Where can I buy a knee brace?
Thinking about a knee brace? Not sure where to start? We can help!
Most people don’t get too excited about the thought of having to wear a knee brace daily and the whole concept can be quite intimidating at first.
Do I really need a knee brace?
What type of knee brace should I buy?
Will a knee brace actually help me?
How much is a knee brace going to cost me????
First things first; don’t panic! These are all common questions people ask when deciding if they should purchase a brace.
What are the different types of knee braces? What one will work for my knee?
Determining what brace to buy will depend on a few factors:
- Your injury
- Your symptoms
- Your health history
- Your personal preference
Knee braces are designed to protect the knee, to prevent specific injuries and to help alleviate symptoms by providing support and stability.
There are many different knee brace options that feature different designs and will provide different levels of support. They also come in a variety different materials and vary in price.
Osteoarthritis Knee Brace
An osteoarthritis knee brace is commonly referred to as an “unloader brace”. It is designed to relieve the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. The unloader brace encourages the knee back into normal alignment. It applies a gentle force to the unaffected side which decreases the compressive force on the affected side and alleviates daily symptoms caused by arthritis. Need a visual? Check out the osteoarthritis knee bracing video on this page.
Off-The Shelf Example: Breg Freestyle
Custom Example: Breg Fusion
Ligament Knee Brace
Clinicians will often prescribe a knee brace post injury to help regain strength and function in the knee. But why brace after ACL reconstruction? A functional knee brace is typically worn for 12 month post surgery because the strength of the new ACL is considerably weaker during this time than the original ACL. A ligament knee brace will protect the knee from re-injury and allow you to return to daily activities and sport with confidence.
Off-The-Shelf Example: Breg Shortrunner
Custom Example: Bledsoe Axiom D
Patellofemoral Knee Brace
Patellofemoral knee braces encourage the kneecap to track properly which in turn relieves pain and increases stability. Generally this type of brace features a rigid bar with a hinge on either side of the leg for support and either a rigid or soft buttress beside the knee cap to control instability.
Off-The-Shelf Example: Breg PTO
Custom Example: Bledsoe 20.50
Compression Knee Brace
A compression knee brace does not contain any rigid material. This type of brace promotes blood flow and decreases swelling which results in faster recovery from injury and increased proprioception (brain to knee connection). A compression brace is great for an individual experiencing pain and/or swelling without the need for support or stability. Insurance companies will generally cover compression knee braces if the compression level is at least 20-30mmHG.
Off-The-Shelf Example: Breg Hi-Performance Knit Knee Support
Custom Example: Bauerfeind Genutrain
Custom vs. Off-The-Shelf Knee Brace
The automatic response to this question for most people is price, but it is important to know what a custom brace offers before making the decision between the two. Off-The-Shelf bracing come in x-small, small, medium, large, x-large and xx-large sizing. A custom brace is built based on measurements and is specially designed for each individual patient. Its rigid material will provide maximum support while giving a precise fit, that is lightweight and will not compromise mobility.
Its always good to check with your private insurance plan, most insurance companies will cover 80-100% of custom frames.
Off-The-Shelf knee braces generally have a 6-month warranty on manufacturer defects. Most custom braces will come with an extended warranty, up to 5 years. This warranty will cover damage to the frame and hinges as well as give you a fit guarantee.
Where can I buy a knee brace?
If your doctor has recommended a knee brace it is always best to sit down with a certified fitter to discuss what brace would work best for you and your lifestyle. At Arthritis & Injury Care we do not charge for consultations and will check your insurance coverage for you! We have certified fitters at all of our locations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Check for a clinic near you so you can come in to explore your options in a comfortable, no pressure environment!
Our Locations:
Downtown Halifax
Park Lane Mall
1554 Dresden Row, Suite 3070
Halifax, NS B3J 2K2 Canada
Tel: (902) 442-5199
Toll Free: (888) 422-1608
Fax: (902) 442-5625
Clayton Park
Clayton Park Shopping Centre
278 Lacewood Drive
Halifax, NS B3M 3N8 Canada
Tel: (902) 404-8419
Toll Free: (888) 422-1608
Fax: (902) 442-5625
Dartmouth
Millstone Square at Russell Lake
250 Baker Drive, Suite 223 (Entrance C)
Dartmouth, NS B2W 6L4 Canada
Tel: (902) 404-8352
Toll Free: (888) 422-1608
Fax: (902) 404-8351
Moncton
Equilibrum Maritime
3 Champlain Street, Unit 3
Dieppe, NS E1A 1N4 Canada
Tel: (506) 389-2552
Fax: (506) 389-2332
Fredericton
1113 Regent Street, Suite 300
Fredericton, NB E3B 3Z2 Canada
Tel: (506) 474-0340
Toll Free: (888) 422-1608
Fax: (866) 262-1381
Saint John
555 Somerset Street, Suite 206
Saint John, NB E2K 4X2 Canada
Tel: (506) 632-2592
Toll Free: (888) 422-1608
Fax: (506) 632-9213
