Health Tip: Choosing a Knee Brace

ByABC News
September 24, 2008, 1:56 PM

Sept. 25 -- (HealthDay News) -- A knee brace can help protect an injured knee from further injury, or help prevent injury in a weakened or arthritic knee.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of different types of knee braces:

  • A prophylactic knee brace can protect knees from injury during contact sports, including football.
  • Functional braces can help protect an already injured knee from further damage.
  • Rehabilitative braces help stabilize and protect knees that are recovering from injury or surgery.
  • Unloader or offloader braces offer support and protection to knees that are affected by arthritis.