Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Braces
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How long should I wear the knee brace each day?
Wear time for a knee brace varies depending on the injury and type of brace. Some people may need to wear the brace all day, whilst others may only need it during activities that cause discomfort. It's best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate length of time to wear your knee brace.
Can I still participate in physical activities while wearing a knee brace?
Knee braces are designed to support and stabilize the knee joint, helping to reduce pain during physical activities. For some injuries, some forms of physical activity may be safe. However, for other injuries, such as an ACL tear, physical activity may not be suitable for a short time. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate activities and any modifications to help you safely participate.
Can I wear a knee brace over clothing?
Knee braces are specifically designed for an injury and must be worn properly to adequately support and protect the knee. Whilst most braces should be worn against the skin, the wearing method will depend on the type of brace and your individual needs. It is best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate way to wear your knee brace.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with using a knee brace?
While knee braces are generally considered safe and can provide many benefits, there are some potential side effects. This includes skin irritation or chafing, restricted movement, and muscle weakness with prolonged use. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on proper brace use to reduce the risk of any risks.
Can a knee brace prevent or treat knee injuries?
Knee braces work by providing support and stability to the knee joint, which can help reduce pain and protect the knee. However, the effectiveness of a knee brace will depend on the type of brace and the specific injury. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best type of knee brace and to ensure proper usage.
How long does a knee brace typically last and when should I replace it?
The lifespan of a knee brace can vary depending on the type of brace, frequency of use, and level of wear and tear. Generally, a knee brace made of high-quality materials can last for several months or more with proper care. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help extend the lifespan of the knee brace and ensure it continues to provide support.
If a knee brace becomes damaged or no longer provides adequate support to the knee joint, a health professional should be consulted to organize a replacement.
Can I sleep while wearing a knee brace?
A knee brace is designed to provide support and stability to the knee joint, including when sleeping. Specific injuries may require overnight brace use to protect the knee while in various sleeping positions. It’s important to get guidance on the proper overnight usage of your knee brace.
How do I know if the knee brace is working effectively?
A properly fitted knee brace should provide adequate support, increase stability, and improve overall mobility. At the same time, a properly working brace should not cause any adverse side effects or additional pain. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination and provide recommendations on how to adjust or modify the brace to maximize its effectiveness.
Can knee braces cause more pain?
Knee braces, in general, should not be causing increased pain or exacerbating your symptoms. However, if you have the wrong type of knee brace or it is improperly worn knee braces may cause increased pain. Once again this is why it is so important to consult with your healthcare practitioner when choosing a knee brace. It is also important to remember that tighter doesn’t always mean better and it is important to make sure you are not wearing your brace too tight. Another important note is to only wear the brace when needed. Wearing a brace at rest for a mild knee pain will actually cause weakness of the surrounding musculature over time. Weakness will eventually cause more complications, so its important to rehab and remove the brace when you do not require the support.
When it comes to maintaining proper knee-ankle-foot alignment, controlling motion, and minimizing pain associated with various lower extremity injuries or conditions, there are a variety of effective treatment options, including surgery.
However, other effective treatment options are available for your patients who are candidates for less invasive means of treatment.
One such option we recommend to physicians is the Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis (KAFO), which is used to treat various lower extremity ailments. When selecting the right KAFO for your patients, there are many things to consider, including when to prescribe a KAFO, the main types, wear requirements, patient skin care and KAFO device care. This blog will discuss some of these considerations and serve as a KAFO buyer’s guide resource.
Wh
at is a KAFO?
A knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) is a leg brace customized to an individual's specific needs. It spans the length from above the knee to the ankle and foot to support the muscles, stabilize the joints and assist safe movement.
The KAFO delivers versatility that’s particularly needed in the early stages of neurological rehabilitation patient management. They can also be beneficial in recovery from all sorts of lower extremity issues.
KAFOs help compensate for muscle weakness, paralysis, or skeletal problems that cause lower limb instability. The KAFO helps to make standing and walking easier by:
Reducing joint paint
Improving joint alignment
Preventing excess joint movement
Controlling joint instability
It ensures superior mobility and a comfortable fit, providing better limb control. Produced from thermoplastics or carbon fiber composites, it is lightweight and fits closely. Each component, including the knee joint, knee locking mechanism, knee pads and bands, and whether or not there is a frontal plane control, is determined by an individual's unique condition.
When to Prescribe at KAFO
A KAFO is used as a walking aid for those with difficulty for various reasons. The most common are polio, partial spinal cord lesions, nerve injuries, and stroke.
The most common causes of muscle weakness that require KAFO usage are:
Contact us to discuss your requirements of SS Tube Clamp Adaptor. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
There are many factors to consider when prescribing and fitting the device on an individual. These include the type of deformity, the biomechanical deficit to be addressed, an individual's weight and activity level, and lifestyle issues.
Individuals experiencing significant fixed deformity may benefit from a weight-relieving brim in the orthosis, in which the individual's weight can be migrated from the affected extremity.
Types of KAFOs
KAFOs are complex devices, so their designs vary according to the patient's needs. There are two main types:
Metal KAFO with side steels that insert into the shoe heel with leather thigh section and calf band.
Plastic KAFO with molded thigh and calf sections that fit inside the shoe, connected by metal side bars.
KAFO Wear Time
When instructing your patients about KAFO wear time, remember that they should gradually increase the wear time. This allows their skin to adjust to the supportive pressures that the KAFO applies.
Make sure your patients understand that If their KAFO becomes uncomfortable, they should discontinue use and consult you.
Footwear with KAFO
Some instructions for your patients regarding footwear, When selecting shoes to wear with their KAFO, they should look for the following features:
They should select comfortable, supportive shoes to maximize the benefits of the KAFO.
KAFO Care Recommendations
Once individuals begin wearing their KAFO, they should wear socks and shoes, which will serve as a barrier between the brace and skin to reduce any friction and improve comfort when perspiration occurs. It's recommended to wear a basic athletic shoe with laces or Velcro closures. This allows for adjustments to be made more easily when needed.
Each time it is removed, the wearer of the brace should check their skin for any signs of marking or redness. If red marks persist for longer than 30 minutes or the skin breaks down or blisters, the individual should discontinue the use of the brace and contact their doctor.
KAFO Designed for Mobility and Comfort
In the past, the best option to treat lower extremities with an orthosis would be to wear a KAFO with a locked knee joint. While this provided the necessary stability and support of the knee to prevent involuntary flexion, it also caused muscle atrophy, increased energy expenditure in gait, and a non-cosmetic walk.
Today's KAFO technology has been re-engineered with an enhanced design that can automatically lock and unlock at the appropriate times in the gait cycle. This allows for a more fluid walking style and promotes muscle strengthening.
Anatomical Concepts KAFO Options
Prefabricated Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFO Brace)
Our Prefabricated KAFO and AFO modular orthotic systems are in stock and cost-effective compared to custom-made or hybrid-type designs.
They offer the versatility needed, particularly in the early stages of neuro-rehab patient management. Studies have proven the value of early mobilization and proper anatomical positioning.
Learn more about this brace here.
Custom Adult V-VAS™ Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis
This device is a unique KAFO custom-fabricated for those who present or require treatment of various knee arthropathies and/or bowing of the lower extremity. The dynamic V-Vas™ joint system allows for sequential deformity correction and creates a precise offloading effect.
Learn more about this brace here.
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