Patient education: How to use a knee brace (The Basics)

What is a knee brace? — 

A knee brace or "immobilizer" can be used after an injury or surgery. It limits how much a person can bend or straighten their knee.

In some cases, people can bend their knee a little when wearing the brace. In others, the knee stays almost straight. The brace also limits how much the knee can move side to side or how much the kneecap moves.

There are different types of knee braces (figure 1). They are often made of a heavy fabric and have straps to secure the brace in place. Some have sturdy supports along the sides. Others have hinges that let the knee bend a certain amount.

Some braces are short and extend a little above and below the knee. Others are longer and cover the area from the middle of the thigh to the middle of the calf.

When do I need to wear a knee brace? — 

Follow your doctor's instructions for wearing it. This includes:

●When to wear the brace – You might need to wear it all the time, or only during activity. You might be able to take it off while you sleep, bathe, do physical therapy, or do exercises.

●Putting weight on the leg – You might be allowed to put a little weight on your leg with the brace, or no weight. You might need to use crutches or a walker to help you move around.

How do I put on a knee brace? — 

Some knee braces are pulled up onto the leg and over the knee. Others are wrapped around the leg.

To put on a knee brace that wraps around the leg:

●Lay the brace on a flat surface like a couch or bed. Open it with the top end of the brace closest to the thigh. The top end is often a little larger than the bottom.

●Put your leg on top of the brace. Line up your knee with the pad in the back of the brace or the knee opening in the front. If the brace has a hinge joint, the hinges should be on either side of your knee.

●Close the brace, and tighten the straps, starting at the bottom. If the brace has a hole in the front, your kneecap should fit in that space.

●Before standing up, check that the brace is tight enough. It should not slide down your leg. If it does, start over and fasten the straps a little tighter.

How do I take off a knee brace?

●Rest your leg on a flat surface like a couch or bed. Do not use the muscles of your leg to hold it up.

●Release the straps, and open the brace.

●Gently slide the brace out from under your leg. Do not bend or straighten your leg more than you are allowed.

What else should I know?

●Make sure the brace is not too tight. You should be able to fit at least 1 finger between the brace and your leg. There should not be any skin irritation or lasting discoloration after taking off the brace.

●Pain and swelling are common after an injury or surgery. Ask your doctor or nurse if it is safe to remove the brace to put ice on your knee.

●Keep your leg and knee raised (for example, on pillows) to help reduce swelling. To reduce both swelling and pain, raise your leg above your heart.

●Follow your doctor's instructions about adjusting the brace and setting it at different angles.

●As your knee heals, you might need to work with a physical therapist (exercise expert). They will teach you exercises to strengthen your leg muscles and protect your knee.

●Follow the care instructions to keep the brace clean. You can usually wipe it down with soap and water.

More on this topic

Patient education: Knee pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Knee sprain (The Basics)
Patient education: Patellofemoral pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Anterior cruciate ligament tear (The Basics)
Patient education: Meniscal tear (The Basics)
Patient education: Chondromalacia patella (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use crutches (The Basics)

Patient education: Knee pain (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Anterior cruciate ligament injury (Beyond the Basics)