The health of the knee joints is very important for the normal movement of a person. In various diseases of the musculoskeletal system or injuries, each step may be accompanied by pain. Therefore, not only medical and physiotherapeutic methods are used for treatment. It is very important to protect the joint from movements and external influences. Previously, an elastic bandage or plaster cast was used for this. But now there are special knee pads for fixing the knee joint. They are made of different materials, have a different degree of protection and function. Such knee pads are used not only for arthrosis and after injuries. It is very important to protect the joints from increased physical exertion for athletes and all people who spend long periods on their feet.
What are knee pads for?
Such fixatives are used to protect the damaged joint, reduce the load on it, to strengthen it and restore functions after injuries and operations. They can be used for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes. But use knee pads to fix the knee joint only on the recommendation of a doctor. Otherwise, they can disturb the circulation in the joint and exacerbate the problem.
In what cases can special latches be assigned:
- to limit joint mobility after injuries and operations;
- to fix the affected knee, relieve pain and swelling;
- with inflammatory processes in the joints to reduce the load and reduce pain;
- in order to prevent injuries with increased physical exertion and sports.
Beneficial effect of knee pads
Such orthopedic devices accelerate the healing process for various joint diseases, protect against knee injuries and can replace gypsum. They strengthen or replace damaged or missing parts of the joint. Such fixators also support the patient's motor activity in case of any diseases and injuries without loading the knee. In some cases, an additional warming and massage effect provides a correctly selected knee pad for fixing the knee joint. Reviews of patients note that when using them, the following effects are manifested:
- pain decreases;
- outflow of lymph and blood circulation improves;
- swelling;
- joint movement is facilitated;
- load is reduced;
- inflammation decreases.
What knee pads are made of
For the production of clamps, different materials are used. The most popular knee pads are:
- from neoprene - an elastic material that fixes the joint well, is easy to use and care, has a warming effect, but can cause an allergic reaction;
- from lycra, polyester or elastane - synthetic fabrics with high breathing properties, elastic and elastic;
- clamps are made of cotton only with the addition of additional materials to increase elasticity and strength;
- from dog hair make bandages for warming sick joints.
Types of Knee Pads
They vary depending on the material from which they are made. There are knee pads also open and closed, rigid and elastic. They can have metal inserts, hinges, silicone rings, magnetic plates, or even an infrared heating source.
According to the purpose and functions performed, there are such knee pads for fixing the knee joint:
- A bandage is an elastic compression corset that fixes a joint, warms it and reduces stress;
- the orthosis is similar to a bandage, but more functional;
- the support is used as a preventive measure that supports the joint and protects it from injury;
- brace is a rigid corset that is used after injuries and operations, with arthrosis and other diseases, it immobilizes the joint and unloads it;
- a splint is a metal tire for rigid fixation during injuries and after operations;
- an elastic bandage is a method of fixing a joint that has been familiar to many for a long time, which is convenient and easy to use;
- teip - a special elastic tape with an adhesive surface, which well reduces the load on the muscles and ligaments.
Bandage Features
They are used for easy fixation of the joint. The bandage well removes the load, but does not constrain movements. Therefore, such a knee pad is often used to fix the knee joint for sports. Bandages are made mainly from fabrics: cotton, knitwear or synthetics. Often woolen threads are added to them, which provide a warming effect.
What is an orthosis
Such a device differs from the bandage by the presence of additional structures. Orthoses are more functional and purposefully fix the joint, depending on the cause of the problem. They may contain silicone rings or rigid inserts and ribs. Sometimes they consist of separate tapes, have side hinges. Fixed orthoses on the joint with elastic velcro fasteners.
Knee joint splint
This is a special tire designed for rigid and moderate fixation. It is more convenient than gypsum for various injuries and operations. The splint provides rigid fixation of the knee, but allows the patient to move. This is its advantage over plaster cast. Indeed, when using a splint, the recovery time of joint functions is reduced. Such a knee pad is a metal frame covered with a knitted fabric. Mesh inserts are often used to improve air circulation. Tutors can have hinges that facilitate patient movement without stress on the knee. These are the best orthopedic knee pads for joint injuries.
Brace application
Such a rigid corset is used to completely immobilize the knee. It has joints on the sides that allow the patient to move and do not load the knee. Stiffeners covered with soft neoprene fabric help to perform the necessary movements without injuring the joint. Such kneecaps are often used to fix the knee joint for arthrosis and osteoarthritis, after a fracture or surgery.
Knee pad caliper
Such a bandage of moderate stiffness is recommended for people involved in sports or simply leading an active lifestyle. It helps prevent the risk of injury. The support protects and fixes not only the joint itself, but also the patella, lateral muscles and ligaments.
Elastic bandages
Before the medical industry began to produce a large number of special orthopedic products, an elastic bandage has long been used to fix the knee joint. Bandaging has not lost its popularity even now.
This is a convenient and effective way to unload the joint, reduce the load during sports, it relieves pain and does not cause any inconvenience. The elastic bandage does not slip and can be used many times. The main thing is to apply it correctly. Bandage of the knee is carried out using the “turtle dressing” method. This results in a convenient and effective knee pad for fixing the knee joint. A photo will help you learn how to properly apply the bandage yourself. The main thing is not to pull it hard so that the blood circulation in the joint is not disturbed.
Taping of the knee
This is a unique treatment method with a special elastic tape with an adhesive surface. With proper application, teips do not squeeze the joint and do not constrain movements, but, on the contrary, carry out micromassage of the skin. They are made of cotton, so wearing such ribbons is comfortable. With the help of taping, the joint is fixed and protected from injury. It helps relieve pain, swelling and bruising. Exposure to teip improves blood and lymph circulation. It is sometimes recommended to apply stretched ribbons. As a result of this, folds of skin form under them, which helps to eliminate joint pain.
Children's knee pads for fixation of the knee joint
Babies are more prone to injury, and their ligaments are weak. In some cases, after examining the orthopedic surgeon, they may be assigned to wear special knee pads - soft baby bandages. They protect the knee from injury and help improve blood circulation in the joint. And for children with cerebral palsy, wearing special orthopedic appliances helps to facilitate the movement process. Choosing a knee pad for a child is quite difficult, so they are often made to order according to individual sizes. For temporary rehabilitation after injuries, children can use elastic fixatives.
How to choose the right knee pads
Such fixatives are selected depending on the purpose of their use and according to the doctor’s recommendations. Orthopedic appliances must necessarily meet the individual parameters of the joint. It is not recommended to choose a knee pad for fixing the knee joint. The sizes of such structures are different and are determined by accurate measurements. An improperly selected latch can only hurt. After all, he should tightly fit the knee and hold the joint firmly, but not crush it. If the knee pad is larger, it will crawl and will not be able to perform its functions.
You need to buy orthopedic products in special salons or departments of pharmacies. Must have a certificate and quality guarantee knee pad for fixing the knee joint. Krasnodar and other large cities provide a large selection of such devices. Specialists directly in the pharmacy will help you take measurements and determine what size you need to buy. The leg is measured just above the knee (15 centimeters). To determine the size, international standards are used:
- the smallest - S - is used for hip circumference up to 44 centimeters;
- M - from 44 to 54 cm;
- L - 54-60 cm;
- XL - 60-67 cm;
- the largest size XXL - with a hip circumference of more than 67 cm.
But in any case, it is advisable to measure the knee pad before use. Only if it is comfortable in it, it will be able to benefit.
Orthopedic Care
In order for the knee pads to fix the knee joint for a long time and not lose their effectiveness, you must follow all the operating rules prescribed in the instructions. The main thing is not to damage them when washing. To do this, you need:
- wash knee pads only by hand, in warm water, without the use of chemicals;
- they need to be dried unfolded to prevent deformation;
- Do not iron orthopedic products.
Reviews on the use of different clamps
Especially often buy inexpensive elastic knee pads with a warming effect. They can be used without a doctor’s prescription, just picking your size. These knee pads are made of cotton or polyester and contain dog or camel hair. Those who used them note that they warm the joint well. Due to this, pain is reduced, and it becomes easier to move. They are bought mainly by elderly people suffering from arthrosis. But athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and summer residents also respond positively to such knee pads. More expensive clamps are bought on the recommendation of a doctor. In this case, negative reviews occur only if the knee pad is selected incorrectly. Then it can obstruct the movement and aggravate the joint problem. A lot of positive reviews about children's protective knee pads. They do not cause a child inconvenience, but effectively protect the knees from injuries.
When using orthopedic products, it is very important to follow all the doctor's recommendations. You can not wear knee pads for longer than 3 hours a day, so you need to wear them only when performing exercise therapy or with increased physical exertion.