Why be stuck with a brace that doesn’t fit well or isn’t comfortable? Our specially trained bracing expert will personally measure and fit your brace for the way you will use it for your particular knee condition. Our custom braces offer adjustable hinges and numerous options to accommodate various leg shapes and sizes. We’ll custom-make your brace to protect you and provide you with the stability you need to rehab, train and play with confidence.
Off-the-shelf braces are fine for the short term. But for those with longer-term injuries, custom-made is the way to go.
For which knee condition will you use a custom brace?
Custom Brace for Arthritis of the Knee
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints that causes stiffness, swelling and tenderness. There are more than 100 types of arthritis. So, symptoms can vary widely depending on what type of arthritis you have and how severe it is.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease that typically involves age-related wear and tear of the cartilage that slowly progresses over many years before joint damage begins. Although, infection or injury can speed up the natural breakdown of cartilage. An estimated 27 million Americans are affected by OA.
For osteoarthritis, the best type of knee brace is called an “unloading brace.” What is an unloading brace? It is a brace that shifts stress from the affected portion of the joint to its healthier side. Although an unloading brace will not cure or reverse arthritis or any other joint disease, it may help with pain relief and joint mobility as you prepare for surgery or for those putting off surgery. Unloading braces also work well for a torn meniscus because it unloads the weight from the torn meniscus to the healthier part of the knee.
Custom Brace for Ligament Injuries in the Knee
Large ligaments connect the femur, tibia and kneecap and provide stability. The four main ones are:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) – the ACL controls the tibia’s rotation and forward movement (Prophylactic & Functional Knee Braces).1
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) – located in the center of the knee, the PCL controls the tibia’s backward movement (Functional Knee Braces).1
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) – provides stability to the inner knee (Functional Knee Braces).1
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) – provides stability to the outer knee (Prophylactic Knee Braces).1
Anterior or Posterior Cruciate Ligament injuries (ACL & PCL) can leave you vulnerable and overly cautious. A custom ligament (ACL, PCL, and MCL) knee brace is a useful tool to have pre-operatively. It will help protect the healing ligament and give you more confidence moving and using the knee.
A custom brace for ligament injuries in the knee provides joint stability for activities of daily living, lower impact sports and particularly rotational movements. It can be worn to support the knee and limit the risk of instability episodes leading up to surgery. These braces can also be worn for extended periods after surgery for injury prevention as you go through therapy and ease back into full activity.
Custom Brace for Patellofemora Pain Syndrome of the Knee
What is patellofemora pain syndrome? Patellofemora Pain Syndrome is pain at the front of your knee, around your kneecap (patella). It’s sometimes known as “runner’s knee” or “jumper’s knee” because it’s a common condition for people who participate in sports that involve running and jumping.
Patellofemoral braces were introduced to resist lateral displacement of the patella, maintain patellar alignment and, theoretically, decrease knee pain.1 Our specially trained bracing expert will personally measure and fit your brace to hold your knee in place while still allowing your knee to move safely.
Custom Brace for Post-Surgical Knee
Our specially trained bracing expert can personally measure and fit your post-operative bracing solution for range of motion (ROM) control or immobilization.
How much does a custom knee brace cost?
A custom knee brace will range in price from $500 – $850 depending on the brand and any unique features or accessories being added. Custom knee braces are more expensive than off-the-shelf bracing. But aren’t you worth it?
Resources:
- Am Fam Physician. 2000 Jan 15;61(2):411-8, 423-4.
