How to Wear a Knee Brace Correctly. A Step-By-Step Guide

Depending on your injury, the doctor will suggest either a simple compression brace (for small injuries) or a heavy hinged brace (for fractures). Knee braces come in various sizes, and you will have to try on the size to know which fits the best. The knee brace has to fit in perfectly to ensure that it is not too loose to fall off or not too tight to immerse pressure on your injury. Sizes are printed on the packaging, and it is recommended to purchase two knee braces and keep changing them after they are washed to ensure hygiene.

Knee braces come in two variants- sleeve style and wrap-around style. We recommend the sleeve-style for a smooth wear process. Begin straightening your leg and pulling up the knee brace until it fits into your desired knee portion. 

Knee braces usually have a small hole or a little gap to help direct the positioning of the knee brace. This gap also helps give breathing space to the knee to keep it ventilated. The gap is usually present at the front side and should be positioned just below the injured area. Ensure to purchase only a knee brace that offers perfect fit with the right size.

Your brace pain relief will always keep your knee protected by providing knee support and by acting as a knee stabilizer. For someone who has knee injury history, it is sufficient to always wear a knee brace for constant knee support. Since a knee brace is tight, loose clothing ensures that the brace is well protected, and the clothing is not sticking to your skin. For the best comfort, you can either wear loose pants or put on shorts, which will not interrupt the knee area.

Before wearing your knee brace, always ensure your knee is clean because the knee brace material sticks to the skin, and any dirt or grime might make it itchy, creating skin infections and further adding to the injury.

As a knee brace is tight on the skin, it is essential to remove it at times to reduce the pressure around the injured area and relax the skin around it. Doctors usually suggest removing the knee brace while changing into another knee brace giving it a few hours to cool down, or removing it while leisure activities like watching TV or sleeping for some rest. However, this completely depends on the type of injury, and you should consult your doctor as to when you can remove the knee brace.

Even though your knee brace is providing sufficient knee support and acting as your knee stabilizer, you still need to take it easy with your knee injury. The leg feels heavy due to the brace, which is why most patients end up putting pressure on their leg while walking, which results in further damage. Keep your injured leg light all the time and transfer the pressure onto the other leg.

Knee Brace is not the end of it! Your doctor is the best judge to know how long you need to wear the brace and whether it is really helping you. Pair this with physiotherapy to improve your knee movement and keep following up with the doctor to know the progress as well as the next steps.