Living an active, well-balanced lifestyle is extremely important. However, if you’re experiencing pain during physical activity, you may need extra support to ensure your exercises are having a positive effect on your body, rather than a negative one. Many people experience knee pain while exercising and even while performing regular day-to-day activities. Rather than the pain being something you should just live with, there are signs that indicate you may need bracing to eliminate your pain and prevent future injuries from occurring. Here are some signs that show you may need a knee brace to help you move better, as well as to live an overall healthier lifestyle.
1) Pain in the Knee Joint
Knee pain looks different for every individual, but one thing for certain is that you don’t need to be in constant pain in order to wear a knee brace. One of the most common indicators that you may need a knee brace is pain worsening during exercise, along with pain subsiding during rest. If your knee pain seems to become a lot more intense while you’re performing simple physical activities such as walking or running, it likely means that there are physical changes to your body occurring, which can be supported by wearing a knee brace.
Additionally, knee pain can radiate to the rest of your body such as down to the ankle or the foot. It is also common to feel knee pain early in the morning when getting out of bed. Fortunately, knee braces are designed to address these issues, as well as mitigate pain by supporting and stabilizing the joints that need it the most. Knee pain of any type is often a good indicator that you need a knee brace, especially if you’re experiencing pain on a regular basis.
2) Swelling of the Knee Joint
Swelling in the knee joint is a problem that should be addressed immediately. As soon as you notice that swelling has occurred, it’s important that you start using a knee brace as soon as possible. Although swelling can be reduced, it is often a sign that the pain will not go away on its own. Knee braces play an integral role in reducing the swelling, as well as eliminating your pain so that you can live a more comfortable lifestyle.
3) Decreased Range of Motion
As your knees are essential for simple everyday tasks, they can become worn down over time, along with becoming more prone to injury. If you find it difficult to walk up or down the stairs, it is likely because your range of motion has been affected due to your knee being worn down. Conditions such as arthritis can wear down the protective tissues within your knee joints, resulting in knee pain due to inflammation and wear-and-tear. This can subsequently decrease the range of motion within your knees and require you to wear a knee brace to help support the movement of your joints.
4) Popping Noise In the Knee
If you notice a popping or crunching sound when moving or bending your knees, it could be yet another indication of an issue within your knee joints. The symptoms that arise are highly dependent on the cause of your knee pain, in which the following can account for the noise occurring in your joints:
- Arthritis
- Excess fluid in the knee joint
- Ligament tears
- Baker’s cysts
Although popping and crunching sounds are not always related to knee pain, it is best to consult a professional to help determine the correct next steps.
5) Stiffness After Sitting for Long Periods
After sitting for a period of time, does stiffness in your knees occur when standing up from your chair? Stiffness that lasts longer than a few minutes means you likely need a knee brace to help with the movement and pain within your knees. Stiffness usually occurs after extended periods of time and can be a sign of injury or damage inside the joint itself. When stiffness is apparent, it typically means that there are strained muscles or ligaments that need to be relaxed, in which knee braces can help mitigate the stiffness for longer periods of time.
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We hope this blog provided you with valuable information regarding the signs that indicate you may need a knee brace. Remember, pain and discomfort are things that should not be ignored, so if you’re feeling any of the symptoms mentioned throughout this blog, it’s time to get professional help. Here at LiveWell, we offer bracing services that will provide extra support to your limbs and joints. Contact us today to book an appointment at our Lancaster, Waterloo, Driftwood, or Baden locations.
Want more lifestyle advice on how to improve your health and wellness? Get in touch with our LiveWell Health and Physiotherapy Kitchener (Lancaster and Driftwood), Baden, or Waterloo teams for more information and to book your next appointment. You can also reach out to us by email or social media, and one of our team members will be more than happy to answer any of your questions! All of our practitioners have tips and expert guidance to help improve your health and overall quality of your life.