Knee braces are simple.
There are 5 basic kinds.
You will see that there are general categories for knee braces, and we will discuss them here...
1.
) Knee Braces For Mild Support These are typically made from an elastic material.
Usually that elastic material is actually drytex or neoprene.
Elastic type knee braces (without any joints) can provide you with a little extra support.
A little extra support is sometimes all you need, but beware, if you have a major ACL tear, you don't just want a mild knee support...
Mild support will help serve you to help you feel more stable and it will also act as a reminder to you not to make certain movements that will flare up your pain.
It will act as a reminder, it will not physically block your painful movements.
Wrap around style: See "Variations" in the next section.
2.
) Knee Braces For Moderate Support Now you have just moved up a level in support.
These braces can have elastic material, and most moderate knee supports do, but now you will see that there is usually something on both sides of the knee to help control movement.
Excessive movements from side to side or front to back can aggravate injuries, or cause pain, so many times these components on the side of your knees can really help to add support.
Variations: You can get wrap around knee braces which usually refers to the elastic material as it closes in front of your knee.
This can be used for those people who need an adjusting fit because a size change, or they just feel like wearing their brace looser one day over the next...
3.
) Knee Braces for Superior Support This is for your serious injury.
Maybe you have recovered fully or maybe you have not.
Either way, these kinds of support usually do not have any elastic material, but rather have more rigid medial and lateral joints that really help to lock out motion.
You are going to be stepping up in price, but at the same time you get what you pay for...
Motocross Accessory Add-Ons: With Top of the line knee supports you can usually add on a patella cup or a shin guard that will really protect you while you ride.
Any knee brace site selling braces should also have an accessory section that gives you this option.
4.
) OA Knee Braces: These types of braces can help you maintain proper alignment at your knee joint.
Make sure to read up on the different kinds, but you will see that many of these supports have a feature that basically tries to straighten your knee joint out if it is "off kilter".
It is important to know what kind of OA that you have if you are going to invest in a brace.
Typically, it is either medial compartment or lateral compartment OA, or sometimes both compartments are effected.
5.
) Post Operative Knee Braces: These are usually a big knee braces.
They need to be.
They will basically immobilize your knee while you heal after surgery.
Many times they will include a hinge at either side of the leg that will be adjustable and will allow flexion or extension as your physician sees fit.
Remember, this information can help, but you must speak to your doctor about medical advice.
This is health information presented here.