For 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 avoid complications. To do this, an orthosis on the knee is used, providing reliable fixation. However, before purchasing this product, you need to study the technical characteristics of each type, indications, contraindications and the rules for using the product.
Varieties of retainers
Knee orthosis - an orthopedic product that fixes the joint in the desired position. It is indicated for use by people with age-related bone diseases, injuries, as well as during the rehabilitation period after surgery. Clamps are often used by athletes during training and competition.
A 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;
- compensatory;
- 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 in case you need to redistribute the load. Designed to eliminate deformation.
Unloading helps to redistribute the load, facilitates joint movement and reduces the likelihood of traumatic effects.
In addition, the knee orthosis can be soft, made of fabric materials, or hard, equipped with hinges. Hard ones often require the use of additional soft inserts.
Functional purpose of knee orthoses
An orthosis on the knee helps to improve and stabilize the joint and, depending on the model, helps to reduce pain or ensure complete rest of the damaged area. The functions of each species are different. For example, compensating species replace and act as damaged parts of the joint.
The strong fixing orthopedic product provides:
- reduction in soreness and inflammation;
- rest of the damaged area;
- restoration of support function;
- conditions for quick recovery;
- offset correction.
Corrective prostheses help to ensure the gradual elimination of deformation 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, 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 the required product be selected. The main indications for use are:
- the need for restoration of the knee joint after plaster removal;
- postoperative period;
- the course of inflammatory processes in the body;
- meniscus damage;
- sprain or damage to ligaments;
- age-related changes;
- sports competitions and training.
Orthoses are used from the moment the damage occurred, and until the full recovery. During this period, treatment and rehabilitation occurs. 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 to provide greater elasticity.
Lycra is used to create rigid structures without a warming effect.
Neoprene passes air very well and warms the joint well.
Nylon gives the product strength and durability. 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 combines with other fibers. This material adheres very well to the body and allows air to pass through.
Mounting Methods
In order to decide which orthosis to choose for the knee, you need to first study all the available options, as well as adhere to the doctor's recommendations, given the functional purpose and individual characteristics of the person. In addition, you need to select the product and the degree of fixation, so there are such models of orthoses, such as:
- elastic with easy fixation;
- with spiral stiffeners;
- articulated;
- splint;
- patellar.
In case of traumatic injury, a semi-rigid or rigid knee orthosis is used. Special ribs and soft elements are inserted into the fixator of medium rigidity in the patella region. Such a product helps to minimize the load, improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.
In addition, there are special orthoses for athletes who wear during injuries or as a prophylaxis of injuries to the knee joint. They are made of elastic fabric and are characterized by a low degree of fixation.
How to choose the right product
To date, a wide variety of fixatives for the knee joint is presented, among which everyone can choose the desired option. However, you need to consider many different factors, namely:
- the size;
- construction;
- material.
If the orthosis is incorrectly selected, various complications and additional load on the joint can be provoked. In case of insufficiently good fixation, the condition may worsen, and the rehabilitation time will be significantly delayed. With very strong fixation, there is a violation of blood circulation in the knee joint, and muscle tone will weaken. That is why you need to first consult with a specialist. The doctor will conduct an examination and on the basis of this will select the required treatment.
Before purchasing a product, you must definitely try it on, walk around in it for a while to determine the degree of convenience and the possibility of eliminating painful sensations. It is worth considering the quality and strength of the mount, since the convenience of wearing depends on this in many respects. In modern clamps, there are special silicone drops that provide reliable fastening on the leg.
One of the most important parameters is the size of the product. Therefore, you need to measure the girth of the knee 15 cm above and below the patella.
How to put on an orthosis. Wearing rules
Regardless of which lock is selected, with stiffeners or a detachable version, you need to know how to put the brace on the knee and wear it correctly. There are several rules for its application, which must be taken into account.
In no case should elastic products be worn constantly; they are worn only for a few hours a day. Knee support with detachable 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 fixative is determined only by the attending physician, however, a hard knee orthosis with hinges must be removed periodically in order to treat the skin with the prescribed means.
When using ointments and creams, it is forbidden to put on a fixative immediately, you need to give time to absorb the drug.
An orthosis for a knee fracture is worn only by a surgeon who previously performs certain manipulations to fix the leg in the required position. During the use of the product, you need to monitor the area of the skin that is closed with a bandage so that irritation does not appear on it.
Contraindications
There are not so many contraindications for the use of the fixative, but nevertheless they exist. Contraindications include:
- phlebeurysm;
- swelling of the legs;
- the presence of irritation or skin rashes.
Before using the product, be sure to consult a doctor so as not to provoke irritation.