What Is a Knee Support Brace?

October 30, 2022

A knee support brace is worn to stabilise the knee joint, manage knee pain and reduce discomfort in your knee. Most knee braces stabilise the joint by compression, or through straps that tighten around your knee.

Patients often wear a knee support brace after they have injured their knee or to help them heal after having surgery on their knee.

Some people wear a knee support brace during sports or exercise, to prevent injuries to the knee.

So, what is a knee support brace and what are the benefits?

Supports and stabilises the knee joint, so you can stand and move better.
Prevents you from accidentally putting your knee in a vulnerable position.
Helpful for rehabilitation after trauma and injury to the knee or knee surgery.
Relieves acute and chronic knee pain.
Protects the knee from further trauma or injury.
Can be worn during sports or exercise to protect against knee injuries.
Takes the pressure off the part of the joint most affected by osteoarthritis
Can help individuals with neuromuscular disease to regain some function and mobility
Often worn by military personnel to increase strength and reduce fatigue

Where can I buy a knee support brace?

Here at Sporteq, we sell a Sporteq Adjustable Knee Support Brace. This lightweight knee brace provides a stable environment for an injured knee to heal in. It is very effective for post-operative knee pains and strains, and even helpful in reducing arthritis pains.

Suitable for all adults, it can also be used during sports activities to reduce the pressure on the knees.

Made of comfortable Neoprene material, the knee brace is highly breathable and easily retains heat, to help boost recovery time.

The knee brace features a special open Patella design, which relieves stress, and the stabilizer prevents the dislocation of the support wrap.

Browse our joint support accessories here.

How long should I wear a knee support brace?

If you have injured your knee or undergone knee surgery, your doctor or orthopedist will advise you on how long you can wear your knee support brace. Always follow their advice and never remove your knee support brace earlier than you are allowed to.

If you are wearing a knee support brace during exercise or sports, you don’t need to wear the brace all day.

It is best to wear the knee brace while you are performing high-impact exercises (like basketball and football).

Do I wear a knee support brace under or over clothes?

You should wear a knee brace under your trousers, dress or skirt.

If you are recovering from a knee injury or knee surgery, it is best to wear loose-fitting garments, such as sweatpants, which are roomy and breathable.

If you wear tight leggings under your knee brace, this could cut off your circulation.

I have injured my knee. Can I wear a knee support brace to bed?

Yes, if your doctor or orthopedist has advised you to keep your knee brace on while you sleep, then you must do so. Wearing your knee brace overnight is an essential part of the healing process, as it stops you from moving your knee around in your sleep and re-injuring your knee.

It is best to sleep flat on your back to help you extend your knee out and avoid any strain on it.

Your doctor or orthopedist will let you know when it is safe to remove your knee brace.

If your knee is not injured, but you wear a knee brace during sports, then you don’t need to wear your brace at night- only wear it during exercise.

Your doctor or orthopedist may instruct you to perform stretches or light exercises during your recovery. Always follow their advice and don’t try out new exercises without their approval.

When NOT to wear a knee support brace

If the knee brace is too tight and restricts your blood flow.
The knee brace should not feel uncomfortable, numb or tingly.
Your knee brace should not cause any bruises, blisters or swellings on your foot. Tell your doctor if this happens.
If you notice redness, irritation or a skin infection after wearing a knee brace, consult your doctor.
If you are recovering from a knee injury or knee surgery, do not remove your knee brace until your doctor advises it is safe for you to do so.
If you have bone deformities or congenital bone malformations, a knee brace may not be suitable for you as it could cause damage your knee joint. Consult your doctor if you need advice.
A knee brace is not a cure for all injuries or a 100% guarantee against all injuries. They are not the same as shin guards, knee pads, or headgear, which provide protection to the body during sports.
Do not use lotions or oils underneath your brace.
If the straps of your knee brace are loose and do not fasten tightly, consult your doctor.
When wearing a knee brace, do not do any exercises that your doctor has not recommended, as this could cause further damage to your knee.

How do I know if I have sprained my knee?

Your knee is likely to be sprained if:

You have immediate knee pain after a direct blow or twist.
There is pain with movement or activity in the knee.
There is swelling in the knee.
You are walking with a limp or you have a feeling that the knee is going to ‘give out’ with standing and walking.
You felt a ‘pop’ or ‘snap’ in the knee when the injury occurred.

How do I know if I have fractured or dislocated my knee?

Dislocating your knee and fracturing your knee are 2 different things. Both are serious, so you should seek medical attention right away if you suspect you have fractured or dislocated your knee.

Dislocation means when the round-shaped bone covering the knee (patella) moves or slides out of place.

A fractured knee refers to a break in the patella: this can be a simple, 2-piece break; or, the bone can break into many pieces.

Your kneecap is likely to be fractured or dislocated if you:

Have pain around the kneecap or in the knee
Have bruising or swelling on the knee
Are unable to bend or straighten the knee, or hold the leg out straight
Are unable to bear weight, stand or walk
Have a deformed appearance of the knee, especially with severe fractures
Have bone protruding from the skin of the knee
If you have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, or have redness or heat around your knee, this can be a sign of infection. If this happens, seek medical help urgently by calling 111 or using the NHS 111 online service.

What should I do if I have injured my knee?

Seek medical attention immediately and follow the advice of the doctor or nurse.
Rest as much as possible.
Try not to put too much weight on your knee – e.g. avoid standing for a long time.
Elevate your knee on a pillow for as long as possible.
Ice your knee for 20 minutes at a time, as ice reduces pain, swelling and inflammation.
Keep your knee in a brace, cast or bandage.
Take painkillers, but never more than the recommended dosage.

Do not participate in strenuous sports or intense physical exercise.
Avoid hot showers, saunas, and heat packs.
Avoid alcohol, as this encourages bleeding and swelling.
Try not to massage the affected area, as this could cause more damage.
To gently stretch the area, lie on your side with your bad leg on top. Hold the stretch for at least 45 seconds, breathing deeply and feeling the stretch in the thigh.
If you are still in pain and need medical help, call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service.

How can I prevent knee injuries?

Wear a properly fitted knee brace or knee guard during exercise and sports.
Always warm up before exercising, as this will prepare your muscles and joints for physical activity.
Cool down after exercise with various stretches.
Don’t overtrain. Take rest breaks regularly during your workout.
Avoid sudden changes in the intensity of your workout.
Use the correct techniques when you are lifting weights.
Turn on the balls of your feet when you are changing direction, rather than twisting through your knees.
Wear comfortable shoes.

We hope to have answered your question ‘what is a knee support brace?’

Find out more about Sporteq by visiting our website here.

Click here to browse our Joint Support accessories.

Shop our adjustable knee support brace here.

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