How to choose the size of an ankle orthosis. How to choose knee orthoses

Only an orthopedic surgeon, surgeon or traumatologist can select an orthosis for the knee joint, depending on the clinical picture and diagnosis. It should be remembered that there are contraindications to wearing the product that must be taken into account.

Due to their complexity they are considered the most vulnerable. Diseases affecting them can be inflammatory, traumatic or dystrophic in nature. As a result, mobility is limited and unbearable pain occurs.

Most often, knees are injured in athletes, dancers and other people leading an active lifestyle. In many cases, the orthosis is used for treatment purposes. The patient's condition is improved, the lower limbs are fully functional, and the healing process is accelerated.

In order for the joints to quickly recover and return to normal, it is important to ensure complete rest; an orthosis is more suitable for this than ever.

Indications for wearing

The orthosis can be used strictly for its intended purpose; purchasing without the consent of the attending physician is prohibited.

Retainers are needed only in certain situations; indications for wearing are as follows:

rehabilitation of the joint after surgery;
engaging in dangerous or extreme sports;
rupture of the ligamentous apparatus, or its stretching;
diseases of an inflammatory nature, etc.;
fractures and other injuries.

Immediately after an injury, an orthosis is prescribed. You need to know how to put on such a bandage; it is worn all the time, even at night, until the problem is solved.

Contraindications

Despite the advantages of the products, they cannot always be worn by everyone. It is forbidden to wear an orthosis if you have varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, or poor circulation in the problem limb. At the time of acute injury, infectious disease knee, wearing is also limited.

Contraindications include an allergy to the material from which the product is made. If swelling of the knee muscles occurs, the orthosis can be worn, but only after the doctor’s permission.

Varieties

The orthosis for the joint is selected individually. Choosing the right one means protecting the damaged area from re-injury.

Stress on sore spot decreases several times. A doctor has the right to prescribe any orthopedic products. Fixators intended for the knee joint can be divided according to several criteria.

By purpose:

for prevention;
medicinal; rehabilitation;
functional-permanent.

By design:

hinged;
hingeless.

Knee brace for minor injuries:

Open, with elastic fastening. Used for ligaments or tendon damage, easy to adjust. After wearing it, the pain disappears and the load decreases. It is also recommended to use for the treatment of arthrosis, bursitis or synovitis.
Closed knee pad with elastic fastenings. Used to warm the damaged area, often used by athletes.
Articulated orthosis. Used for tendon ruptures and sprains. Eat metal plates, they improve fixation.

A knee brace for severe injuries may be as follows:

Articulated knee pad. Immobolization is complete, reduces pain, suitable for rehabilitation after a fracture or surgery.
Open. There are additional stiffening ribs that allow you to adjust the position of the cup.

As you can see, there are many types of orthoses, each type is used for one purpose or another.

Brands and series

Orthoses differ from each other not only in purpose, but also in series and brand.

The safest and most effective are:

Orthosis Professional. A universal product, cotton clasps, suitable for everyday wear. Above the cup of the hole there are stiffening ribs.
Model BCK200. The orthosis is considered one of the best, helping to avoid damage. Used in the postoperative and recovery period after fractures.
Orro. Elastic design with silicone ring. When worn, a compression effect is created, the cup is fixed well, the side part is reinforced.
Model Accutex. The bandage is functional and suitable for daily wear.
Stabimed. Articulated orthosis, lateral ribs rigidity with springs, there are flexible instep supports, as well as metal carcass. Thanks to the adjustable joint, you can increase or decrease the range of motion depending on the stage of recovery.
RKN one-piece. Prescribed after damage to the patella, after surgical interventions. Fixation is high.
Genutrain. The orthosis is dynamic, there are two silicone inserts, while wearing it there is a pulsating massage effect. There is no possibility of regulation; it is recommended for use by athletes.
Ortho. It has a warming effect and is used as a preventive measure. When worn, it improves blood circulation.
Ortho. Serves as support for the medial and lateral tendons of the knee.
P.S.B. The knee pad is semi-rigid, fixes and supports the knee.

A correctly selected product helps alleviate the patient’s condition, but does not completely eliminate the disease. To treat an injury or severe bruise, medical intervention is indispensable.

Material of manufacture

For the manufacture of knee orthoses, they are used modern technologies, ensuring durability and quality. The effectiveness of the product directly depends on the quality of the material.

They may be as follows:

Cotton. Suitable for daily wear. The material is hypoallergenic and does not cause diaper rash or irritation.
Spandex. Products made from it have varying degrees fixation.
Elastane and lycra. The materials allow air to pass through and are firmly and easily fixed on the leg.
Neoprene. The material is not recommended for constant wear. Not recommended for use by people prone to allergies. It has a warming effect and increased fixation.

The doctor decides what material the product should be made from, based on the diagnosis and individual characteristics sick.

Rigidity

Orthoses with soft rigidity should be worn for minor injuries or bruises, as well as for preventive purposes. They do not restrict movement; the joint is in correct position. Children are also recommended to wear a soft orthosis.

As for medium hardness, it is used after injury, as well as during the recovery period after surgery. The knee will be protected from re-injury, the fixation is reliable.

Rigid structures can be used in case of severe injuries, for example, fracture, torn ligaments, etc.

Mode of application

Putting on the orthosis after the first use is not difficult. If the fastener is detachable, it is recommended to put it on several times, so you can check whether there is any damage, as well as how strong the belts and fasteners are.

There should be no difficulty in adjusting the orthosis. A rigid bandage provides the best fixation, but care must be taken to ensure that the blood flow is not impaired.

Interesting! To extend its service life, it is not recommended to wash the product in washing machine and use an iron.

The product is dried in a horizontal position, so the fabrics and components do not stretch. When putting on, make sure that the cup cavity is completely aligned with the joint. The wearing time is indicated in the instructions; its extension is discussed with the attending physician.

Important! The right orthosis is suitable for right leg, left for left, swapping is prohibited.

It is contraindicated to wear soft elastic orthoses constantly. The skin under them heats up, sweats, and the situation may worsen. Articulated structures can be worn around the clock.
The duration of wearing is determined by the doctor. It is prohibited to remove the product prematurely.
Detachable structures are removed twice a day for at least 20 minutes.
To increase the effectiveness of the product, it is recommended to wear shoes with arch supports.
During the period of use of the orthosis, you should monitor your well-being. If you experience discomfort, pain, or problems walking, visit your doctor immediately.

From execution simple tips the success of treatment depends.

How to choose

For correct selection design, it is necessary to know the dimensions of the problem area. The girth of the leg is measured 15 cm above and below the sore spot, as well as the girth of the joint itself.

The obtained data is compared with the following indicators:

size S – small, from 30 to 36 centimeters;
average size M - from 36 to 40 centimeters;
large size L – from 40 to 45 centimeters;
large XL - from 45 to 49 centimeters.

Knee orthoses are purchased in specialized stores as prescribed by a doctor. After determining the size, the degree of rigidity and type are selected. Fitting is required.

Give preference to those designs where there is the possibility of adjustment, this makes them more convenient and functional. There must be no damage. Remember that a low-quality orthosis can cause great harm.

Frequently asked questions to the doctor

Benefits of orthoses

Hello, I would like to know what advantages a knee joint orthosis has?

Orthoses are indispensable assistants in treatment and rehabilitation.

Some of their features are described below:

when worn, they do not lead to circulatory problems;
fixation of the damaged joint; when put on correctly, nothing gets in the way and does not slip;
the skin is not damaged;
the duration of the rehabilitation period decreases.

Thus, it is clear that orthoses are effective and, if necessary and possible, it is really worth wearing them.

An ankle orthosis tightly fits the joint, provides compression and massage effects, protects the joint during sports training, reduces swelling and pain in case of lower leg injuries, after operations, as well as during exacerbation of arthrosis, arthritis, rheumatism and other diseases of the ankle joint.

If the ankle does not provide the proper level of support or is incorrectly sized, it will only delay the healing process and create preconditions for reappearance injuries. Therefore it is important to remember that Only a doctor can select a semi-rigid or rigid orthosis! Independently, without prescription, only ankles with a mild degree of fixation are selected to alleviate the syndromes of arthrosis and arthritis, prevent herbs and reduce pain in the slightest injuries of the lower leg.

Severity of injury

To determine what kind of ankle orthosis you need and whether you can choose one yourself, you need to determine the severity of the injury. There are three degrees of damage to the articular-ligamentous apparatus of the foot:

Easy. Signs: no swelling or slight swelling, mild pain, slight limitation of movement, the patient can walk and fully transfer body weight to the injured limb. The recommended type of ankle is an elastic or neoprene ankle, which provides the desired level of compression and does not restrict the movement of the joint. You can choose it yourself!
Average. Signs: swelling (mild to severe), moderate (tolerable) pain, moderate limitation of movement, difficulty walking and bearing weight on the injured limb. The recommended type of ankle is an ankle that compresses the joint and provides its fixation with the help of stiffeners. Prescribed by a doctor!
Heavy. Signs: severe swelling and hematoma, severe pain, complete limitation of movement, the patient cannot bear weight on the injured limb. The recommended type of ankle is ankle, which ensures complete immobility of the ankle joint. Prescribed by a doctor!

Product material

When choosing an ankle brace with easy fixation, you need to pay attention to the material from which it is made. Ankles with the addition of neoprene retain heat well, provide warmth, accelerate blood flow, and help relieve swelling and pain due to arthrosis, arthritis, and rheumatism. If you have allergic reactions to synthetic fibers or sensitive skin, it is better to choose ankle boots with a high cotton content.

Elastic ankles with silicone inserts provide slightly greater fixation and compression, which is important during heavy physical activity and in sports. Also, in order to prevent sports injuries, elastic ankle orthoses with additional Velcro straps have proven themselves well. The main thing to remember when choosing an elastic ankle for sports training is that it must completely encircle the joint on all sides and be high enough.

Ankle size

The size range of ankle feet varies depending on the brand, but in general there are 4 parameters that determine the size of a given orthosis.

Shoe size;
Ankle circumference. Measured above the bone at the narrowest part of the ankle;
Calf circumference. Measured between the knee and ankle (in the middle);
Ankle circumference through heel. In order to measure this parameter, you need to place your foot firmly on the floor, apply a flexible tape to the edge of the heel and measure the ankle circumference at an angle, as shown in the figure. You need to measure below the bone.

If your parameters are on the border of two sizes, then in the case of the first three parameters you should choose the smaller size, since when choosing bigger size you risk not getting the desired level of compression.

It is a special medical product designed for restoration and protection. The lower limbs experience serious stress every day. The hardest thing is for the knee joint of people who play sports or lead an active lifestyle. Many of them do not think about protecting their lower extremities. This is why the trauma rate in this area of the body is so high. A knee brace can prevent many problems. Next, we will consider in more detail the structure of this device and its varieties.

Classification

There are different types of knee orthoses. Manufacturers offer products that can be used both during the recovery period and for the prevention of injuries. The knee orthosis is mainly used by athletes during training. However, special medical models are also produced. They are intended to be worn during arthrosis or during the postoperative period. Some models are made directly to protect the tendons or kneecap. Products can be magnetic or elastic. The hinged knee orthosis is very popular. The sizes of the products are also different. Comfortable adjustable knee brace. Today, the range of products is quite wide, so without any problems you can purchase devices for both children and adults.

Elastic products

These knee orthoses not only provide reliable protection from damage. The device helps reduce pain for illnesses and injuries. The product accelerates recovery, has a tightening effect and a massage effect.

Indications for the use of elastic devices

This type of knee joint orthosis has a fairly wide range of applications. Indications, in particular, include:

The knee joint orthosis is used to prevent injuries at work and during sports activities, during the rehabilitation period after surgery.

Hardness degree

It may be different. To prevent injuries during sports activities, soft devices are usually used. Such products have a fairly elastic base, which allows the leg to bend freely. This type of orthosis does not have much impact on the knee joint. If an injury does occur, experts recommend using hard products. They are able to completely immobilize the joint. Rigid fixation is necessary if the injury is severe enough. Such damage can, for example, be considered fractures and ligament ruptures. After the intervention during the recovery period the best option There will be a semi-rigid orthosis. This product is also used as an additional treatment for severe deformities. Doctors also recommend using the device for a number of chronic joint pathologies.

How to choose the right product?

Before purchasing a device, you must consult a doctor. The doctor will help you correctly determine what type of knee orthosis should be used. Much depends on the nature of the pathology, if any. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of existing products. The fact is that the parameters of similar devices different manufacturers may vary. In particular, the level of fixation, type of fastening, number of fasteners, etc. may be different. For example, knee pads for sports can either completely cover the cup or leave some part of it exposed. It should also be taken into account that the devices are produced different sizes, so here you need to decide which one is suitable. Today there are many manufacturing companies in this category of goods. Among the popular ones, it is worth noting products from Orlett, REHBAND, DonJoy, Thuasne and others. You can purchase both exclusively sports products and special devices for medical purposes. In any case, before purchasing a knee brace, you must visit a doctor. Independent choice may turn out to be incorrect and not only not improve, but worsen the condition.

Orlett knee brace

This product is used as a stage dressing during the recovery period after surgery or injury. The device has a biomechanical hinge, with which the range of motion is controlled. The product allows you to immobilize the area at an angle from 10 to 30 degrees, and also gradually increase the range of mobility to 120 degrees. Orthosis recommended:

Product Features

The Orlett orthosis is reinforced with plastic inserts. The cuffs are made of biologically inert materials with a soft, pleasant-to-touch coating that does not causing allergies or skin irritation. Thanks to the presence of biomechanical hinges, the knee joint is compatible with normal movements. Each piece has a soft textile pad. Thanks to it, the hinge fits comfortably to the skin. The product has special fixing straps. Thanks to them, you can regulate the degree of compression on the muscles and the fit of the device to the skin.

Fosta knee brace

This product is intended for the treatment of arthrosis, osteochondrosis, injuries and sprains of the knee joint. The device is also recommended for the prevention of these conditions during intense sports or work loads. The orthosis provides rigid and reliable fixation due to the presence of a detachable design consisting of metal plates and two fasteners. Neoprene fabric is used in the manufacture of products. The device itself is quite durable and wear-resistant. The product has two holes. One is located in the area of the popliteal fossa, and the other in the area of the cup. Thanks to the detachable design, you can quickly and easily remove and put on the device on any leg with a girth of up to 60 cm.

The knee joint is one of the strongest in the human skeleton, so it is subject to enormous loads that it may not be able to cope with. To restore knee function and ensure the necessary mobility of the lower extremities, a knee joint orthosis is used. When does a doctor recommend using an orthopedic accessory and what contraindications may prevent you from wearing an orthosis? What types do domestic and foreign manufacturers offer? How to choose and wear a knee brace correctly? We offer answers to all these questions, and along with them, evaluations of the effectiveness of specific models of knee orthoses by buyers.

When is a knee brace needed?

The simple design of the orthosis and a wide variety of models make this product multifunctional. It is used for injuries and after operations, for chronic diseases and for prevention. Dislocations, sprains, inflammatory processes, joint instability - this is not a complete list of cases when the help of a knee orthosis will be indispensable.

For minor injuries, arthrosis and arthritis, an elastic bandage is used; for more serious problems, a rigid knee orthosis is used.

Attention! Only a doctor can prescribe wearing an orthopedic bandage. Independent selection of products is strictly prohibited!

Types of knee orthoses

The modern market offers a huge selection of knee braces.

Soft knee orthoses

The most popular are elastic soft knee orthoses. There are:

closed type, which fix the kneecap and have a warming effect; often used during training by track and field athletes and runners, as well as during long walking;
open type with adjustable tension - used during rehabilitation after sprains, in the presence of residual pain during exacerbation of arthritis; can be recommended after injuries to develop caution in the patient;
open type with lateral spiral stiffeners - most often used for inflammatory diseases and pain in the knees during bending, as well as for the prevention of injuries.

On a note! Elastic orthoses are made from neoprene, nylon, spandex, elastin and cotton. Before purchasing, make sure that you are not allergic to the components in the product.

A large assortment is also presented in the category of articulated knee pads. They are made of plastic, metal or fabric, and the individual elements of the product are connected using hinges. This leg orthosis allows you to adjust the degree of mobility of the knee joint.

The articulated knee orthosis performs the following functions:

corrective;
compensatory (supports the functionality of the injured joint);
fixing (provides varying degrees of joint mobility or complete immobility);
unloading (relieves excessive loads from the joint and muscle tissue).

An adjustable detachable knee brace with hinges is used more often after operations and serious injuries, when the range of motion of the joint needs to be changed during the recovery process. Hinges help set the desired degree in the range from 0 to 90.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the kneecap orthosis. Its pads apply pressure to the tendons and evenly distribute the load on them, resulting in reduced pain. This accessory is used for chronic diseases of the kneecap, heavy physical activity, and after mild subluxations.

Indications and contraindications for use

There are many cases of using a knee orthosis - these include chronic diseases, bruises, serious injuries and sprains, and prevention. Based on the medical history, the doctor selects the desired model.

An elastic knee brace with easy fixation is used for arthritis, synovitis, exacerbations of arthrosis, bursitis, at the initial stage of gonarthrosis, and patellofemoral syndrome.
A knee joint orthosis with stiffeners is prescribed for ligamentosis, bursitis, synovitis, deforming arthrosis, rheumatism and arthritis, edema, if there is no contraindication for warming, osteochondropathy of the tibial tuberosity.
The splint helps with osteochondropathy, Koenig's disease, deforming arthrosis, hallux valgus, hemarthrosis, exacerbations of synovitis and arthrosis, bursitis, and joint damage.
A semi-rigid knee brace with enhanced fixation is worn for patellofemoral pain syndrome, arthrosis and arthritis, contracture of the knee joint, deforming osteoarthritis, valgus deviation, paralysis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Koening's disease.
A kneecap brace is prescribed for jumper's knee, Osgood-Schlatter disease, and patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Contraindications for a knee orthosis may include swelling of the lower extremities, varicose veins, and dermatitis with inflammation in the areas where the orthopedic accessory is attached.

Attention! The list of contraindications can be expanded by the doctor based on the patient’s specific medical history.

How to choose an orthosis

The main parameter that is important when choosing a knee brace is the circumference of the knee. To more accurately select a model, it would be a good idea to measure the volumes at the top and bottom at a distance of 15 cm from the knee.

Of course, the most comfortable material is cotton, but it the main problem The thing is that it doesn't stretch at all. Therefore, manufacturers combine it with elastic fibers.

You should be careful when purchasing a neoprene knee pad. It fixes the knee well and has a warming effect, but can cause an allergic reaction. If you want to buy an “indestructible” knee pad, then choose a nylon model. If you need a shoe that perfectly follows the shape of your leg and is highly breathable, then take a closer look at spandex. If you need a knee pad that is well ventilated and does not warm, then your choice is elastane (lycra).

Attention! Be sure to try on a knee brace at an orthopedic salon. And don’t just put it on and take it off after 2 seconds. Walk around in it, jump (if your health allows), sit down. The product should be comfortable!

How to use a knee brace

The main rule that is worth remembering: elastic orthoses cannot be worn constantly, unlike articulated ones, which the doctor may recommend leaving on at night.
The mode of wearing the knee brace is determined by the doctor, but the total time of use of the elastic brace cannot exceed 8 hours, and 15-20-minute breaks should be taken every 2-3 hours.
Elastic neoprene bandages should not be left on overnight.
Some models of orthoses are equipped with silicone inserts inside, which do not allow the product to slide on the skin. This feature is especially useful if mobility is not limited and the bandage is used, for example, during sports training.

A knee brace is used not only in the presence of an injury, but also to prevent its development. A tight bandage allows you to fix the affected area, thereby speeding up the healing process. Today there are many variations of bandages. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a specialist before purchasing.

There are several main conditions in which wearing a bandage is simply necessary. Indications include:

mild and severe joint damage;
inflammatory processes, in particular arthritis and synovitis;
chondromalacia;
rehabilitation period after an injury or surgery;
prevention of injuries during sports.

A knee bandage is selected together with a specialist. The wearing period is determined by an orthopedic surgeon. The device is selected according to size. This parameter is one of the most important. The bandage should not hinder movement, irritate the skin or cause pain.

Some people mistakenly believe that an elastic bandage helps heal the joint. The bandage is just an auxiliary component; it helps relieve swelling and inflammation. The only way to get rid of the cause of joint damage is through medication or surgery.

There are 4 main criteria for wearing an elastic bandage. The first option is the prevention of joint damage and diseases. It is advisable to wear a brace for sports, it can reduce the load on the limbs and prevent serious damage. It is recommended to use the bandage for people suffering from excess body weight and ligamentous weakness.

The second criterion for using an orthosis is fixation of the damaged joint. In this case, a compression bandage is used; it helps to cope with many diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

The third criterion is restriction of joint movement. In this case, special types of bandages are used that are particularly rigid.

The fourth criterion is unloading the damaged joint. It is advisable to use this type of bandage for inflammatory processes.

The bandage has many advantages, but not everyone can use it. The bandage is not used in the following cases:

acute injury;
infectious or inflammatory lesions of the skin;
presence of signs of thrombophlebitis;
allergic reactions.

To avoid worsening the condition, you should consult a specialist before using an elastic bandage.

Today there are 3 main types of dressings:

soft;
reinforced;
hard.

Soft bandages are based on natural fabric with the addition of special fibers. Previously, elastic bandaging was widely used, but it was not comfortable, and the bandage constantly slipped. The old method was replaced by soft bandages.

Reinforced dressings include synthetic material. He's different high strength and elasticity. Moreover, it completely repeats the shape of the joint and remembers it. The fabric is characterized by many micro-perforations, thanks to which the skin breathes. The bandage is equipped with belts, some models are designed with stiffeners.

Orthoses and splints are complex designs. They are based on metal plates and plastic. Many bandages come with stiffeners and hinges. Used in the presence of serious injuries and damage to the knee joints.

The optimal type of dressing can be selected after examining the affected area. This process can be affected by both fractures and inflammatory processes, which requires the use of a certain bandage.

How to choose an orthosis?

Before choosing a bandage, you need to decide on the size. This parameter is the most important; in case of an error, the bandage will be useless. The main function of the bandage is to fix the knee joint without squeezing and aggravating the condition, so the product must be compressive, stabilizing and supportive.

For selection optimal size It is necessary to measure the thigh circumference in the lower third. This parameter allows you to select the correct bandage. Its length also depends on the size of the bandage.

To avoid errors, measurements must be taken measuring tape. It should be applied to the skin, but not squeezed. It is worth noting that rigid bandages for sports do not have sizes. This parameter Adjustable with special fasteners and straps.

When choosing a support, it is necessary to take into account a certain degree of fixation and the main indications for its use.

Important criteria are price and manufacturer; an expensive bandage is not always highly effective. The caliper material must be wear-resistant and washable. Before choosing a specific bandage, you should check all the elements and try on the bandage to determine the degree of comfort.