The legs and knees perform at a high level every day; they enable a person to move from one place to another and to carry out daily tasks such as going up and down stairs. Joint diseases such as knee osteoarthritis or injuries such as ligament tears can both cause pain and seriously restrict mobility. In such cases, orthotic devices can provide support by relieving load and by stabilizing or mobilizing the affected area.
What Are Knee Orthoses and Supports?
Knee orthoses and supports are devices intended to provide protection, support and pain relief to people affected by musculoskeletal disorders. They help to support, stabilize, relieve and mobilize the leg or knee. There are also special orthoses designed to immobilize the entire leg.
- Orthoses contain rigid functional elements such as bars, joints or stirrups made of plastic or metal; they may also contain flexible elements.
- Supports use flexible, elastic fabrics. Everyday supports generally contain elastic inserts called pads.
- Pads support the affected joint and help reduce irritation, swelling and inflammation through compression.
Areas of Use
A knee orthosis can be beneficial for a wide range of diagnoses. Leg and knee orthoses are generally prescribed for functional injuries and for conditions such as knee osteoarthritis or ligament tears. They help support the joints and can partially or fully immobilize the affected area.
- Some knee supports may help in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
- Flexible supports support the joint while offering freedom of movement when the knee feels painful or weak; they also contribute to reducing swelling, effusion and inflammation.
- Orthoses can be used as devices that provide extra stability and protection even after a sports injury has healed; in cases where the knee extends excessively backward, specific solutions such as knee hyperextension orthoses may be considered.
Because of their elastic structure, supports are a frequently chosen option for sports activities.
How Is It Used?
Knee supports and orthoses are put on the affected part of the body, over clothing or directly on the skin. The device is placed on the relevant area and secured with hook-and-loop straps, straps or plastic clips.
In terms of shape and size, an orthosis should fit exactly; it should feel neither too loose nor too tight. If the device does not fit properly, it cannot perform its function and, in the worst case, may affect blood circulation and cause swelling and pain. For this reason, it is important to ensure a fit that is both secure and comfortable.
Duration of Use and Care
The duration of use is determined according to the person's condition and the specialist's assessment. In the initial phase of treating an injury, the instructions for using the device should be followed carefully.
- Orthoses are generally not worn at night; however, night-time use may be recommended in exceptional cases.
- In the event of any pain or discomfort, a specialist should be consulted to clarify the cause.
- Continuing to use a support or orthosis after a knee joint injury has healed may help protect the knee against strain or overloading.
- Depending on the severity of the injury, regular check-ups may be needed.
Selection and application of an orthotic product should be carried out in line with the specialist physician's prescription and medical report, with the assessment of an experienced orthotist.
This content is for informational purposes only; you should consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
