Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure in which all the parts of the knee joints, medial, lateral, and patellofemoral, are replaced. It is usually performed to treat chronic osteoarthritis, helps restore joint functions, alleviates pain and inflammation, and allows an individual to perform daily activities. The procedure involves replacing the damaged part with an artificial implant, so to make the surgery successful, joint surgeons in Delhi recommend using a knee brace after the surgery. Knee braces are designed to support your knee and absorb the pressure that might damage the joints.
What is a Knee Brace?
A knee brace is a medical device that is designed to protect, support, and stabilize that knee joint after knee replacement surgery. It helps absorb shocks or pressure that affects the joints, helps speedy recovery post-surgery, and holds the knee in place.
A knee brace is typically made up of stiff plastic or metal that has cushions and can be wrapped around your knees. It holds the joints in one position and avoids moving too far or too suddenly, which might cause pain or stiffness in your joints. The knee replacement specialist in Delhi will recommend the type of brace you need based on the resistance or support you require.
Knee braces are commonly used to treat the following knee injuries:
- Knee ligament injuries
- Knee Sprains
- Patellar Tendinitis
- Patellar Dislocations
- Knee Arthritis
Types of Knee Braces
The most common types of knee braces are as follows:
- Patellofemoral Knee braces
This type of knee brace is designed to protect and stabilize your patella or kneecap and the front part of your knee. You can use patellofemoral knee braces if you suffer from dislocations or patellar tendinitis.
- Knee immobilizer knee brace
This type of knee brace is used after the surgery to restrict all kinds of movements in the knee. They are stiffer and support the knee joints to remain in one position.
- Unloader knee braces
Unloader knee braces absorb the weight and remove the pressure from your joints. This is usually recommended to patients suffering from arthritis and those who have undergone knee replacement surgery.
- Functional Knee braces
After knee replacement surgery it becomes challenging to move your joints smoothly, so functional knee braces are recommended that prevent the knees from moving too far or in one direction.
Prophylactic knee braces are usually worn by the athletes to prevent knee injuries. This provides support to the knees and protects the knees from dislocating.
Why you should wear a Knee Brace after Total Knee replacement surgery?
Here are some of the reasons why knee braces are recommended for recovery exercises after total knee replacement surgery:
- Prevents knee joints from hyperextension
After a Total knee replacement surgery, there are chances that your knees might bend too far or move in one direction only. Some people also face the problem of not achieving the correct range of motion, which restricts their mobility even after the surgery. A hinged knee brace ensures that the knees are not bent too far or in one direction.
- Provides stability and support
After the surgery, you might take some time to achieve a full range of motion. A knee brace is helpful as it supports the knee and absorbs the strain or pressure exerted on the joints. It keeps the knee aligned and provides the stability required in the early stage of recovery.
- Reduces Pain and Inflammation
You might feel pain and inflammation even after the surgery. Using a knee brace for knee pain alleviates the pain and inflammation by compressing the joints and ensuring proper fluid circulation around them. It also reduces the pressure on the joints and helps to reduce stiffness and pain.
- Reduces the risk of further injury
After the surgery, your knees are weak and need proper support to heal and gain a range of motion. A knee brace is effective as it offers strength to the knees, avoiding awkward movements and stretches that might affect the surgery. It is necessary to wear knee braces during the initial days because the knee joints are healing, eventually reducing the risk of further injury.
Risks associated with Knee Brace
While knee braces are extremely helpful in restoring the function of your joints and achieving a range of motion after the surgery, there are a few risks associated with their usage:
- Using knee braces for more extended periods reduces the functionality of the muscles which makes them weak.
- Wearing tight and fitting braces for a prolonged duration causes rashes, sores, itching, or skin allergies.
- Knee braces restrict the movements, which can cause stiffness over time because of less mobility.
- If your knee brace is not fitting correctly, it can cause misalignment of the joints, increasing the risk of injuries.
- Overusing knee braces might reduce the effectiveness of physical therapy and weaken your muscles.
- Tight knee braces can reduce blood flow to your knee joints or compress or damage the nerves around them.
If you are suffering from chronic arthritis and planning to undergo a total knee replacement surgery, visit Dr Simon Thomas, an experienced knee replacement specialist in Delhi.
We offer tailored solutions after the surgery that help you heal, recover quickly, and improve your quality of life. Take a first step towards a healthy and active lifestyle. Book your consultation today to know insights and customised treatments for your knee replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knee Braces after total knee replacement surgery are mostly useful to reduce too much pressure coming on the knee and provide extra support.
Too much exposure to these braces can make your muscles weak. It also can cause itchness.
You should never wear braces on your own after undergoing surgery. It is recommended to consult a a good ‘knee joint surgeon near me‘.
