“Should you sleep with a knee brace?”
I wear a knee brace. I wonder if I should sleep with a knee brace?
1 Answer
OrthopedistOrthopedist
Hello and good day. Thanks for sharing your knee brace question with the FATD community. Please allow me to offer my thoughts, tips and suggestions regarding your question.
From the limited history written, I am unsure if there was ever any trauma to the knee, or any developmental incident or issue. In addition, I am not sure what type of device you are referring to. I am a huge believer in understanding your own body and then doing the right things to keep it functioning well for a long time. A knee brace is not helping you overcome the root cause of your problem, and may make you dependent on it. The root cause is either developmental, environmental (your work/school and what you do during the day), or physical (a lack of muscle strength, endurance and conditioning tied into a suboptimal fascia system). Becoming flexible, strong and conditioned is the best way to overcome a knee problem. Wearing a knee brace has been shown to make people stiff (their leg) and weak (the muscles around the brace cannot work to their fullest potential). Wearing it at night will not help you very much, and may make it uncomfortable to turn while sleeping. Finding a good practice that helps with motion, strength and conditioning of the muscles around the knee and core, and then making a routine to preserve good bodily health in your life, will give you a pain-free existence (in that area of concern, your knee) for a long time.
I am optimistic that if you follow these suggestions, you will feel better and not be dependent on a brace. However, if you feel like you need a good exam and guidance from a professional, I encourage you to consult with a medical provider (like a rehab doctor/physiatrist).
I hope this helps.
From the limited history written, I am unsure if there was ever any trauma to the knee, or any developmental incident or issue. In addition, I am not sure what type of device you are referring to. I am a huge believer in understanding your own body and then doing the right things to keep it functioning well for a long time. A knee brace is not helping you overcome the root cause of your problem, and may make you dependent on it. The root cause is either developmental, environmental (your work/school and what you do during the day), or physical (a lack of muscle strength, endurance and conditioning tied into a suboptimal fascia system). Becoming flexible, strong and conditioned is the best way to overcome a knee problem. Wearing a knee brace has been shown to make people stiff (their leg) and weak (the muscles around the brace cannot work to their fullest potential). Wearing it at night will not help you very much, and may make it uncomfortable to turn while sleeping. Finding a good practice that helps with motion, strength and conditioning of the muscles around the knee and core, and then making a routine to preserve good bodily health in your life, will give you a pain-free existence (in that area of concern, your knee) for a long time.
I am optimistic that if you follow these suggestions, you will feel better and not be dependent on a brace. However, if you feel like you need a good exam and guidance from a professional, I encourage you to consult with a medical provider (like a rehab doctor/physiatrist).
I hope this helps.
