How does the knee work?
To understand why supports and braces are important, we’ll give you a quick knee anatomy 101.
The Femur (thigh bone) connects to the Tibia (shin bone), with a layer of cartilage-like material called the meniscus sitting between them, acting as a foundation for stable movement and rotation.
The Patella (kneecap) sits in front of this joint to help protect this part of the knee and keep it moving properly. Finally, these three bones are all joined together by a series of ligaments, tendons and other muscles that guide and stabilise the knee in all its movements.
What types of knee supports are there?
While there are a wide range of supports and braces available, and the e-book goes into full detail, here’s a quick summary of each type:
- Sleeve: Made of a compressive fabric that sits around the knee, it’s designed to relieve and stabilise the muscles and boost blood flow and muscle activity. Sleeves are ideal for milder issues and injury prevention during sport and exercise. Try the GenuTrain.
- Wrap: Similar to a sleeve, a wrap uses Velcro or buckles to fasten to the knee. It is generally not as effective as a sleeve but useful for people with a low range of motion or mobility.
- Hinged brace: These braces use a rigid hinge support on either side of the knee to prevent over-rotating or hyperextension. They are ideal for more serious injuries, especially to the ligaments or meniscus, and protect the joint during recovery. Try the GenuTrain S Hinged Brace.
- Unloader: These supports are usually larger and have more rigid components. They are designed to completely minimise pressure on the knee joint itself. They are ideal for osteoarthritis, severe meniscus injury, and post-op recovery. Try the GenuTrain OA.
- Immobiliser: These supports are designed to prevent the knee from moving, either in certain directions or at all. They are suited to treating and stabilising traumatic injuries and assisting in recovery post-surgery.
- Strap: These are not technically a brace but are often used in the treatment of minor knee issues. These are suitable for irritation of the patellar tendon and stabilising the kneecap in minor tracking issues.
We have a wide range of knee supports for virtually every single knee issue and injury there is. To learn more about how to find the right brace for your injury, download our Definitive Guide to Knee Braces
