Extra Large Knee Brace

How Do You Know if Your Knee Brace Is Too Big?

Here are several ways to tell if your knee brace is too big:

• Chafing: If the knee brace is too large, it can cause chafing on the skin. The excess material may rub against the skin around the knee, especially during movement. This can lead to redness, soreness, and in severe cases, even open sores. For example, when you walk or bend your knee, the loose edges of the knee immobiliser brace can continuously scrape against the skin on the back of your knee or on the sides, causing discomfort and potential skin damage.
• Pressure Points: A knee brace that's too big may not distribute pressure evenly. Instead, it can create pressure points in areas where the brace is too loose or misaligned. You might feel a sharp or uncomfortable pressure on a particular part of your knee or leg. This can occur because the brace is not fitting snugly enough to conform to the shape of your knee, so the pressure is concentrated in specific spots rather than being spread out evenly across the joint.
• Daily Activities: Even during simple daily activities such as climbing stairs or getting up from a chair, an oversized knee brace can make your knee feel more vulnerable. If the metal knee brace is not fitting correctly, it won't assist in the proper alignment of your knee joint, and you may experience more pain or a sense of instability as you perform these routine movements.

So, how to adjust the size of a knee brace to make it fit better?

• Identify Adjustable Straps: Most knee metal braces come with adjustable straps. These straps are usually made of a durable material like nylon and have buckles or Velcro closures. Locate these straps, which are typically located on the sides or around the top and bottom of the brace.
• Tighten the Straps: For a better fit, start by tightening the straps one at a time. When tightening, make sure the brace remains centered on the knee. Pull the strap through the buckle or press the Velcro firmly to achieve a snug fit. However, be careful not to over-tighten as it can restrict blood circulation and cause discomfort. You should be able to fit a finger between the strap and your skin to ensure it's not too tight.
• Alignment of Joints: Make sure the joints of the brace, such as where the straps connect to the main body of the knee brace splint, are properly aligned with your knee's anatomy. If they are misaligned, it can cause the brace to fit poorly. Adjust the position of these joints by loosening and then refastening the straps in the correct position.