What is a Knee Brace with Hinges?

As the name suggests, a hinged knee brace has hinges on either side of the knee to help support and stabilize the injured knee. The hinges help prevent hyperextension of the knee and offer protection for ligament injuries.

The hinged knee brace works by limiting the range of motion of the knee joint while it heals after an injury or surgery. A knee brace with hinges is also great for reducing pain and pressure if you have arthritis in knee.

HPFY offers a large selection of hinged knee braces designed to provide maximum support, increase joint stability, and control the range of motion to facilitate healing and help prevent further injuries. We have hinged knee braces in different styles, sizes, and materials, and they are from top brands such as Donjoy, Rebound, Rolyan, etc., at the best prices.

What is a Hinged Knee Brace used for?

Since hinged knee braces provide the maximum level of support and stabilization to the knee, they are usually used for patients who have more serious injuries, like meniscal tears and ligamentous injuries, such as ACL, MCL, or LCL injuries.

These knee braces protect and prevent injured ligaments from worsening during recovery. Hinged knee braces are also intended for post-surgery recovery, osteoarthritis, and use for sports activities. A knee brace with hinges is helpful for:

Knees that have cartilage or ligament problems
Supporting a weak and unstable knee
Preventing further injury to the ligament
Knee arthritis
Postop recovery
Knee pain relief
Athletic activities

Types of Hinge Knee Brace

Prophylactic knee braces: Prophylactic knee braces are worn to prevent knee injuries and are mainly used by athletes or active people who play high-contact sports. These knee braces stabilize the joint and protect the knee ligaments.
Functional knee braces: Functional knee braces are worn to protect and support the knee from further damage after an injury or reconstructive surgery. They are typically used after ACL injuries.
Unloader knee braces: Unloader knee braces are designed to treat knee osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases. They work by redistributing force from the affected knee compartment to the healthy compartment.
Rehabilitative Knee Braces: Rehabilitative knee braces are primarily used for immobilization post-injury or post-surgery. The knee support helps keep the knee stable while it heals and regains strength.

How to choose the Best Hinged Knee Brace?

1. Rigid knee brace vs. soft knee brace

A soft-hinged knee brace provides mild to moderate support and is perfect for all sports activities or if you suffer from mild to moderate ligamentous injuries, meniscal injuries, strains, sprains, or osteoarthritis.

On the other hand, a rigid hinged knee brace offers moderate to maximum support and better protection and stability. So, it is ideal if you are involved in contact sports like football or basketball or suffer serious ligament injuries.

2. Open patella vs. closed patella

If you have a history of knee injuries or are an athlete who is seeking additional support, a hinged knee brace with a closed patella may be the best option.

If you are looking for a hinged knee brace that is more comfortable to wear or provides less support, an open patella knee brace may be a better choice.

3. Knee brace size

For optimal knee support, getting a right-sized knee brace is crucial. Therefore, pay attention to the different sizes of knee braces available and follow the measuring instructions before buying.

4. Hinged knee brace material and comfortability

Since the braces need to be worn for longer periods, comfortability is vital. Ensure that the knee brace is made of comfortable and breathable material to avoid skin irritation. Also, the straps on the hinged knee braces should be adjustable for comfort and custom fit. Additionally, consider the latex-free option if you are allergic to latex.

5. Compression Knee Sleeves

Compression can increase blood circulation, improve muscular support, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing when applied to the knee. Before buying a knee brace, consider whether it offers the right compression strength for your needs. The higher the compression strength, the more support the knee brace can provide.

6. Hinged Knee Brace

The most important parts of hinged knee braces are the hinges themselves. Here are some hinge attributes that you should look for in knee braces:

Polycentric hinges help set knee flexion if one is recovering from surgery and wants to limit the range of motion.
Removable hinges allow you to have them for greater stability or remove them if you need a wider range of motion.
Cushioned hinges are comfortable, easing pressure and chafing when pressing down on your knee to maintain the needed stability.

How do I safely use a Knee Brace with Hinges?

Get your knee brace fitted by your medical provider
Wear your hinged knee brace during sports or activities as directed
Inspect your skin often for redness, rashes, and sores
Understand how to care for the knee brace
Continue to stretch and strengthen the knee as directed
Replace broken or damaged knee braces
Contact your doctor if you notice the following symptoms after wearing the knee brace:
Knee pain becomes worse
Skin is sore or raw
Leg goes numb

5 Top Reviewed Hinged Knee Braces at HPFY

Where to buy a Knee Brace with Hinges online?

A hinged knee brace supports and stabilizes the knee and is typically worn when the knee is unstable or prone to more damage, such as in cases involving injury, surgery recovery, or knee osteoarthritis. Health Products For You brings a wide array of hinged knee braces from leading manufacturers such as Breg, Enovis, Ossur/Royce, and many more. Place an order with us today.