Do knee braces work? It depends, says Dr. Soppe.
Article Link: These Knee Braces Help With Arthritis Pain, Swelling, and Post-Surgery Recovery (yahoo.com)
It depends on why you’re using a knee brace. It’s worth considering wearing one if you’re having minor issues in the area, says Dr. Soppe. “They can help with pain or feelings of instability,” he says. “Sometimes people wear functional braces after surgery to decrease pain and swelling.”
- Comfort matters with a knee brace—you’ll want to feel okay wearing it after all, Clint Soppe, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in LA and an orthopedic consultant for the LA Galaxy, points out. He generally recommends choosing a brace made from neoprene or cloth, but says it’s more about what feels good to you.
- A knee brace should fit snugly but shouldn’t be so tight that it feels like it’s cutting off your circulation, Soppe says. Some also have straps to help customize your fit. The right one for you ultimately depends on what feels good.