What kind of knee brace do I need for a torn MCL?

For grade III MCL tears, patients will be placed in a hinged knee brace and use crutches until pain has subsided. The knee may be immobilized for a few days, but early range of motion will help with the healing process.

What type of knee support do I need?

When choosing a knee brace, look for levels of protection ranging from 1 to 3+. A Level 1 Brace offers the least amount of support, but is the most flexible, such as a knee sleeve. It’s best for pain relief and mild to moderate support when remaining fully active.

Will a knee brace help with ACL pain?

Knee braces are used to provide structural support or pain relief to an injured knee. For example, if you’ve suffered an ACL or meniscus tear, a knee brace can provide structural support while you heal from the injury.

What is the difference between MCL and ACL?

Both support and stabilize the knee. ACL is the anterior cruciate ligament that keeps your shinbone from sliding forward. MCL is the medial collateral ligament that prevents your femur from sliding from side to side. A knee injury can damage either of these ligaments.

Do knee braces help MCL?

Healing often requires the athlete to wear a brace for an MCL injury that prevents valgus stress on the knee and its healing MCL. The brace has hinges that prevent side-to-side motion, but it allows full flexion and extension.

How tight should a knee support be?

If your two fingers cannot fit under the strap, then it may be too tight; loosen the strap a bit and repeat the test. If your two fingers slide easily under the strap and you can fit a third finger under the strap, then perhaps the strap is too loose. Tighten it up a bit and repeat the test.

Which ACL brace is best?

Best Knee Braces for ACL Injuries

• medi PT Control II Patella Tracking Knee Brace.
• FLA Safe-T-Sport® Neoprene Hinged Knee Stabilizing Brace.
• DonJoy Performance Bionic Fullstop Knee Brace.

What is the ACL brace called?

Functional (or derotational bracing) is used to provide stability for patients with post-operative or ACL-deficient knees, but only after a range of motion restrictions are lifted. These are the braces athletes use when returning back to sport from a significant injury.

Which is more serious ACL or MCL?

An ACL tear is more serious than an MCL tear, and may require surgery to repair. Recovery time may be 6 months or more, including rehabilitation. An MCL tear can take around 8 weeks to recover from, but surgery is usually not required.