Rehabilitating a knee injury or recovering from surgery on your knee is a long, painful, and frustrating process. The healing process can feel as though it’s taking years, you’re in constant pain and discomfort, and you can’t even move around the house to do basic chores and tasks.
Another thing that makes knee rehab so frustrating is the knee brace you will inevitably have to wear during your recovery. Unfortunately, a lot of knee braces constantly slip and slide down your calf, which means you are forever adjusting your brace. A knee brace that slides can’t help your knee heal properly, adding even more time to an already long rehab process.
So, how can you prevent your knee brace from sliding out of position? In this article, we’ll take a look at how to keep a knee brace from sliding down. We’ve got some simple, effective tips that you’ll wish you knew when you first started strapping your brace on! We’ll also show you how to find a knee brace that won’t slide down, saving you lots of frustration and speeding up your recovery.
Whether you’re recovering from a knee injury, managing a chronic condition, or looking for optimal athletic performance, our comprehensive guide will gift you with the knowledge and techniques to keep your knee brace securely in place.
Why is My Knee Brace Sliding Down Constantly?
So, your knee brace keeps sliding down and you have no idea why. It’s, unfortunately, something that almost everyone who’s strapping on a knee brace has to deal with, but why? Let’s take a look at the main reasons why a knee brace won’t stay up.
Improper Size or Fit
One of the main reasons for a knee brace sliding down is an incorrect size or fit. If your knee brace is too large or too small, it will not provide the necessary compression and support to keep it in place.
When selecting a knee brace, be sure to refer to the manufacturer's sizing guide and take accurate measurements of your knee circumference to ensure a proper fit. If you’re still unsure, talk to a healthcare professional who can assist you in choosing the correct size.
Incorrect Application
Improperly applying your knee brace can also contribute to it sliding down. It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or seek guidance from your doctor or physical therapist.
Some common mistakes include failing to position the brace correctly, not tightening the straps enough, or fastening them in the wrong order. Take the time to learn the correct application technique to maximize the brace's effectiveness and minimize slippage.
Wear and Tear
Over time, knee braces can experience wear and tear, which may cause them to lose their grip and slide down. The elastic materials used in many knee braces can gradually stretch out, reducing their effectiveness in staying in place.
Repeated use and washing can also lead to the deterioration of silicone strips or other gripping features incorporated into the brace design. Regularly inspect your knee brace for signs of wear and consider replacing it if necessary.
Problems That Could Arise if Your Knee Brace Keeps Sliding Down
Wearing a knee brace that constantly slides down can not only be annoying but also lead to various problems that prevent your brace from working properly. Let's explore some of the bigger problems you might experience if your knee brace slips down.
Reduced Support and Protection
The main purpose of a knee brace is to provide support and protection to the knee joint. If your knee brace keeps sliding down, it can’t support or protect your knee at all. A brace that is not properly secured may not offer enough stability, leaving your knee vulnerable to excessive movement and potentially worsening your injury or slowing down your recovery.
Reduced support can also limit the brace's ability to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with knee conditions, leaving you in more pain and with a long recovery ahead of you.
Skin Irritation and Discomfort
When your knee brace keeps sliding down, it can cause friction and rubbing against the skin, leading to skin irritation and discomfort. Repeated movement and friction can result in redness, chafing, or even painful blisters, especially in areas where the brace's straps or edges come into contact with the skin. This skin irritation can also impact your ability to wear the brace consistently, compromising its effectiveness.
Potential for Re-injury
If your knee brace won’t stay up, it increases your chances of re-injury or aggravating your existing knee condition. Without good support and stabilization, your knee joint becomes susceptible to sudden movements or improper alignment, potentially leading to further damage.
How to Keep a Knee Brace From Sliding Down: Tips for Comfortable Wear All Day Long
Now that you know the issues that can arise if your knee brace slips down, let’s move on to talk about how to keep a knee brace from sliding down. These tips will help your knee heal, and make life a lot less frustrating in the meantime!
Correct Sizing and Selection of Knee Brace
Choosing the right size and style of knee brace is essential to minimize slippage. It’s really important to double-check the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines for your specific knee brace, as each one can be sized a bit differently.
Also, think carefully about the specific design features of the brace, such as whether it has adjustable straps or silicone grips, which can help it stay in position. To learn how to keep a knee brace from sliding down, making sure your brace fits properly is the first step.
Proper Application and Adjustment Techniques
Properly applying and adjusting your knee brace is vital to prevent it from slipping. Take the time to learn the correct technique for strapping on your brace, or talk to your doctor or physical therapist.
Make sure that the brace is positioned correctly, with the patella (kneecap) well-centered within the opening. Tighten the straps gradually, ensuring a snug but not overly tight fit. Pay attention to the order in which the straps should be fastened, as each brace is designed a bit differently.
Consider Using Adjuvants like Tape, Straps, or Sleeves
To enhance the grip and stability of your knee brace, consider using adhesive tape, additional straps, or sleeves. Skin-friendly adhesive tapes applied around the edges of the brace can provide extra friction and help prevent sliding.
Adjustable straps or bands worn over the brace can offer additional support and compression, keeping it securely in place. Neoprene or compression sleeves worn underneath the brace can provide a grippy surface against the skin, reducing slippage.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your knee brace are essential for preserving its grip and durability. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, which usually involve gentle hand washing with mild soap and water. Make sure the brace is completely dry before wearing it. If you notice that your knee brace slips down frequently, inspect your brace for any signs of wear, such as stretched-out elastic or deteriorated gripping.
Importance of Replacing the Brace When Necessary
Over time, knee braces may lose their grip or become less effective in staying in place. If you find that despite your best efforts, your knee brace won’t stay up anymore, it may be time to replace it.
As braces age, their materials can deteriorate, compromising their ability to provide secure support. Assess the condition of your brace regularly and consider investing in a new one if needed, especially if you rely on it for ongoing knee support or recovery.
Get a Knee Brace That Won’t Slide Down at Ortho Bracing Today!
Even if you follow the advice above, some knee braces just always seem to slide down your calf. If you really want to know how to keep a knee brace from sliding down, your best option is to invest in a quality knee brace that fits you properly. At Ortho Bracing, we stock only the leading knee brace brands and other supplies to help you recover safely and quickly.
Plus, our prices are lower than you’ll find anywhere else, we offer next-day shipping, and our 24/7 customer support team can answer your questions, help you find the best brace for your needs, and make sure you choose a brace that will fit you properly.
Choose between a Donjoy knee brace or a Breg knee brace - both are top-tier industry leaders. The Breg Fusion knee brace is a knee brace that won’t slide down, carefully engineered for both functional and post-surgical support to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. If you’re wondering how to reduce post-surgery swelling, a knee brace with ice is a great way to combine cold therapy and compression therapy.
At Ortho Bracing, you can also learn when should you use cold therapy to help rehab your knee, find the best cold therapy machine for knee injuries, and discover how to use Breg Polar Care Cube for knee rehab. We can also help you discover the many electrotherapy benefits and how to use this therapy along with a knee brace to aid your recovery.
Parting Thoughts on How to Keep a Knee Brace From Sliding Down
So, it’s time to wrap up our conversation on how to keep a knee brace from sliding down. Hopefully, you’ve learned some tips that can keep your knee brace firmly in place, helping stabilize and support your knee throughout your recovery.
If you’re looking for other ways to heal your knee faster, Ortho Bracing has you covered! Invest in a Chattanooga electrotherapy unit, explore our incredible range of Breg products, or discover the benefits of ultrasound therapy with a Chattanooga ultrasound machine. Everything you need is right here at Ortho Bracing, including top-quality knee braces that won’t slip out of position.
Save yourself valuable time, effort, and money. Find a knee brace that won’t slide down at Ortho Bracing today!
