How to Use a Knee Immobilizer

A knee immobilizer, also called a knee brace, is used to support and protect an injured or painful knee. You may also have to wear it after knee surgery. A knee brace keeps your knee from moving or bending while it is healing. Wear and remove your knee brace only as told by your doctor.

In general, your knee brace should:

• Have straps, hooks, or tapes that fasten snugly around your leg.
• Not feel too tight or too loose.

Follow these instructions at home:

• While resting, raise (elevate) your leg above the level of your heart. Pillows can be used for support. Doing this reduces throbbing and helps with healing.
• Loosen the brace if your toes tingle or if you notice other symptoms or signs that it is too tight, such as:
  • Swelling.
  • Numbness.
  • Color change in your foot or ankle.
  • More pain.
• Keep the brace clean.
• If the brace is not waterproof:
  • Do not let it get wet.
  • Cover it with a watertight covering when you take a bath or a shower.
• If your doctor says that you may take off (remove) the brace:
  • Take it off before you take a bath or a shower.
  • Check for any skin irritation.
  • Use a towel to dry the area completely before you put the brace back on.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your knee brace breaks or needs to be replaced.
• You have more pain or swelling in your knee, foot, or ankle.
• Your knee brace is not helping.
• Your knee brace makes your knee pain worse.

Summary

• A knee immobilizer, also called a knee brace, keeps your knee from moving or bending while it is healing.
• Different knee braces will have different instructions for use. Follow the instructions from your doctor.
• Call your doctor if you have more pain or swelling, if your knee brace breaks, or if it does not help your knee pain.