The best orthosis for the knee joint. Orthoses on the knee joint: types, reviews

Arthrosis is a very common disease that affects the human musculoskeletal system. It is characterized by pathological cartilage tissue knee joint, which are rapidly progressing. In advanced form, the result can be complete atrophy of the joint. Patients with this disease may be recommended orthosis for knee-joint with arthritis. This orthopedic product provides an effective therapeutic effect, which allows you to slow down the development of pathological processes or stop them. Orthoses can also be recommended for use in knee injuries, after operations as a means of accelerating rehabilitation.

Whether an orthosis is needed for arthrosis of the knee joint is always determined by the doctor, based on the state of the articulation, taking into account possible contraindications, which are circulatory disorders of the lower extremities, including:

• thrombophlebitis;
• phlebeurysm;
• vasculitis and other diseases.

Product types

The functional impact of the bandage on the knee joint with arthrosis is different. Today, several varieties of these products are used, designed for different stages of pathology. Including knee orthoses with arthrosis, they are divided according to the functions they perform:

• fixing - provide a stable correct position of the joint, prevent movements that contribute to the progression of the disease;
• compensating - necessary to eliminate the vibration effect on the joint;
• unloading - eliminate the excessive load on the sore leg;
• corrective - contribute to the correction of the existing deformation of the affected knee.

According to the design, orthoses are articulated and non-articulated. According to the principle of production, they can be serial, prefabricated-modular and individual, made for a particular person. Orthoses can be made in the form of a bandage, orthopedic splint or splint.

An important indicator is the level of stiffness of the kneecap, which largely determines its purpose. Bandages are available in rigid and semi-rigid. Products of the first type provide a stronger fixation, which makes them an effective therapeutic agent. Semi-rigid orthoses are usually prescribed for therapeutic purposes.

According to the functional purpose, knee pads are of the following types:

• Preventive - are prescribed for people with increased stress on the knee joints due to sports, work, lifestyle. Also recommended for arthrosis in the initial stage.
• Therapeutic and rehabilitation - designed to restore the function of the affected joint with various diseases after trauma and surgery.
• Functional - are prescribed to patients with irreversible pathological changes in the joint to restore its functions.

Knee pad materials

Understanding which orthosis is better for knee arthrosis, one cannot help but consider the materials from which these orthopedic products are produced. The functional characteristics of the knee pad and the comfort of wearing it depend on them.

The main materials that are used in the production of knee orthoses are the following:

• Cotton. Natural material that does not cause allergies and does not irritate the skin. These qualities allow you to wear the retainer for a long time. The material does not stretch well, so the orthosis provides moderate fixation.
• Elastane (lycra). Material with high elasticity, which, moreover, has a "cooling" effect. It is used for dynamic fixation, in which a sufficiently high joint mobility is maintained.
• Spandex. High elasticity material. Provides effective fixation. In addition, the material is breathable, which ensures comfortable wearing of the knee pad.
• Neoprene. A high-density material that gives a secure fixation of the knee joint, limiting unwanted mobility. Does not cause excessive pressure. When worn for a long time, some patients may experience allergic manifestations.
• Nylon. Usually used in combination with other types of fibers. It gives the orthosis increased strength, resistance to deformation and stretching, which increases its service life.

Features of choice

The selection of orthopedic products must be carried out in conjunction with the attending physician. However, patients should also be aware of how to choose an orthosis for osteoarthritis of the knee.

The determining factors in the appointment of a knee brace are the stage of arthrosis and general state joints. In this case, the key parameter is the degree of fixation that the product provides. It may be as follows:

• Easy fixation. The orthosis supports the knee and almost completely preserves its mobility. It is prescribed at an early stage of arthrosis.
• Medium fixation. The knee pad has stiffening ribs, with the help of which undesirable joint mobility is limited. It is prescribed in the absence of irreversible changes in the joint at the first or second stage of arthrosis.
• Strong hold. Joint mobility is almost completely limited. A knee brace of this type is prescribed for 3 stages of arthrosis and for postoperative rehabilitation.

It is also important to choose the right size. Its selection is carried out in accordance with the girth of the patella. Additionally, the properties of materials are taken into account, which will ensure the maximum therapeutic effect and comfortable wearing of the orthosis.

Having developed once, knee arthrosis continues to develop throughout the life of the patient. It is impossible to completely cure the disease, but it is possible to greatly slow down the rate of its progress so that the patient can live a full life.

One of the conservative methods of treatment is wearing a knee orthosis. This is a knee brace that reduces the load on the damaged joint and keeps it in a physiologically correct position.

1 What effect will the orthosis give in gonarthrosis?

Using an orthosis, two important effects can be achieved: slowing down the progress of the disease and stopping the symptoms of the disease.

Effects of wearing an orthosis:

1. Fixing the joint in a position in which during movement it will receive less load. As a result, the intensity of cartilage tissue wear decreases.
2. Improvement of blood circulation in cartilage tissue. This enhances the regenerative and metabolic processes in the cartilage tissue. To achieve the effect, it is very important to select an orthosis according to the size so that there is no squeezing of the vessels.
3. Reducing pain from the first day of wearing. After 1-2 weeks, swelling may decrease, redness of the skin over the affected joint may disappear.
4. Accelerates rehabilitation after treatment.

All effects are observed only in the case of choosing the right orthosis and wearing it correctly. Such products should be selected individually by the attending physician.

1.1 Is it mandatory to wear a knee brace for arthrosis?

Wearing such orthopedic devices is not mandatory, except for the period of rehabilitation after an injury, or exacerbation of arthrosis.

Indolent chronic arthrosis in theory can be treated without orthopedic products. However, with them, the treatment is better, and the disease is milder. In addition, regular wearing of an orthosis can slow down the progress of the disease. This is especially important at stages 2-3, since if the disease continues to actively progress, disability is possible.

2 Types of orthoses

The classification divides such devices into 3 types: according to the method of influencing the damaged joint, according to the purpose of wearing the device, and according to its design features.

Types according to the impact method:

• fixing - fix the joint in the correct position, preventing movements that can increase the destruction of cartilage;
• compensating - eliminate vibration during physical activity;
• unloading - reduce the load on the knee;
• corrective - prevent deformative changes in the joint.

Purpose of wearing:

1. Preventive. They are used by patients at risk for the development of arthrosis (athletes, hard physical workers, builders, loaders), or by those who already have the initial manifestations of the disease.
2. Therapeutic and rehabilitation. Used by patients who have undergone cartilage surgery and need joint rehabilitation.
3. Functional. Used by patients who have impaired mobility of the knee. Most often, they are prescribed to patients in whom the performance of the joint has been lost forever.

Types by design features:

• bandage;
• orthopedic splint;
• splint.

There are also combined devices that have several effects at once. These can be therapeutic and prophylactic orthoses, which simultaneously treat the disease (slow down its progression) and improve the functionality of the affected joint.

3 Choosing a knee orthosis for gonarthrosis

You need to choose a knee orthosis according to two parameters: by material and by design. This affects both the comfort of wearing and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Types by material:

Design options:

Such products cannot be chosen independently, or by consulting the seller in the store. The choice should be made only by your attending physician (therapist, rheumatologist, traumatologist or orthopedist).

4 Rules for wearing

Some patients believe that with knee osteoarthritis, an orthosis should be worn all the time. In fact, in most cases, the patient is prescribed to wear only for a certain amount of time, and perhaps not even every day.

Wearing is often prescribed in courses: the patient wears an orthosis for 2-8 weeks, after which a break is taken. It is advisable to leave an orthosis at night only if the joint cannot be displaced (which can happen in a dream).

Certain types of orthoses are prescribed to be worn during an exacerbation (most often it is fixative). This reduces the duration of an exacerbation and the intensity of its symptoms.

Contraindications to the use (wearing) of orthoses:

1. Phlebeurysm.
2. Thrombophlebitis or thrombosis of the veins of the legs.
3. Vasculitis, thromboangiitis.

4.1 Therapeutic knee pads for arthrosis (video)

Arthrosis manifests itself in 8 out of 10 people and delivers terrible painful discomfort. According to medical point vision, arthrosis is a disease of the joints, which is accompanied by painful sensations, slow disintegration of cartilage inside the joint.

With age, a certain failure occurs in the human body, the skeletal system needs constant supervision by qualified specialists and support for proper condition. With arthrosis, sooner or later, he turns to a doctor for help to restore the knee joint.

For the development of the disease, there are a number of reasons that push the disease to gain full momentum. Fertile ground for the development of arthrosis can be transferred to early age various injuries, dislocations, fractures.

In youth, few people pay attention to such health problems, but over the years, a traumatic past makes itself felt. Your health must be protected in young years, in order to avoid serious deviations. The joint can become unusable and hit soft tissues. The body suffers terrible pain.

Problems with the knee joint can occur in almost everyone: in people who play sports, at work, where the main load goes to the legs, while doing housework. Based on these problems, you can safely recognize yourself and obviously think about your health.

The knee is a large system of the human body, which consists of two parts, menisci are located between them. If something breaks down, a single mechanism called "the human body" begins to significantly junk and cause panic and pain.

Interesting! Medicine is advancing by leaps and bounds and offers a wide range of options for alleviating the pain associated with arthrosis. Doctors do their best to save the joint and prevent undesirable consequences.

Known significantly help fight the disease. Professional medical pads for knee joints support microcirculation and prevent premature decay of bone tissue and cartilage.

The legs play an important role in human life and neglect of the bone and joint apparatus is accompanied by a number of health problems.

Bones, cartilage and connective tissues are poorly amenable to regeneration and complete restoration, therefore, they need complete care. Regular visits to the doctor minimizes missing the disease in the initial stages. The sooner the disease is detected, the easier it is to give the body a full and healthy life.

Restoration of the knee joint takes a long time and requires full dedication and continuous preventive work. You can buy orthopedic knee pads in specialized pharmacies and order through online stores, only after consulting a doctor.

Applying a medical plaster is, of course, not the most convenient and effective way, it is necessary to maintain the working capacity of the knee joint and thereby fix it correctly. If you use knee pads, you can achieve the desired result, while not greatly limiting yourself in movement.

About ten years ago, orthopedic doctors used a plaster cast in their practice to ensure the fixation of a diseased knee joint. Now the medical work has jumped ahead and invented wonderful knee pads.

Important! Any fixator for the knee joint performs the main function: immobilization of the problem area of ​​the knee, which allows you to create the necessary recovery conditions for it.

Using a knee brace allows you to quickly return to the normal rhythm of life. Modern medical developments make it possible to choose and buy the right option and thereby help get rid of arthrosis faster.

A variety of knee pads allow you to choose an individual model that will meet the necessary requirements.

Why do we need knee pads and their varieties

The main function of the knee joint fixator is to provide comfortable walking, namely, strengthening the weakened zone, or partial restoration.

Interesting! When using knee pads, motor activity is restored and a person will be able to move less painfully and perform various movements.

The cartilage receives additional protection and facilitates its fate. The pressure for each other is reduced and the painful sensations are dulled. The bandage for the knee joint significantly helps a person to move and perform normal active loads.

Purpose of the knee pad

A fixing device that helps everyday life, as well as when playing sports. The most common method is the treatment of arthrosis.

Therapeutic purpose- actively helps the body to recover after surgical interventions after serious injury. The bandage well strengthens problem areas and controls them throughout the day.

The device, namely the bandage, may consist of a fabric base, but there are also complex structures.

It all depends on what the fixer is used for.

1. Fabric Circular Elastic Retainer(bandage) for the knee joint is made of cotton, knitwear, synthetic mixtures. Cotton is a natural plant fiber obtained from the seeds of the plant. Cotton is breathable, pleasant to the body and does not cause irritation and allergic reaction on the body. Since it is natural, it perfectly absorbs moisture, does not electrify and retains heat well, and has a beneficial effect on the human body. Cotton retainers are often used in medical practice. Natural wool is sometimes added to the composition of the bandage, which can additionally warm the joint and prevent hypothermia. Wool has good medicinal properties and alleviate pain symptoms.
2. Neoprene retainer. Neoprene brace has a number of advantages: easy to use, long service life, excellent fixation of the knee joint in the right place, reliable protection during active movements and even when performing a set of sports exercises. Neoprene is a fairly new material that is widely used in many areas. It is called arbitrary from rubber. The popularity of the material is growing every day and is used in many industries. Since neoprene has good elasticity, it is often used in orthopedic applications. It perfectly creates a bandage effect and fixes the knee joint in the desired position. He has proven himself well in the cold, and is also not afraid of temperature changes, which allows you to easily transport the bandage to anywhere in the world. A significant plus of neoprene is that microorganisms do not multiply in it, which pleases consumers. Thanks to multiple studies, we can conclude that neoprene is an absolutely hypoallergenic material, which will allow everyone to use a bandage.
3. Orthosis. It is based on neoprene or natural fabrics, the main difference from the fabric circular elastic retainer and neoprene is the variety of designs. Thanks to them, you can easily fix the sore knee and fix it clearly. Big choice orthoses, it is not a problem to buy the right option for a sudden recovery. Silicone inserts and side plates act as additional reinforcing compounds. On the leg, the orthosis can be fixed with Velcro, it perfectly fixes the problem joint and allows you to live a normal life.
4. Tutor. It looks like an orthosis, but differs in the degree of fixation. If we recall the "sovdepovskie" gypsum splints, then the splint is more expensive, the period of rehabilitation and full recovery is also significantly reduced. You can buy a splint in a special section: goods for the disabled. The splint provides a normal temperature regime, while allowing the skin to breathe and not sweat. It has rear tucked splints to help immobilize the knee joint.

To buy an active fixator for the joint, in order to get a positive dynamics in the restoration of the problem area of ​​the leg, it is necessary to correctly indicate the specific model.

Before buying, read the manufacturer's instructions and consult your doctor. Self-appointment and self-treatment can play a cruel joke on your health.

Fixer selection rules

First you need to determine the affected area and the degree of fixation. Proper selection of a knee brace will help in a particular situation. Buying a fixing bandage for the knee joint is a guarantee of health, but first get qualified advice from an orthopedic doctor.

Important! With a doctor, you can choose the ideal option, taking into account the financial capabilities and personal preferences of the patient. After getting injured from sports training, it is recommended to purchase circular knitted and neoprene fixators.

Such a device will be significantly effective and will help restore the problem area. When doing power sports, when the maximum load goes to lower limbs, it is better to take a neoprene orthosis - an average degree of protection and joint mobility.

When receiving serious injuries - complete ligament ruptures, meniscal tears, doctors suggest using splints with individual selection.

Knee joint fixators are an excellent way to get rid of the disease and return to the normal rhythm of life.

It has been scientifically proven that it is not so much drug therapy that helps against arthrosis of the knee, but physiotherapy, exercise therapy, a certain diet, folk methods and orthopedic devices. A knee brace or bandage for arthrosis of the knee joint has established itself as an excellent tool for fixing the affected joint. Many patients are wondering how to wear knee pads for arthrosis of the knee joint, how to choose, in order to securely fix the ligament for the rehabilitation period.

The principle of the impact of the knee pads

To understand why you need to wear knee pads, you need to have an idea about the pathologies of the ligamentous apparatus and the principle of operation of elastic bandages and bandages. Arthrosis or gonarthrosis of the knee joints is a common disease of the ligamentous system. Therefore, researchers in the field of medicine have collected a huge amount of information regarding the pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this disease. It was noted that among the main reasons for the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the joints of the knees, there are two: overload and injury.

The knee brace with gonarthrosis of the joint in the knee solves just the problem of increased load on the ligament. When wearing elastic medical knee pads, the redistribution of the load over the entire leg is achieved. As a result, knee protectors allow the articular elements to fully recover. Because constant excessive pressure on the joint contributes to the rapid thinning, erasure and cracking of the cartilage layer.

Therefore, the use of orthopedic devices for fixing the knee is quite reasonable. Knee devices for arthrosis of the knee joint, which stably fix the bandage on the knee, help to reduce pain. The physiological stability of all elements of the articulation is securely fixed by the knee brace, which facilitates mobility.

Fixation of the knee joint, which is provided by orthopedic knee pads in case of arthrosis, helps to reduce the pressure of the cartilaginous articulation surfaces on each other. Due to this, trophic processes are supported in the joint, which affects the rapid and large-scale regeneration of all components. connective tissue. As well as a brace for the knee joint helps to stop pathological process and is a good prevention against degenerative processes.

Benefits of using a knee bandage for joint diseases

Almost all diseases of the musculoskeletal system require medical fixators for a certain articular area during treatment. The recovery period of the connective tissue in gonarthrosis or osteoarthritis of the knee joint is long - at least 1 month. And in case of rupture or sprain of the ligaments of the knee joint, even longer - from 2.5 to 6 months.

Therefore, you need to know how to choose a knee brace for arthrosis of the knee joint. In order not only to choose the right brace for the knee, but also to be able to use it correctly. Normal knee pads for arthrosis of the knee support all the elements of the articulation in the desired position and at the same time retain the functionality of the recovering knee.

Types of knee pads

Everyone who has pathologies with a connecting apparatus is interested in general questions. First of all, what are knee pads? And then, what is the best knee brace?

Knee bandages are divided into several groups:

1. Orthoses for the knee joint for arthrosis are made of elastic material, reinforced with dense plates for stable fixation of the knee. And it can be a hinged or mixed orthosis of the knee joint. The first option is a bandage with a stiffener, in the case when it is required to support a certain area in the knee joint element. Similar knee pads for arthrosis of the knee joint are used for instability of some elements of the ligament.

The second version of the orthosis, when hinges are used in its structure. The articulated orthosis for the knee joints provides the patient with moderate mobility. Recommended after injuries such as bruises and dislocations of the menisci or cruciate ligaments.

1. A bandage on the knee joint with arthrosis is a group of devices for fixing the knee. The simplest knee brace with closed-type elasticity is worn even without a prescription from the attending physician for osteoarthritis, manifestations of DOA or knee pain. Such orthopedic corset allows you to support the articular mechanism when walking.

Open elastic knee pads should be worn when freedom of movement with light support is required. It is worth choosing a soft bandage during the rehabilitation period for exercise therapy in order to be able to perform squats, flexion, extension and other gymnastic actions.

1. Splints for rigid fixation of the knee have a base made of dense elastic material. Additionally, such elastic knee pads are equipped with fixed hard plates. These protectors are used for gonarthrosis of the knee joint of the 2nd degree, injuries, as well as after surgical operation if the destructive process is accompanied by intense pain.

1. Special therapeutic knee pads for arthrosis are made from animal hair. As well as knee pads with magnets for arthrosis of the knee joint. Magnetic knee pad for joints enhances blood flow and has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes in the joint tissue. Wearing knee pads with magnets is indicated for arthrosis of the 2nd degree and other pathologies of the connective structures in the remission phase.

This series also includes warming knee pads with infrared radiation.

Such protectors, in addition to the function of keeping the articulation in the correct position, in addition warm it.

The option is very useful in the cold season, but regardless of the weather, warming up always contributes to the rapid elimination of pain.

Classification of knee pads depending on the material

• Natural headbands made from dog or sheep wool are considered the best. They have a powerful healing effect due to heating. But they will need to be washed very often. And although natural wool can withstand daily washing, it quickly loses its original attractive appearance. appearance and healing properties.
• Cotton headbands are a lightweight option. They are suitable for persons initial stage arthrosis of the knee joints, as well as for therapeutic exercises. They wash easily and dry very quickly. Designed for long-term use, mainly in the warm season. The advantage of cotton knee pads is the breathable structure of the material.
• Neoprene bandages provide excellent knee support. Neoprene has wear-resistant qualities, products made from it can be washed as much as you like, they retain their original appearance for a very long period. But there is a significant drawback - the skin under such a device does not breathe. Therefore, neoprene knee pads are suitable only for short-term wear during therapeutic exercises, for example.
• Bandages made of elastin and polyster have in their composition, in addition to synthetic fibers, also natural ones. Thanks to this composition, a decent durability of the product is ensured and, in addition, normal air permeability.

Learning how to choose the right brace for the knee ligaments

What you need to know before deciding on the right instance and how to choose a knee pad? To choose a knee brace, you need to know its purpose and size, as well as the required fixation density. How to choose the size of the knee brace for osteoarthritis? In terms of size, knee orthoses start with the S category and end with the maximum dimensions - XXL. How to determine the size of the kneecap?

The size of the knee pads is determined by taking measurements from the leg in the articular area. In order for the sizes of the knee pads to match perfectly, you will need to measure three circles: the girth of the knee above the knee, in the center of the cup and in the popliteal zone. So it will be possible to determine with great accuracy the ideal model when choosing a knee fixture.

How to choose a knee brace for arthrosis, based on its density? Depending on the nature of the pathology, a soft or reinforced elastic knee bandage is selected. Immediately after an injury or surgery on the joint, the patient is shown wearing a rigid fixative, such as adhesive tape or plaster bandages. Such rigid protectors fix the joint area very tightly, almost completely limiting maneuverability. The rigid knee brace is not intended for long-term use.

When you need knee pads that are not too hard, you can give preference to soft bandages or elastic bands of different lengths. Just keep in mind that such orthopedic devices are allowed for use only with minor pathologies in the knee joint. In addition, it is necessary to keep in mind the disadvantages of an elastic bandage. For all its convenience, it is often difficult to apply such a bandage. And as a result, uneven pressure on certain parts of the joint, swelling and difficulty with a full-fledged microcirculatory blood supply.

It is very important that the selected orthopedic bandage meets all the requirements recommended by the attending doctor based on the diagnosis. Incorrectly selected protectors can not only not help, but, on the contrary, greatly aggravate clinical picture with trauma or arthrosis of the joint in the knee. Which can lead to irreversible processes and disability.

But if the stage of the pathology is insignificant or for the purpose of prevention, when you need a knee brace, you can sew the knee brace with your own hands. It is very easy to do this. As a material, worn items made of woolen or knitted fabric can be useful. Having previously measured three positions of the leg circumference, we cut out the necessary flaps and sew them on the sides. Then we process the sections and homemade knee pads are ready.

So, we can summarize that the knee brace for gonarthrosis in the knee joint should be chosen, taking into account many factors.

Only in this case, a therapeutic or orthopedic fixator is able to bring the expected therapeutic effect, which is why it is purchased.

A knee brace, selected taking into account all the parameters, will help to avoid disability and the forced need to use a cane or other auxiliary devices for support.