How to Put On a Knee Brace: A Complete Guide

A knee brace is an essential tool for stabilizing the joint, relieving pain, and promoting recovery from injuries, osteoarthritis, or surgery. However, properly fitting and wearing a knee brace is crucial to ensure it provides the support you need. A poorly fitted knee brace can lead to discomfort or even worsen your condition. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to put on different types of knee braces and provide tips to ensure your brace fits properly.

Types of Knee Braces and How to Wear Them

Knee braces come in various designs, each tailored for specific conditions and levels of support. Here are the most common types of knee braces and how to wear them:

1. Knee Sleeves

Knee sleeves are compression-based supports that help manage pain and inflammation by holding the knee cap in place. They are not technically braces but offer significant benefits for mild knee pain or weakness during physical activity.

How to Wear a Knee Sleeve:

  • Slide the sleeve over your foot.
  • Pull it up to your knee, ensuring the knee is centered in the sleeve.
  • The sleeve should be snug but not too tight. If it’s too loose, it won’t provide proper support, and if it’s too tight, it may restrict circulation.

Tip: If you experience numbness or tingling, loosen or adjust the sleeve.

2. Soft-Hinged Knee Brace

A soft-hinged knee brace provides more support than a sleeve and is often used for knee instability or osteoarthritis. It typically has an open area around the knee cap for flexibility and added support.

How to Wear a Soft-Hinged Knee Brace:

  • Slip the brace over your foot, similar to a knee sleeve, or wrap it around your leg (depending on the design).
  • Align the hole in the brace with your knee cap to ensure proper fit.
  • Secure the brace around your knee, making sure it feels snug and stable.

Soft-hinged braces are commonly worn during physical activity or when managing pain from conditions like osteoarthritis.

3. Rigid-Hinged Knee Brace

A rigid-hinged brace offers support for more severe knee injuries such as ligament damage, meniscus tears, or moderate sprains. It features firm, supportive hinges on both sides of the knee.

How to Wear a Rigid-Hinged Knee Brace:

  • Sit down with your leg extended in front of you.
  • Place the brace around your knee, ensuring the knee cap is properly aligned with the hinge.
  • Wrap the brace around your leg and secure it with the straps, ensuring they are snug but not too tight.

Rigid-hinged braces are typically recommended after an injury or surgery and should be worn according to your healthcare provider’s instructions.

4. Unloader Knee Brace

Unloader knee braces are specifically designed to manage osteoarthritis in one side of the knee by shifting pressure from the affected side to the healthier side.

How to Wear an Unloader Knee Brace:

  • Sit down and step into the brace.
  • Bend your knee and align the hinge with the knee joint.
  • Start by securing the bottom strap, making sure it is snug but not too tight.
  • Secure the remaining straps, working your way up the brace.

These braces are typically worn during activity and can be adjusted for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

5. Full-Leg Knee Immobilizer

A full-leg knee immobilizer is used after surgery or injury to keep the knee joint completely still during recovery.

How to Wear a Full-Leg Knee Immobilizer:

  • Sit down with your leg extended straight.
  • Slide the brace under your leg and align your knee in the center.
  • Close the brace around your leg and secure the straps, starting from the bottom and working upwards.

Immobilizers are worn as directed by your doctor to promote healing.

Ensuring a Proper Fit for Your Knee Brace

A properly fitted knee brace is essential for providing the support you need. Here are some tips to ensure your knee brace fits correctly:

1. Measure for the Correct Size

Before purchasing a knee brace, use a tape measure to determine the girth of your knee at the joint line. Compare your measurements with the product’s sizing chart to find the right fit.

2. The Two-Finger Test

After putting on your knee brace, perform the two-finger test to ensure it fits properly:

  • Fasten the straps and slide two fingers under the strap.
  • If two fingers don’t fit, the brace is too tight. Loosen it slightly and repeat the test.
  • If you can fit more than two fingers, it’s too loose. Tighten it and repeat the test.

Check each strap using this method for optimal fit and support.

When to Wear a Knee Brace

The specific time and duration to wear a knee brace depend on your condition and your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Some braces are worn only during physical activity, while others may be worn throughout the day. In some cases, your doctor may recommend wearing the brace at night or when resting.

Always consult your healthcare provider or physical therapist for specific instructions on when and how to wear your knee brace.

Signs Your Knee Brace Isn’t Fitting Properly

If your knee brace isn’t fitting correctly, it may cause discomfort or fail to support your knee properly. Here are signs of an improperly fitted brace:

  • Discoloration around the knee or leg
  • Increased pain or swelling
  • Numbness or tingling below the knee
  • The brace sliding down the leg

If you experience any of these issues, adjust the fit of your knee brace or consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Cleaning Your Knee Brace

To keep your knee brace clean and comfortable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Many knee sleeves and soft-hinged braces can be hand-washed or machine-washed with mild detergent, while rigid-hinged and unloader braces can be wiped down with a cloth. Always allow the brace to air dry before wearing it again.

Conclusion

Wearing a knee brace can be an essential part of recovery from an injury, surgery, or to manage chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. To ensure your brace provides the necessary support, it’s vital to put it on correctly and ensure a proper fit. If you’re unsure about the type of brace you need or how to wear it, consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

For more expert advice on knee care, visit NiceOrthoCare, your trusted provider for orthopedic health and treatments.

Read More: The Benefits of Using the NICE Ankle Brace for Injury Prevention and Recovery