination of the patient.

Another important point to remember: if the damaged area of ​​the skin needs to be regularly lubricated with ointment or any other remedy, then after such a procedure, you should wait a bit until the cover becomes dry, and only then put on the structure.

Some patients think that an orthosis cannot be put on a swollen or injured body. I would like to refute this opinion. Today, there are models that are easily used for both swollen and damaged areas of the body.

What do you need to pay attention to?

When choosing this item, you should pay attention to factors such as:

• the size;
• the material from which it is made;
• design.

It is important to keep these factors in mind. After all, if you make the wrong choice, you can even more harm your health. In any case, if the material from which the product is made is not of very high quality, or the size does not match, the fixation will be very weak. As a result, serious consequences can develop. And the process of rehabilitation itself will be greatly delayed. And if the fixation is too strong, then this will lead to a decrease in muscle tone, as well as to impaired blood circulation. As a result, it will also aggravate the healing process and disrupt the work of an already sick organism. That is why, before purchasing a product, you need to get qualified advice from a doctor, as well as a specialist who is engaged in the selection of an orthosis. This rule especially applies to cases where structures with rigid fixation are used.

It is worth noting that there are knee pads that are worn for prevention purposes when doing active sports. They do not have a therapeutic effect on the body, but at the same time they can reduce the level of development of chronic diseases and injuries associated with the work of the joints.

Types of knee orthosis

The fact that there is a rigid fixation orthosis has already been said above. Now you need to deal with other types of products, since according to the level of fixation they are divided into:

• soft knee orthosis;
• semi-rigid knee orthosis;
• rigid knee orthosis.

They can be divided into 5 main types. They correlate with the type and level of pain in the joint. It could be:

• elastic material of the closed type;
• open-type construction made of elastic material with the ability to adjust the tension;
• knee pad made of elastic material with stiffening ribs in the form of spirals;
• articulated orthosis;
• construction that is used to support the tendon.

If we talk about the first type, then it is most often prescribed in cases of detection of pain in the knee area. At the same time, it is difficult for the doctor to determine in which part of the knee the pain is localized. It is also very convenient when doing brisk walking or running. It provides proper fixation of the patella itself, and also warms it well. It is from this material that an ankle orthosis is most often made.

The second type is used most often for treatment after a ligament injury or to prevent the onset of sharp pain after an injury, or in cases where the patient already has arthritic pain.

The third type is prescribed when the patient feels pain in the area behind the kneecap itself. For example, this can happen with frequent walking up the stairs or squats.

The fourth type is most often prescribed after more complex injuries. For example, with damage to the menisci, rupture of ligaments, or after surgery of any complexity.

And the last type is prescribed for pain that is localized in the area of ​​the knee tendon.

In general, it is not very important what kind of knee orthosis is purchased; these medical devices should be purchased only after consulting a doctor.

Material selection rules

The material in this case plays an important role. It is he who affects all the medicinal properties of the product itself. You need to remember this at the time of purchase. For example, if we are talking about neoprene, then it is important to note that it provides a fairly good fixation. And this happens due to the high level of compression, which also creates a good warming effect. But also we must not forget that it can cause the development of allergies. It should not be used in patients who are indicated for long-term wearing of an orthosis.

When it comes to elastane, it should also be noted a high level of fixation and good elasticity. But in this case there will be no warming effect, since the material easily passes air. It is also called lycra, it consists of artificial threads that are combined with various fibers. But on the other hand, it is quite durable and has a good service life.

There is also spandex. It is a synthetic fabric that has a good level of elasticity. It hugs the body very tightly and is breathable. Therefore, there will be no warming effect here either.

Well, cotton. This is a natural material, it is best for long-term use. Although it is worth noting that synthetic fibers are added to it during the production process. And this is understandable, cotton has absolutely no elasticity. Therefore, to improve the level of fixation, manufacturers add synthetics.

If we talk about size, then the girth of the knee should be taken into account when it comes to the knee pad. For any other part of the body (if another type of orthosis is to be chosen), the girth should also be measured 15 cm above and below the level where the diseased joint is located.

What influences the choice?

As has been repeatedly mentioned above, when choosing, one should initially take into account the patient's diagnosis, the level of complexity of the disease, and only after that take into account all other characteristics.

For example, a knee pad with easy fixation, made of elastic fabric, must be purchased if the patient has such diseases as:

• arthritis;
• complicated arthrosis;
• bursitis;
• synovitis and other similar ailments.

But the knee pad, which has a light level of fixation and special stiffeners, you need to buy with such diagnoses as:

• ligamentosis;
• osteochondropathy;
• edema, as well as other diseases in which the thermal effect is not contraindicated.

As you can see, in order to choose one or another type of product, one should understand what kind of ailment is installed in this patient. Only then will it be possible to choose the right design. Therefore, if any pathologies are found, the patient should contact a specialized medical institution and only after that proceed with the purchase process.

It is also worth noting that there are retainers for other parts of the body, and not just for the knee joint. For example, a finger brace or a wrist brace. They need to be used for various injuries in this part of the human body. Orthoses for a fracture are selected after a full examination and competent consultation with a doctor, as well as everyone else.

What types of orthoses are there?

In addition to all the above types of construction, there are others. For example:

• splint;
• orthopedic insoles;
• neck bandage.

For example, if there are injuries of the shoulder joint, then you need to choose an orthosis for the shoulder joint, but if there is a foot injury, then, of course, you should buy an orthosis for the foot. Each part of the body has its own separate designs. They are developed taking into account the structural features of the human body and its needs.

If we talk about the splint, then it is put on in the presence of diseases of the joint in the knee area. And it can be quite complex injuries. It is important to remember that the more complex the disease, the better quality the bandage should be. Thanks to this, it will be possible to correctly fix the damaged area and direct the joint in the right direction.

The same goes for insoles and neck bandages. For example, properly selected insoles will align the foot and the gait itself. A bandage around the neck will speed up the process of rehabilitation after significant injuries, which led to disruption of the spine. An orthosis for the hand will ensure proper fusion of the damaged bone.

The bandage is also used for severe swelling. Due to the fact that it helps to remove stagnant fluid in places of its accumulation, puffiness quickly disappears. Sometimes a day is enough for this.

As you can see, this design is used for various purposes. But this is almost always associated with the restoration of the health of the joints and bones. Sometimes they are worn for prevention, and in some cases - exclusively for medicinal purposes. Recovery depends on the material from which the orthosis is made, as well as on the level of fixation.

To achieve a partial, and often complete restoration of the functions of the knee joint, allows the use of a special device - an orthosis. It can be used by people of all age groups. The properties and structure of the orthosis, which allow combining practicality and absolute safety, ensure high efficiency of the product. The design simplicity of the device, combined with unprecedented efficiency, makes the knee joint orthosis one of the first-priority means used to treat the most complex diseases and injuries.

How to choose

It is advisable to use an orthosis on the knee joint as a preventive measure - it will help prevent the worsening of the disease, for people who have already acquired minor problems with the joints. Wearing an orthosis is also recommended for sports enthusiasts.

Today, the consumer has the opportunity to choose the best option, among a large number of products that differ in price and quality of the material. The use of a knee cut allows you to quickly start restorative procedures in case of injury or complications.

The selection of an orthosis requires consideration of three factors:

• constructions;
• size;
• material.

It is important to know that with the wrong selection of the knee brace, serious complications can occur. So, for example, with insufficient fixation, the situation will worsen - the rehabilitation period will be unreasonably long, and the knee will be practically not protected from injury during the prophylactic use of the orthosis.

With excessively strong fixation, blood circulation is disturbed in the knee joint and
the natural tone of the muscles is weakened. That is why, before buying an orthosis, it is so important to get professional advice from an orthopedist, traumatologist or surgeon.

It is safe to say that without medical assistance it is very difficult to choose the right orthosis that meets the requirements of a particular situation.

Kinds

The design of the knee brace used should be appropriate for the type of pain. Considering the design of orthoses belonging to the categories of light and semi-rigid fixation, there are five main varieties:

1. Elastic closed knee pad. Its wearing is recommended for difficulties with determining the localization of pain. This model slightly fixes the patella, providing a warming effect. It is advisable to use such a knee brace when walking or running.
2. Elastic open knee pad with adjustable tension. This model is indicated for patients requiring rehabilitation for damaged ligaments. It is effective in the presence of minor residual or arthritic pain. The model is also recommended for post-traumatic syndrome, which makes the patient afraid of pain.
3. Elastic open knee pad with lateral spiral ribs. It is indicated for pain that occurs in the knee during squats.
4. Articulated knee brace. Traumatologists recommend it for pain caused by a kneecap injury, ligament rupture or meniscus injury, after surgery.
5. Knee support for tendon support. The reason for the appointment of this type of knee brace is the pain that occurs in the tendons under the patella ("jumper's knee").

What materials are used to make

When choosing a knee pad, it is important to consider that materials have different properties, and hence possibilities.

Manufacturers of knee pads use the following materials:

• Neoprene. It is more often used in the production of elastic models that provide easy fixation. High-quality fixation of the knee is due to the compression created. The material has a warming effect. Disadvantage: May provoke an allergic reaction. Neoprene knee pads are not recommended for long-term use.
• Nylon. The use of this material increases the service life of the product. It is combined with other fibers, giving strength to fabrics.
• Spandex- synthetic elastic threads, combined with other fibers. The material is breathable and provides a perfect fit.
• Elastane. The material is also known as lycra. This artificial yarn of increased elasticity is used to combine with various fibers. Provides fixation due to its elastic properties. The material is breathable. It does not have a warming effect.
• Cotton. This natural material is optimally suited for long-term contact with the skin. However, cotton is not elastic, and therefore, in the manufacture of knee pads, it is combined with suitable synthetic fibers.

How to choose the size of the knee pad

The main parameter influencing the choice of a knee pad is the girth of the knee, measured at the center of the knee. To make an even more accurate selection, two more measurements should be taken: leg circumference 15 cm above and below the kneecap.

How does the degree of fixation of the kneecap depend on the type of disease

Depending on the disease, the approximate degree of fixation is determined, which must be agreed with the attending physician. The following is an approximate correspondence of the type of knee pads to various diseases:

• elastic knee pad with easy fixation - arthritis, synovitis, arthrosis (exacerbation), arthrosis, bursitis, gonarthrosis (initial stage),;
• kneecap with easy fixation, equipped with spiral stiffeners - ligamentosis, bursitis, tendomyopathy, synovitis, gonarthrosis (initial stage), chondromalacia of the patella, arthrosis (including deforming), rheumatoid arthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, paraarticular edema (in the absence of contraindications) for the thermal effect), osteochondropathy of the tibial tuberosity;
• articulated knee brace with semi-rigid fixation - patellofemoral pain syndrome, osteochondropathy, arthrosis, recurvation, contractures of the knee joint, gonarthrosis, deforming osteoarthritis, valgus/varus deviation, paralysis, Koenig's disease, rheumatoid arthritis;
• tutor - osteochondropathy, Koenig's disease, deforming arthrosis, varus / valgus deformities, hemarthrosis, synovitis, (exacerbation), arthrosis (exacerbation), bursitis, lesions of the condyles of the joint (dysplastic and specific), intra-articular bodies;
• patellar orthosis (under the patella) - tendonitis ("jumper's knee"), Osgood-Schlatter disease, patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Joints play an important role in the human body, allowing it to conduct its usual activities, work, move, etc. A person makes many different movements every day, without even realizing the very fact of this, that is, he does it automatically. But there are situations when a person receives some kind of damage, and the usual actions seem to him not as simple as they were before. The knee joint suffers almost more often than the others, because it can withstand the entire mass of the human body. In order to help him in this function, a knee joint orthosis was created.

You will learn

When is a knee brace needed?

A knee brace is not necessary in all cases. To understand this issue in more detail, we will talk about the main indications for the use of such a bandage.

1. As a precautionary measure. The orthosis is worn by many athletes who work with weight lifting, i.e., when the expected load on the joint will be higher than usual. This avoids sprains and joint damage.
2. The orthosis is used for various kinds of injuries of the patella and dislocations. It can also be used to remove swelling in the knee area.
3. After surgery on the knee joint, as a means of rehabilitation.
4. The orthosis can be used for various joint diseases, relieving excessive stress on the joint. There are frequent cases when the pain becomes almost unbearable, but it is not possible to completely bed rest, so the use of this device is quite advisable.
5. When stretching ligaments.
6. Unstable position of the knee joint caused by previous injuries.
7. An elastic orthosis can help with bursitis and arthrosis.

When can an orthosis not be worn?

As for contraindications, there are several of them:

• Phlebeurysm.
• Swelling in the lower extremities.
• The presence of irritation or skin rashes in the area of ​​​​the legs where the orthosis is attached.

The list of contraindications can be expanded by the attending specialist, based on a specific medical case.

Therapeutic effect from wearing

Pathologies in the development of joints and ligaments are quite common. Dislocation and rupture of ligaments can lead to joint instability, which ultimately leads to traumatic consequences. The main function of the orthosis is to maintain the ligamentous apparatus, which also allows you to stabilize the knee joint itself.

In general, the effect of an orthosis directly depends on its type. For example, soft orthopedic accessories help to avoid swelling on the lower extremities. It also stimulates blood circulation, which is very useful for articular cartilage, which receives additional blood flow. In most devices, there is also a warming effect that allows you to relieve pain.

Types of knee orthoses

Orthoses can be different in their purpose, appearance and materials used:

Soft knee orthoses are also divided into intraspecific varieties:

• closed type. The orthosis securely fixes the kneecap, providing a warming effect. It is very often used by athletes during classes, as well as by ordinary people who make long runs and walks.
• open type. It is used as a rehabilitation after injuries and sprains. It also helps with exacerbation of arthritis.
• Open type with spiral type stiffeners. Such an orthosis is most often used for severe pain in the knee, as well as for inflammatory processes of the ligaments and joints.

It should be remembered that soft orthoses are made from a wide variety of materials. It can be spandex, nylon, or neoprene, so it's important to find out before buying if you're allergic to synthetic materials.

As for the cost, the price depends on the material used, the type of orthosis and many other factors. If we talk about the price range, then it varies from 1,700 to 20,000 rubles.

How to choose an orthosis

To choose a knee orthosis, it is important to choose the right size. The most important parameter is the girth of the knee. In order not to be mistaken, it is best to make calculations 15 cm below and above the kneecap.

The material of manufacture is also important when choosing this accessory. Cotton seems to be the most preferred, but it has one big disadvantage - it practically does not stretch. To avoid this problem, manufacturers add certain synthetic fibers to the composition.

You need to be very careful when choosing a neoprene orthosis. It has very positive characteristics, but it can cause severe allergies in humans. In general, each material has its positive aspects:

• Nylon- products from it differ in the increased operational term.
• Spandex- it perfectly follows all the outlines of the leg and knee joint, and also has good ventilation.
• Elastane- such material also passes air well, but does not warm the skin.

When you buy an orthosis, be sure to try it on. Walk around in it for a while, squat, that is, perform any actions that allow you to appreciate its convenience.

Remember that the wrong choice of knee orthosis can significantly worsen the picture of the disease. If the kneecap is not tightly fixed, then the knee joint will be unprotected from excessive loads. Naturally, this will significantly increase the rehabilitation period, and may also be the result of complications.

Here is an example of fitting a knee brace. Customizing the orthosis for yourself is no less important than all the other selection recommendations listed.

If the orthosis puts excessive pressure on the joint, this will impair blood circulation in the tissues, which will affect the condition of the muscles. That is why, before you go to a specialized store for a purchase, you need to consult an orthopedic doctor who will help you choose the right option. Remember that a knee joint orthosis cannot cure an articular disease on its own, because its main task is to eliminate pain, as well as help in complex treatment.

By the way, the fixation of the orthosis is extremely important, because a certain degree of fit of this product is necessary for a specific disease. Here is an approximate correspondence between diseases and the degree of fixation:

Wearing rules

1. It is not recommended to wear soft knee orthoses permanently. This limitation does not apply to articulated orthoses, which can be worn not only all day, but also left overnight. At night, a person moves, which leads to a load on the joint, and this is undesirable during the rehabilitation period after surgery.
2. The average time an orthosis is worn is eight hours. At the same time, every three hours it is necessary to remove it so that the leg can rest for 20-30 minutes.
3. Soft neoprene orthoses should not be left overnight.
4. Make sure that the skin under the surface of the orthosis is not irritated. If you notice a rash, it is best to use a protective cream, only then put on the product.

Product care

As for the care of the product, it is quite simple:

• They can be washed by hand in warm water.
• Use only those detergents that do not contain chlorine. It is best to take a gel for delicate washing.
• The orthosis should dry itself, without the use of heaters and sunlight.
• Simply put the orthosis in a well-ventilated room until completely dry.

A knee brace is an aid in the treatment of various joint and muscle diseases. In addition, orthoses are widely used:

1. In the world of sports, where people daily face heavy loads on their bodies, including the knee joint.
2. Orthoses allow you to stabilize his condition, protecting him from additional loads, so this orthopedic accessory is in high demand.

However, in order for your choice to be correct, you need to consult a specialized specialist, because only he can assess the state of your body, as well as assisting in determining the size of the orthosis, the material of manufacture and other nuances.

The knee joint is subjected to more stress than many others. Therefore, it is not surprising that kneecap injuries are a very common phenomenon. Very often, a knee orthosis is used to treat injuries and diseases of the knee.

What is an orthosis and when is it used?

An orthosis is an orthopedic product designed specifically to fix a particular joint in an anatomically correct position. It is made up of metal, plastic, and fabric and comes in many varieties. The knee orthosis unloads the joint and stabilizes its position, it is used for the prevention and treatment of many diseases.

Orthoses are used most often from the moment of injury until complete recovery. During this period, both treatment and rehabilitation of the injured knee take place. A knee brace is often worn day and night. However, the duration of wearing this device should be determined by the attending physician. Thanks to the material that the orthosis consists of, the skin breathes and does not fray, there is no irritation on the leg. There are models specifically designed to be fixed on swollen or deformed joints, so swelling and pain are not an obstacle to wearing such an orthopedic product.

If the damage to the knee joint is not too serious, as a rule, a brace is used. It is easy to use and at the same time copes very well with the fixation of the joint. More complex devices are used for severe injuries.

• with dislocations and subluxations of the patella;
• when sprained ligaments;
• in rheumatic diseases of the knee;
• with chondropathy, synovitis, tendinitis;
• with damage to the menisci;
• in the presence of inflammatory processes, for example, arthritis and arthrosis;
• in case of instability of the knee joint after injury;
• during postoperative rehabilitation;
• during the recovery period after the removal of the cast.

Not very complex orthoses are widely used by those involved in extreme sports. This device perfectly protects the foot from possible injuries.

This bandage is designed for rigid fixation of the joint

You should always buy a knee brace in special orthopedic stores, since the quality of products sold in sports departments is much lower. In the case of the purchase of a low-quality product, the fixative may not only not give the proper therapeutic or preventive effect, but also harm.

Symptoms and treatment of tendonitis

Tendinitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the tendons. Its causes may be increased activity or microtrauma, musculoskeletal diseases, impaired posture, weakened tendons, their improper formation.

It looks like a joint affected by tendonitis

If tendonitis is not treated in a timely manner, then after a while the disease will become chronic. And this is fraught not only with inflammation of the tendon, but also with its destruction. A symptom of the first stage of tenditis is a feeling of pain, but it occurs only with a heavy load. With the development of the disease, pain becomes stronger and begins to appear even with little stress. At the peak of the disease, pain disturbs a person even in a state of immobility.

Since tendinitis develops gradually, patients too often see a doctor when the disease has already become severe. Therefore, when the first symptoms occur, you should immediately go to the hospital, without waiting until the disease develops and begins to interfere with leading a full-fledged lifestyle. Diagnosis of tendinitis is to conduct an examination. During it, it is necessary to identify the area that hurts during palpation and movement. The doctor often finds swelling at the site of the injured tendon.

The main manifestations of tendinitis.

1. Pain in the knee joint that occurs during movement and palpation.
2. The skin in the inflamed area is hot and reddened.
3. In certain cases, a small tumor can be seen at the site of the inflammatory process.
4. When using a phonendoscope, you can hear the sound that occurs in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe damaged tendon at the time of movement. Sometimes the sound can be heard without the use of a phonendoscope.

A joint affected by tendinitis is often referred to as "jumper's knee" because this disease is mainly characteristic of athletes who experience heavy loads on their legs. If the disease is not cured in time, you can say goodbye not only to sports, but also to the ability to move normally. Treatment methods for tendonitis are as follows.

1. Complete elimination of physical activity. It is important to provide rest to the injured tendon. At the same time, auxiliary means are used: a splint, a brace, a knee orthosis, orthopedic shoes, a cane, and more.
2. Physiotherapy: laser and magnetic therapy, the use of ultraviolet and ultrasound.
3. Drug treatment, involving the use of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs, antibacterial and pain medications. Injections of corticosteroids into the damaged area are provided.
4. At the final stage of the course of treatment, the patient must perform a set of physical therapy exercises.

Signs and treatment of synovitis

Synovitis is characterized as an inflammatory process, accompanied by the formation of fluid in the joint cavity. The cause of the disease is usually infection of the joint due to injury. In addition, the disease can develop with autoimmune processes, metabolic disorders, against the background of arthritis and hemophilia, as a result of injuries to the cartilage or meniscus.

Symptoms of synovitis begin to appear gradually, a few days after infection. The first sign is a slight increase in the volume of the joint, deformation of the damaged area. Then there is a restriction of freedom of movement and, finally, pain, not strong, but aching and prolonged.

With inflammation of the joint, it is important not only to correctly determine the disease, but also to identify its cause. For accurate diagnosis, a puncture is performed, and the fluid obtained by the surgeon is sent for analysis. Only after undergoing this procedure, the doctor can prescribe the correct treatment.

There are two forms of synovitis: infectious and aseptic. Depending on the severity and causes that influenced the onset of the disease, there are several types of this disease.

1. Exudative. Occurs with a mechanical injury to the knee. It is characterized by an inflammatory process, a significant production of exudate by the synovial membrane.
2. Reactive. It is an allergic variety that could cause a mechanical or toxic effect on the knee joint and the place next to it. This type of ailment usually occurs with diseases such as arthritis and arthrosis.
3. Post-traumatic. It develops if the knee joint is irritated by fragments of bone or cartilage, the meniscus is damaged.
4. Chronic. It can develop in the presence of trauma and untreated synovitis. This is a rather rare form of the disease, because it occurs only with a very long absence of treatment.

To cure synovitis, the first step is to apply a bandage or knee brace to the inflamed joint to ensure maximum rest and fixation of the leg. The patient must undergo a course of manual therapy or perform simple gymnastic exercises. Large physical exertion at this stage of treatment is strictly prohibited.

In all forms of the disease, nonsteroidal drugs are prescribed. In the case of infectious synovitis, antibiotics are prescribed, and chronic forms of the disease are treated with corticosteroids. When medical treatment fails, surgery is performed.

Types of orthoses and their use

According to the manufacturing method, orthoses are divided into articulated and non-articulated. The latter are very similar in their functions to bandages; they cannot provide rigid fixation. Most often, this is an elastic orthosis for the knee joint, made of lycra, cotton or neoprene. The choice of material from which the brace is made will depend on the doctor's prescription, since tissues have different properties and affect the injured knee in different ways.

Lycra is breathable and provides a strong hold, cotton is very good for the skin. Neoprene provides optimal compression in the joint and gives a warming effect, which is why long-term wearing of such an orthosis is contraindicated. In addition, an allergic reaction is possible on neoprene.

There is an elastic knee brace made of spandex, it perfectly facilitates the joint and is often used in conjunction with other materials. It is very easy to care for such a product, it can be subjected to hand washing, after which the appearance and properties of the device do not change. The articulated knee brace, due to its design, retains the mobility of the joint, while ensuring the anatomically correct position of the leg with every movement.

Based on the impact the knee orthosis has on the damaged organ, the products are divided into several subspecies.

1. Fixing. They keep the joint in a calm state and contribute to its recovery.
2. Unloading. Remove excess load from the joint.
3. Corrective. A knee brace of this type is made specifically for the gradual correction of deformities.
4. Compensatory. Created to solve such a problem as the poor functionality of the articular elements. The compensating orthosis perfectly supports a foot.

The latch can be rigid, semi-rigid and soft. A rigid knee brace (or splint) does not allow the knee to fully bend and unbend. It is simply indispensable for torn ligaments and fractures. This type of product is usually used for severe knee injuries, arthritis, synovitis, deforming arthrosis, hemarthrosis.

When wearing a device such as a rigid knee orthosis, it is imperative to first set the angle of the joint in accordance with the instructions of the doctor. Under no circumstances should you adjust the angle yourself, as this can significantly damage the knee. A semi-rigid cut does not fix the leg so much, it is used in the postoperative period and with instability of the knee joint. It is also used to prevent joint deformity due to chronic inflammation.

The soft knee brace is characterized by a slight fixation. It is needed to treat damage to the ligaments, meniscus, with chronic instability or joint deformity. A soft knee brace is often used by athletes to help prevent injury and relieve excessive physical stress from the leg. Some soft fixatives can create a massage effect and improve blood circulation.

Rules for choosing a brace for the knee

In no case should you try to determine the type of orthopedic product yourself. A knee brace that is too rigid can weaken the muscles, while a knee brace that is too strong will slow down the recovery process. Therefore, the choice must be made by a qualified specialist.

First of all, you should consult a doctor. He examines the injured knee, makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment. A knee brace is selected in an orthopedic shop by a doctor or a professional consultant according to a doctor's prescription. Before buying, you need to carefully read the characteristics of the product, since the parameters of the same type of models from different manufacturers can be quite different.

A knee brace should be tried on and walked around a bit to determine if it is comfortable and relieves pain. Close attention should be paid to the attachment of the device. It will depend on them how comfortable the process of wearing will be. With a weak and poor-quality fastening, the knee joint orthosis will have to be constantly corrected. In good products, there are often drops of silicone that ensure the fixation of the retainer on the leg.

2394 0

Various diseases and injuries of the knee joints bring a lot of problems. Not only do they require long-term treatment, but the knees also take a very long time to recover.

For the speedy recovery of the knee joints after injuries and during diseases, doctors recommend wearing special fixing devices - orthoses, splints and bandages.

These products provide reliable fixation of the diseased joint and accelerate the process of restoring its structure.

Applied clamps - their capabilities

All fixators for the knee joint are divided into several types, but the purpose of their use is common. They are designed to support and fix the damaged joint for preventive or therapeutic purposes.

The knee joint has a rather complex structure. It consists of three bones, three synovial bags, menisci and tendons. Due to the well-coordinated workflow of all these components, a person can perform all the necessary flexion and extension functions. However, sometimes as a result of injury or disease, the structural units of the joints can be damaged.

In these cases, various fixators are required to maintain the joints. These immobilizing devices include:

• bandages;
• orthoses;
• splints.

All these fixing structures have some distinctive features that you should pay attention to:

Varieties of designs

Consider the types of devices for joint immobilization.

By appearance

On sale there are the following types of fixing devices for the knee joint:

1. Bandages- an elastic support device that can have different compression and density. It is used to improve the structure of the joint, normalizes blood circulation, relieves swelling, inflammation.
2. Orthoses- high-strength structures to support the knee joint. They provide a secure fixation of the knee. They are used for various diseases of the joints and traumatic injuries.
3. Splints- These are rigid devices made in the form of sleeves. They are attached to the knee joint with straps, lacing or hinged elements. Used for injuries and diseases of the knee joint.

The choice of product according to the degree of rigidity

According to the degree of rigidity, the products are of different types:

• elastic knitted material;
• light rigidity, made of metal plates;
• medium hardness, based on plastic or iron material;
• hinge structures.

Articulated orthosis Orliman knee

Features of each group of clamps:

1. The knee brace has the most low rigidity, most often used for preventive purposes. They also produce bandages for the knee joint, which are additionally equipped with stiffeners.
2. Orthoses with weak rigidity are based on metal plates, which are covered with natural knitwear. Additionally, products of this type are fitted with a mesh, so when worn, the skin does not feel discomfort and breathes completely.
3. Products with medium hardness made of plastic or iron. The dense frame is covered with synthetic material on the outside. These designs allow you to fix the knee joint after severe injuries or with complications of articular diseases -,. Often these devices are made to order.
4. Articulated orthoses and splints. it the toughest products. They are used to completely immobilize the joint. These devices are used during severe injuries, in which case they replace the cast. In the design, in addition to a strong frame, there are belts, rollers, hinges.

By type of fixation

According to the type and strength of fixation, products are divided into the following types:

Soft knee brace GenuTrain

1. Functional. These devices provide complete fixation and immobilization of the joint.
2. dynamic or compression products with this type of fixation are used in periods after surgical interventions, injuries and for prevention during exercise.
3. Stabilizer. Products with this type of latch have plastic and metal inserts. Often these devices replace tires.
4. Stage-functional orthosis on the knee joint. This device has a rigid design, which is used to gradually increase the range of motion during joint rehabilitation.

Other types

Depending on the design features, the following types of products are distinguished:

1. Articulated. This tire, the design of which is connected by special hinges. During use, provides full mobility of the knee joint.
2. Hingeless. They look like bandages.

When certain products are used

Bandages with a soft elastic structure of the material are usually used as a preventive measure to restore the structure of the joint tissue and to maintain a fixed position of the knees in cases of heavy load on them.

These products can be worn after mild disorders, they are also used during various physical exercises to relieve increased stress on the joint.

The main indications for wearing orthoses and splints are the following conditions:

Rigid knee brace Medi

• during the rehabilitation period after traumatic injuries of the knee joint;
• after the procedure for;
• in the period after traumatic injuries and surgical interventions in the lower femur and upper leg bones;
• after traumatic injuries of the ligamentous apparatus of the knee joint;
• with hemorrhages in the joint area;
• during and after , ;
• with inflammation of the articular bag, synovial membranes, menisci;
• in the presence of congenital and acquired deformities of the lower leg and knee joint - with valgus or, with recurvation of the knee joint;
• in the presence of paralysis, including cerebral palsy, as well as paralysis after a stroke or sclerosis.

Rigid orthoses and splints are installed on the knee in such cases:

• after severe traumatic injuries, fractures, in the postoperative period. In these cases, these devices are used as plaster;
• with deformity of the knee joint and bones of the lower leg;
• can be used to ensure complete rest during acute and progressive articular diseases;
• with paralysis.

Structures with a rigid structure can be used as fixation devices when transporting a patient who has a suspected knee fracture.

Fixation devices, which have a moderate degree of rigidity, are usually used to support joints in the following conditions:

• during the rehabilitation period after traumatic injuries or illnesses;
• at .

Application for fractures during the rehabilitation period

During this period, fixing devices are used that provide complete restriction of movements. The use of orthoses during the rehabilitation period after fractures completely immobilizes the patient, thereby providing complete rest to the damaged area. Fixing the device is provided by special straps and hinges.

In any case, it is necessary to use any fixing devices strictly according to indications. The attending physician should select the necessary product in accordance with the degree of joint damage and the severity of the disease or injury.

Features of choice

Regardless of the type of design of the fixing product for the knee joint, a number of features must be taken into account during its selection, from which determine the quality and durability of the immobilizer.

What features you need to pay attention to first of all:

• good degree of fixation;
• ease of construction;
• high wear resistance;
• convenient adjustment in length and width;
• the base must be made of safe materials;
• high hygiene;
• size range, it is best to measure the product immediately, it must exactly fit the size of the foot;
• the structure of the structure must be breathable.

Use fixing products for about three weeks. Usually the course of application is determined by the attending physician. Also, a specialist can choose a course of exercises that will help develop the joint.

Operating rules:

• before putting on products, you should check the skin - it should not have wounds and damage;
• orthoses, bandages and splints can be worn directly on bare skin;
• wear products of this type should be on the lower limb, then fix on the required area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe leg;
• sometimes doctors may recommend wearing thin leggings or underpants under the retainer.

As for care, a special instruction is attached to each orthopedic product, which gives a detailed description of the operating rules. Its observance will significantly extend the life of the product.

Basic care rules:

• knee pads are not recommended to be washed in a washing machine, these products should only be washed by hand;
• dry in the unfolded state on a flat surface;
• it is not recommended to stretch, hang on batteries or in the sun;
• when washing, you can not use various chemical detergents, only baby soap;
• ironing is not recommended.

Editor's Choice

After conducting a market survey, as well as having studied numerous reviews, we have selected the top 10 orthoses, bandages and splints for the knee joint:

Word to consumers

The point of view of people who used the knee splint and brace.

After a severe knee injury, the doctor recommended wearing a splint. He said that this device will help the quick restoration of the joint structure. I chose the Fosta articulated splint. I liked the product, the device is firmly fixed on the knee, it does not cause difficulties during movements. There was no swelling or irritation during wearing. My knee recovered quickly and there were no complications.

Maria, 29 years old

Often have to perform heavy exercises in the gym. Lately, I've been noticing pain in my knees. I immediately decided to consult a doctor, you never know.

The doctor recommended using special bandages for the knee joint. I chose the Genumedi model. The product is excellent - it is firmly fixed, relieves stress and overvoltage. Most importantly, all the pain and discomfort are gone!

Oleg, 48 years old

price issue

The cost of devices for immobilization is different, it all depends on the degree of rigidity and fixation. Bandages for prevention can be purchased for a price of 600 to 5,000 rubles, orthoses and splints for the knee joint are much more expensive, on average, such products cost from 5,000 to 50,000 rubles.