For How Long Should I Wear a Knee Brace?

If you have been wearing a knee brace like me for a while, I am sure you are wondering how long you should use it. And how do you know when to stop using it?

Generally, a knee brace can be worn everyday and over a long period. Most people prefer wearing a knee brace for at least a week after a knee injury, and for as long as it is serving its purpose. Below are a few more detailed suggestions.

Does It Matter How Long I Wear My Knee Brace?

The purposes of wearing a knee brace also dictate the type of knee brace and the amount of time for use. The four main types of knee braces are explained below.

Functional Braces

These offer support and stability to a mildly injured knee. You can wear a functional brace for a maximum of eight weeks or “indefinitely” as long as they are the right size and fit. However, you should gradually reduce knee brace use and focus on stability training.

Rehabilitative or Post-surgery Braces

These should be worn generally from eight weeks to four months. The knee brace is also worn during sleep, as random knee movements may interfere with healing.

Prophylactic Braces

These are for use during intense physical activity or contact sports to prevent knee injuries. You use this brace during strenuous exercises, and when properly fitted, they are comfortable for long term use.

Check this too: How to Measure for a Knee Brace

Unloader or Sleeve Braces

They provide relief, warmth, and support for conditions like arthritis. There is no well-defined answer as to how long you should wear a sleeve brace, and that varies from case to case as they only offer comfort and not a full recovery.

When Should I Stop Wearing My Knee Brace?

Wearing a knee brace to bed is not advisable unless a physiotherapist recommends it. The knee should have periodic breaks from the knee brace, and you can use other support options such as pillows and cold presses for pain.

You should also stop wearing a knee brace if it is causing skin irritation or lesions and when it stops serving its purpose.

When Should You Wear a Knee Compression Sleeve?

Knee sleeves are great for giving all-around knee support. They come in handy to protect the knee when lifting heavier loads especially if you are involved in weightlifting or generally just lifting heavy things. Knee compression sleeves are also great for exercising as they help by giving extra support such as squats.

Knee compression sleeves are mostly recommended for people with existing knee injuries to help in enhancing mobility and pain management. Although knee braces offer more support, knee compression sleeves help in giving the knees stability.

Is It Okay to Wear a Knee Compression Sleeve to Bed?

Knee compression sleeves can be used for long periods of time as they provide the required level of pressure but are not tight enough that they become uncomfortable. If you want to use them while you sleep, be sure to consult with your physician prior to that as not everyone requires compression therapy while they sleep.

When you are lying down and your circulatory system doesn’t have to fight gravity, the additional pressure applied to certain body parts may just work to prevent proper circulation while you are immobile. It is okay to wear knee compression sleeves to bed with medical advice.

What Is the Difference Between a Knee Brace and a Knee Sleeve?

Knee braces are normally worn when there is an already existing injury. Knee compression sleeves are used for support and mostly preventive measures. Knee braces are made for people who suffer or have suffered serious injuries like anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, and other similar injuries. They are usually made of neoprene with additional support such as metallic hinges to support the knee during movement.

On the other hand, knee sleeves basically act like a substitute knee in that they do not replace the function of a normal knee. They are regularly used by athletes and active people in running or working out. They reduce the severity or occurrence of injuries to the knee joint ligaments without inhibiting overall knee mobility. They are mostly made of later or copper.

Do You Wear Knee Sleeves Under or Over Leggings?

Knee sleeves are best worn next to the skin. This is because you want to apply the right level of compression to the affected area. Wearing them over leggings does not really work as this could cause a doubling of compression in overlapping areas especially if the tights are compressional. If they are standard running tights, they are not a problem as they are not tight enough but the overall recommendation is to wear them under your tights for optimum efficiency.

Though braces are essential when they are needed, they can also hinder joint stability when overused. Doctors have noticed some users develop over-reliance on knee braces; therefore, you should only wear one when necessary. Body joints need to build strength without external support.