10 Easy Steps: How to Put On a Knee Brace

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Navigating daily life with a knee injury can be challenging, but a knee brace can provide much-needed support and stability. However, if you’re new to wearing a knee brace, putting it on correctly is crucial to ensure maximum benefit and comfort. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process on how to properly put on a knee brace, addressing common challenges and offering tips to make the process easier.

Before you begin, gather your knee brace and a pair of scissors. If your brace has any adjustable straps, ensure they’re fully loosened. Slide your foot into the brace and position it securely on your knee. The patella cutout should fit snugly around your kneecap, while the brace’s supports should align with your knee joint. Using the scissors, carefully trim any excess straps, leaving a small amount of overlap for tightening.

Once the brace is positioned correctly, begin tightening the straps. Start with the calf strap, pulling it snugly but not too tightly. Next, tighten the thigh strap, ensuring it’s not constricting your circulation. Finally, adjust the patella strap to provide additional support and stabilization. Double-check the fit by bending and extending your knee. If there’s any discomfort or instability, adjust the straps accordingly. With proper fitting and use, your knee brace can provide significant relief and support during your recovery.

Preparation and Sizing

Preparation:

Before donning a knee brace, specific preparations ensure a comfortable and effective fit. Follow these steps for optimal preparation:

Dry skin: Cleanse and dry the skin around your knee to prevent irritation and slippage.
Remove hair: If necessary, trim excess hair around the knee to improve brace adherence.
Inspect the brace: Examine the brace for any damage or loose straps before putting it on.
Loosen the straps: Adjust all the straps on the brace to their loosest setting to allow for easy application.
Position the brace: Place the brace over the knee, ensuring the hinges align with the knee joint.

Sizing:

Proper brace sizing is crucial for support and comfort. Refer to the provided sizing chart or consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate size for your knee circumference. The chart below outlines the general sizing guidelines:

Knee Circumference (measured around the center of the kneecap)	Brace Size
30-35 cm	Small
35-40 cm	Medium
40-45 cm	Large
45-50 cm	X-Large

Positioning the Knee Brace

Ensuring a proper fit is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of a knee brace. Follow these steps to correctly position your knee brace:

Determine the hinge placement: Locate the patellar tendon (below the kneecap) and the joint line (where the thigh bone meets the shin bone). Align the brace’s hinges directly over these anatomical landmarks.
Secure the top and bottom straps: First, wrap the top strap around the thigh, ensuring it is snug but not constricting. Hold the brace in place, then fasten the bottom strap securely around the calf, again ensuring a comfortable but firm fit.
Adjust the side straps: These straps provide additional support and stability. Start by loosening them, then gradually tighten them until they provide a comfortable and secure feel without cutting off circulation.
Double-check the fit: Walk around for a few minutes to ensure the brace is comfortable and does not restrict movement. If it causes any discomfort or slippage, adjust the straps accordingly.

Common Fit Problems	Solutions
Brace slides down	Tighten the top and bottom straps
Hinge misaligned	Reposition the brace over the patellar tendon and joint line
Straps too tight	Loosen the straps slightly

Securing the Upper Strap

Once you have the upper strap positioned, it’s time to secure it. There are typically two ways to do this:

Velcro Straps

Most knee braces use Velcro straps to secure the upper strap. To fasten the strap, simply align the hook-and-loop strips and press them together firmly. Pull the strap tight to ensure a snug fit, but be careful not to overtighten it. You should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your leg.

Buckles

Some knee braces have buckles instead of Velcro straps. To fasten the buckle, thread the strap through the buckle and pull it tight. Use the teeth on the buckle to secure the strap in place. Again, ensure a snug fit without overtightening.

Velcro Straps	Buckles
Align and press together hook-and-loop strips	Thread strap through buckle and pull tight
Pull strap to tighten	Use teeth on buckle to secure strap

Adjusting the Lower Strap

Locate the lower strap, typically found below the knee and above the ankle.

Determine the correct tightness for the strap. It should be snug enough to provide support without causing discomfort. A good rule of thumb is to have enough room to fit two fingers between the strap and your skin.

Pull the lower strap and wrap it around the back of your calf, securing it with the Velcro closure. Ensure that the strap is centered and that the edges are smooth. If the strap is too tight, loosen it slightly. If it’s too loose, tighten it gently.

Check the fit of the knee brace. Walk around or perform some light exercises to make sure it offers adequate support and doesn’t restrict your movement. If any adjustments are needed, repeat the process until the brace is comfortable and provides the desired level of stability.

Tightening the Center Panel

Once the brace is in place, it is time to tighten the center panel. This will help secure the brace and provide support to the knee joint.

To tighten the center panel, follow these steps:

1. Locate the center panel on the brace. It is typically a wide, adjustable strap that runs across the front of the knee.

2. Pull the center panel snugly against the knee joint. Do not overtighten the panel, as this can cause discomfort.

3. Use the Velcro straps or buckles to secure the center panel in place.

4. Check the fit of the brace by bending and straightening the knee. The brace should be snug but not restrictive.

5. Adjust the center panel as needed to ensure a comfortable and supportive fit.

Step	Action
1	Locate the center panel on the brace.
2	Pull the center panel snugly against the knee joint.
3	Use the Velcro straps or buckles to secure the center panel in place.
4	Check the fit of the brace by bending and straightening the knee.
5	Adjust the center panel as needed to ensure a comfortable and supportive fit.

Enclosing the Patella

Once you have the base of the brace secured, it’s time to enclose the patella. The patella, or kneecap, is the small bone that sits at the front of the knee. It is important to enclose the patella in the brace to provide support and protection.

Find the patella opening. Most knee braces have an opening for the patella. This opening should be located at the center of the brace, just above the base.
Align the brace with the patella. Once you have found the patella opening, align the brace so that the opening is directly over the patella.
Secure the patella strap. Most knee braces have a strap or band that wraps around the patella to secure it. Wrap the strap around the patella and tighten it until it is snug.
Check for comfort. Make sure the brace is comfortable and not too tight or too loose. You should be able to move your knee freely without pain.
Additional padding. If the brace is rubbing or causing discomfort, you can add some additional padding around the patella. This can be done with a piece of foam, a washcloth, or even a folded sock.
Different types of patella openings. Knee braces come with different types of patella openings. Some braces have a closed patella opening, which completely encloses the patella. Other braces have a open patella opening, which allows the patella to move more freely. The type of patella opening that is best for you will depend on your individual needs.

Checking for Comfort and Fit

Ensure the knee brace fits snugly but comfortably, allowing for unrestricted movement without slipping or causing discomfort. Consider the following steps:

1. Adjust Straps:

Position the straps evenly, ensuring they are not too tight or loose. Start with the middle straps and adjust outwards.

2. Check Knee Joint Alignment:

The knee brace should align perfectly with your knee joint. If it slides or rotates, adjust the straps or hinge settings.

3. Test Range of Motion:

Flex and extend your knee to ensure the brace doesn’t hinder movement. It should provide stability without restricting natural motion.

4. Check for Pressure Points:

Wear the brace for a short period and examine any areas that may be rubbing or causing pressure. Adjust the straps or add padding as needed.

Comfort Assessment	Indications of Fit
Snug, but not tight	No slipping or pinching
Allows full range of motion	Knee brace aligns with the knee joint
No pressure or rubbing points	May require adjustment or padding

5. Verify Hinge Performance:

If the brace has hinges, check their smoothness and stability. They should allow for controlled movement within the desired range.

6. Consider Activity:

The comfort and fit may vary depending on your activity level. Adjust the brace accordingly for different exercises or sports.

7. Seek Professional Consultation:

If you experience persistent discomfort, seek advice from a healthcare professional or certified fitter. They can provide personalized recommendations and ensure the brace is properly fitted for your specific needs and anatomy.

Measuring for a Knee Brace

1. Measure the circumference of your knee at the midpoint of your kneecap. This is your “knee circumference.”
2. Measure the length of your leg from the center of your kneecap to the top of your ankle joint. This is your “leg length.”
3. Use the knee circumference and leg length measurements to order the correct size knee brace.

Putting on a Knee Brace

1. Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Bend your knee to a 90-degree angle.
3. Place the knee brace over your knee, with the hinges aligned with your kneecap.
4. Secure the top and bottom straps.

Tips for Optimal Support

1. Make sure the knee brace is snug, but not too tight.
2. The hinges should be aligned with your kneecap.
3. The knee brace should not slip or move around.
4. If you experience any pain or discomfort, adjust the knee brace accordingly.
5. If the knee brace does not provide adequate support, talk to your doctor or physical therapist.
6. If you are unsure how to put on a knee brace, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. If you are wearing a knee brace for an extended period of time, take it off occasionally to give your skin a chance to breathe.
8. Keep the knee brace clean and dry. Wash it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Knee Brace Size	Knee Circumference	Leg Length
Small	13-15 inches	17-19 inches
Medium	15-17 inches	19-21 inches
Large	17-19 inches	21-23 inches
X-Large	19-21 inches	23-25 inches

Maintaining Proper Alignment

To maintain proper alignment, follow these steps:

1. Wear the brace snugly, but not too tightly.

The brace should fit snugly around your knee, but it should not be so tight that it cuts off circulation or causes pain. You should be able to fit two fingers between the brace and your skin.

2. Position the brace so that the patella buttress (the circular opening in the front of the brace) is centered over your kneecap.

The patella buttress is designed to help keep your kneecap in place. If the brace is not positioned correctly, it will not provide the support you need.

3. Adjust the straps so that the brace is secure, but not too tight.

The straps should be tight enough to keep the brace in place, but they should not be so tight that they cause discomfort. You should be able to move your knee freely without the brace slipping or moving.

4. Wear the brace for as long as your doctor recommends.

Most knee braces are designed to be worn for several hours at a time. However, your doctor will tell you how long you should wear the brace based on your individual needs.

5. Take breaks from wearing the brace as needed.

If you start to experience any discomfort, take a break from wearing the brace. You can gradually increase the amount of time you wear the brace as you become more comfortable.

6. Clean the brace regularly.

To keep your brace clean, wipe it down with a damp cloth. You can also wash the brace in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Be sure to air dry the brace completely before wearing it again.

7. Inspect the brace regularly for damage.

If you notice any damage to the brace, such as torn straps or a broken buckle, stop wearing the brace and contact your doctor.

8. Do not wear the brace if you have an open wound on your knee.

Wearing a brace over an open wound can increase the risk of infection.

9. Here are some additional tips for maintaining proper alignment while wearing a knee brace:

Tip	Explanation
Keep your knee straight when you are standing or walking.	This will help to prevent your kneecap from moving out of place.
Avoid activities that put stress on your knee, such as running or jumping.	These activities can put your kneecap at risk for dislocation.
Strengthen the muscles around your knee.	Strong muscles will help to stabilize your knee and prevent your kneecap from moving out of place.

Wearing a Knee Brace

Monitoring and Adjustments

After putting on the knee brace, it’s essential to ensure it fits correctly and provides adequate support to minimize discomfort and optimize its benefits. Here are some guidelines for monitoring and making adjustments:

Observe the fit: Check that the brace fits snugly around your knee, without causing any pressure points or constriction.
Assess comfort: Wear the brace for short periods initially and gradually increase the duration. Note any areas of discomfort or irritation.
Adjust straps and hinges: If the brace feels loose or uncomfortable, adjust the straps or hinges to achieve a better fit.
Confirm pain relief: The brace should provide relief from pain and improve stability. If you experience increased pain while wearing it, consult a medical professional.
Monitor swelling: If your knee becomes swollen after wearing the brace, loosen the straps slightly to avoid restriction.
Check skin irritation: Keep the skin under the brace clean and dry to prevent irritation. If any redness or discomfort occurs, remove the brace and consult a doctor.
Maintain hygiene: Regularly wash the brace with mild soap and water to prevent bacteria buildup.
Monitor blood flow: Ensure the brace doesn’t cut off circulation. Check for numbness, tingling, or a cold feeling in your foot or leg.
Seek professional advice: If you experience persistent discomfort, pain, or impaired movement while wearing the brace, seek professional guidance from a doctor or physical therapist.
Follow recommended guidelines: Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and follow the advice of your healthcare provider for the proper use and care of the knee brace.

Regular monitoring and adjustments will help you derive maximum benefit from your knee brace while ensuring comfort and maintaining knee health.

How To Put On A Knee Brace

Putting on a knee brace can be a daunting task, but it is important to get it right in order to provide the best possible support and protection for your knee. Here are the steps on how to put on a knee brace:

Choose the Right Brace: Make sure you have the correct size and type of knee brace for your needs. This information is usually easy to find on the packaging or from your healthcare provider.
Position the Brace: Place the brace on your knee with the hinges aligned with your knee joint. The top of the brace should be positioned just above your kneecap, and the bottom of the brace should rest just below your kneecap.
Close the Straps: Start by closing the lower strap, then the middle strap, and finally the top strap. Make sure the straps are snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your skin.
Adjust: Once all of the straps are closed, adjust the brace so that it is comfortable and provides the support you need. You may need to bend or straighten your knee to find the best position for the brace.
Check for Fit: Once you have adjusted the brace, check the fit by walking around. The brace should not slip or move around while you are walking. If it does, you may need to adjust the straps or choose a different size brace.