Suffering from a MCL Injury? You're not alone. Millions of people suffer from knee injuries each year.
In this comprehensive product review, we will take a look at some of the most popular knee braces available and help you decide which one is right for you.
With so many products on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your needs. But don't worry I have done the ground work for you!
Lets First See What The Experts Say...
The big question is will a brace actually support or help a knee while it recovers from a knee injury? This question is answered by Dr. Geier the award-winning double-board certified orthopaedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist and the answer is clear.
....Knee braces have become a standard treatment option for millions of young and old Americans who suffer from knee pain.....
Michael Behr, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Piedmont, states there are two significant reasons to sport a knee brace: Structural support and Pain relief.
I think that is fairly conclusive!
BENEFITS OF WEARING A KNEE BRACE
knees can become arthritic or injured when they undergo a traumatic event (forcibly twisted or sharply bent etc) causing ligaments that stabilise the knee to sprain or tear. A brace prevents further injury (eg MCL injuries) by keeping the knee from overextending and compressing the tissue around it offering support to the soft tissue structures, therefore helping to reduce load through the joint and reduce pain.
There are 4 types of braces and choosing the appropriate braces and support to help prevent further damage and speed the recovery of damaged joint ligaments is imperative.
The main type we are looking at in this blog are Prophylactic knee braces and are not designed for post surgery use but are designed to protect the MCL and prevent reinjury.
As you will see Knee braces come in various types, fabrics, and measurements, counting on your needs.
How We Chose The Best Knee Braces For MCL Injury.
You have an MCL injury and you're looking for the best knee brace to enable your return to normal life but you are overwhelmed by all the terrible and good products out there?
This comprehensive product review, (which means I've researched forums and Amazon reviews) can help you find the best knee brace for your needs and get back to doing the things you love.
A quick note, a knee support is not a substitute for visiting a doctor!
The 5 Best Knee Braces For MCL injuries.
1. Pro-Tec Athletics Premium Knee Support
Designed to be used for moderate support and stability, the Pro-Tec Athletics Premium Knee Support offers medical-grade compression and increased MCL knee stability.
The only negative comments found are concerning lack of returns on this item at Amazon.
FEATURES:
Pro-Tec Athletics Premium Knee is a knee brace that provides support and protection for the MCL. It is also great for minor injuries to the ACL, PCL, or LCL.
The design of this knee brace has been created with 3D shaping rather than traditional flat stitching. This allows custom compression levels throughout the brace, creating a more anatomically designed support. The 3D Fit shape fits around the knee area to provide reduction and support while keeping a high level of flexibility in all directions during movement.
2. Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Support
Helps prevent and heal medial and lateral instability, minor patella instability, meniscus injuries, minor ligament, hypertension, arthritis whilst maintaining airflow through vents.
80 percent of reviews are positive, the negative reviews concentrate on the sizing, so do ensure you measure your leg accuratley as there are 7 sizes available.
FEATURES:
Heavy-duty bilateral dual hinges provide support while allowing you to move comfortably with four-way stretch Lycra mesh and pre-curved anatomical design, which fits the left and right knee. Latex free with preium stitching.
3. Mueller Sport Care
One size fits most. It can be modeled on the right or left. Self-adjusting pressure straps help provide ideal squeeze and support for all sizes.
Good price but reviews warn it may not fit extremes of leg sizes.
FEATURES:
The open back eliminates bunching for superior comfort, adjustable sizing pockets provide optimal support, and the fabric is treated to prevent odor. Mueller Sports Medicine has been an authorized leader in sports therapy for over 60 years.
Vive Knee Ice Pack Wrap - Cold/Hot
This knee support is a massive favourite with consumers and has nearly 80 percent 5 star reviews and only 2 percent 1 star! The only negative comments come from ice packs splitting and not being able to buy replacements in the UK.
FEATURES:
This is a non-hinged support but it does offer something slightly different as it contains three removable Arctic Flex gel bags for hot or cold therapy. Each group easily slips into one of three pockets. Two pockets are located on the front of the knee brace and one behind the knees for targeted relief. The non-toxic gel bags are reusable, leakproof, and latex-free.
This knee support is secured with a robust fastener system with four adjustable straps, the versatile knee pairs fit knee circumferences up to 21". Suitable for men and women.
OrthoSleeve KS7 Knee Brace
The KS7 is a budget no frills compression brace.
The KS7 is designed using medical grade compression up to 20mmHg and to fit snugly over your knees up towards your middle thigh.
Overall feedback is mixed with it being too tight and not great at helping the patella tendon being the main negative thoughts.
FEATURES:
The KS7 Compression Knee Sleeve is designed to relieve general knees pain, Patella tendonitis, ACL, MCL, Meniscus pain, arthritic knees, and runners knees, improve balance, and reduce swelling by gently lifting the Patella, securing it in place. The knee sleeve will not slip or migrate during movement using our hypo-allergenic gel strip system.
It is lightweight and is designed to drop over the knee and rest securely in position. Thin enough to be worn in slacks, jeans, and shorts. Importantly, the KS7 is constructed of grade, moisture-wicking fabric, which permits the sleeve to breathe during the workout.
FAQs:
How long should I wear my knee brace for an MCL tear?
Answer: You should wear your knee brace as long as your doctor or physical therapist tells you to. Most people with MCL tears will need to wear their brace for at least four weeks, and some may need to wear it for longer.
It's important to follow your doctor or physical therapist's instructions carefully so that you can heal properly and avoid further injury. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with them. Thank you for your question!
How Long Do You Ice an MCL Tear / Injury
Place ice or a cold box on your knee for 10 to 20 minutes. Attempt to do this every 1 to 2 hours (when you're awake) for the first 3 days after your injury or until the swelling goes down.
Is Walking Suitable For An MCL Tear?
The MCL helps support the knee and walking as soon as possible after the injury is essential. Walking is beneficial in the healing process of MCL tears.
Can You Bend Your Knee With a Torn MCL
It depends on the severity of the tear. A minor tear may not limit your range of motion as much as a more serious tear. Talk to your doctor about the best way to rehabilitate your knee and restore its range of motion. In most cases, you should be able to bend your knee with a torn MCL, but it may take some time and rehab therapy.
Does A Knee Brace Help A MCL Tear?
It depends. A knee brace can help protect the MCL from further tearing, but it won't help to heal a tear. Depending on the severity of the tear, you may need surgery to repair the ligament.
If you have a minor MCL tear and you're not experiencing any pain or instability, you may be able to simply rest and ice your knee for a few days. If the injury is more severe, you may need crutches and physical therapy to help regain strength and range of motion. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to determine what's best for you.
What Are The Types Of Knee Braces?
There are a range of knee braces available on the market, each designed to provide support and stability for different types of knee injuries. Some common types of knee braces include:
· Hinged knee braces - these are designed to provide support for people with ligament injuries or instability in the knee joint.
· Open patella knee braces - these are open at the front and fit around the patella (knee cap), providing compression and support to the kneecap and surrounding muscles.
· Closed patella knee braces - these are closed at the front, and fit tightly against the skin to provide compression and support to the kneecap and surrounding muscles.
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When Is Surgery Needed For MCL Tear?
Surgery is generally only needed for a mcl tear if it's severe. A tear can be graded on a scale of 1 to 3, with 3 being the most severe. Most tears will heal on their own without surgery, but if you have a grade 3 tear or a tear that doesn't improve after 6 weeks of nonsurgical treatment, surgery may be necessary.
Surgery for a mcl tear usually involves reconstructing the ligament using either tissue from another part of your body or cadaver tissue. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of your injury and the type of surgery performed, but generally you can expect to be out of commission for at least 6 weeks.
Conclusion
It really is time to decide if you need a support that can offer cold / hot therapy, one that is a best seller , one that helps you get back to your sport or one that is cheap and cheerful!