Why You Should Never Buy a Knee Brace Without Consulting a Physician First

Knee pain can be rather debilitating when it rears its ugly head. It can stem from injury, age-related issues, or recovering from surgery. However, no matter what degree your knee pain is, it can lead to limited mobility and even cause painful problems in your ankles, hips, and back if left unchecked.

Before self-diagnosing the issue and purchasing a store-bought knee brace, you should see your doctor. Here’s why.

Knee Braces Can be Very Helpful in Preventing or Reducing the Severity of an Injury, But Only if They Are Fitted and Used Correctly

People often try to do the most convenient thing first. They think, “A little acetaminophen, it will be fine.” When that doesn’t stop the pain, they graduate to other devices like a knee brace, but that ill-fitting solution may only be beneficial for a few days.

A custom knee brace will be more comfortable, support your knee joint correctly, and allow your body to heal with better alignment. Furthermore, having your doctor assess your knee trouble gives your knee a better chance to heal without creating weakness elsewhere. 

A Knee Brace That is Too Tight or Too Loose Can Do More Harm Than Good

Store-bought knee braces are generic and can be too tight or loose for your needs. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, it can cause swelling in your lower limb and constrict blood flow, preventing it from healing properly. Conversely, if the knee brace is too loose, your knee is unsupported, making you susceptible to further injury or dangerous falls. 

If You’re Not Sure Whether You Need a Knee Brace, Or Which Type Would be Best for You, Consult a Physiotherapist for Advice

It may come as a surprise just how many knee braces are available. Each serves a unique purpose based on preventative support, recovery, and during treatment, focusing on specific areas of the knee. They include:

1. 
   Knee Sleeves: helps reduce swelling and treat patellofemoral pain. It provides compression but doesn’t stabilize the knee.
2. Knee Pads: typically used by athletes at risk of injury from knee contact, but don’t provide stabilization.
3. Knee Straps: assists with daily routines and athletics. Relieves pain through compression and correct knee placement.
4. Patellar Tracking Orthotic (PTO): helps to treat patellar-related issues, including pain from tendonitis, dislocation, and realignment. Uses compression and stability.
5. Hinged Knee Support: treats arthritis, ligament damage, and tears. It helps protect and stabilize the knee.
6. Custom Knee Braces: customized to suit the patient’s specific condition and needs according to precise diagnosis and measurements.

They Will be Able to Assess Your Situation and Recommend the Right Type and Size of Knee Brace For You

A physician or physiotherapist can then examine and assess the problem with your knee to prescribe suitable corrective therapies and brace to support your healing.

Once you know where the issue stems from, your trained therapist can determine which type of knee brace is best and customize it according to your measurements. 

Knee Braces Can be Expensive, So It’s Important to Make Sure You Get the Right One the First Time Around

Finding adequate pain relief and healing can be costly, but nothing more expensive than purchasing ill-fitting devices that can set your recovery back. Instead, invest in an expertly designed knee brace made from quality components that is more likely to provide relief and healing.

Get Professionally Evaluated For Your New Knee Brace

Why spend any more time struggling with knee pain? You deserve the best physiotherapy and custom braces under the care of experienced physiotherapists, which is why so many people trust the professional and friendly team at Delta Physiotherapy & Rehab in Mississauga, ON. 

Feel better in your body and schedule your consultation online or by calling Delta at 905-270-3086 today!