Each of your knees has two C-shaped pieces of cartilage known as menisci (singular—meniscus). Due to a sports misshape or a degenerative condition, you might end up with a meniscus tear, which can be painful and increase your risk of arthritis down the road. If you have this type of injury, you might wonder if a knee brace will help you to heal. This blog post explains what you should know.
Do You Need a Knee Brace?
Normally, braces are used to stabilize a joint. Since menisci are not crucial for knee stability, you might not need a brace to help your injury heal. However, if there is damage to the surrounding ligaments as well, a brace may be necessary because ligaments are important for joint stability. It is best to consult a doctor so you understand the full extent of the damage to your knee.
Of course, even if you do not need a knee brace, you might choose to use one. Doing so can have a few benefits:
- More confidence to move. A swollen and painful knee may make you feel reluctant to move. A brace may give you the bit of extra support you need to get walking again. Important note: You should consult your doctor about whether/how much you should walk with any type of knee injury.
- Signaling to others that you are injured. A knee brace can be a visible reminder to others that they should be careful not to push you or do anything that might exacerbate your injury.
- A reminder to yourself. If you are a go-getter, a knee brace can remind you to slow down while your injury heals.
Choosing the Right Knee Brace
There are several different types of knee braces that might be suitable for use after you tear one of your menisci:
- Compression sleeve. Often used for mild to moderate meniscus tears, these can provide comfortable and flexible support.
- Wraparound braces. These are easy to put on and adjust, and they typically offer more support than compression sleeves.
- Hinged knee brace. These offer support and are often recommended for use after a severe meniscus tear or surgical repair.
- Patellar stabilizing brace. These help to keep your patella (kneecap) in place, which can be useful if you have patellar tracking problems along with a torn meniscus.
A knee brace might play an important role in your recovery from a torn meniscus. Follow your doctor’s instructions and, hopefully, you will soon be back to feeling normal.
Meet the Practice
Paul Tortland, DO, is a board-certified specialist in Regenerative Medicine and Sports Medicine. He offers regenerative medicine treatments to help patients recover from a range of different injuries, including meniscus tears. If you believe your knee has been damaged, he and our team are ready to consult with you. Contact the New England Stem Cell Institute in Glastonbury at 860-430-2821.