Fact Check - Knee and Ankle Supports Don't Always Cure the Problem

When dealing with knee or ankle pain, many people turn to support devices such as orthotics, sleeves, or wraps in an attempt to alleviate discomfort. While these supports can provide temporary relief and stability, they often don't address the underlying issues that are causing the problem.

Why knee and ankle supports are not the magic cure?

1. They don't address underlying biomechanical issues: Knee and ankle supports can mask symptoms but fail to correct underlying muscle imbalances, poor posture, or other biomechanical issues such as poor feet mechanics like flat foot, bunions or Hip or Pelvic instability. Indulge in restorative yoga and Pilates with specific exercise equipment.
2. They can create dependence on the support: Relying too heavily on a knee or ankle support can lead to a decrease in strength and endurance of surrounding muscles, making it harder to maintain stability without the device.
3. They don't promote proper joint movement: Knee and ankle supports can restrict normal joint motion, potentially leading to reduced mobility and increased stiffness. Sometimes it is tight or torn fascia that can be the underlying problem.
4. They mask Muscle Weakness/Imbalances: Supports can compensate for weak muscles, but they don't strengthen them. Muscle weakness is often a cause of joint instability and pain. Muscle weakness is caused by nutritional deficiencies and many mineral and vitamin supplements can help. Remember that it is a slow process doesn't give results in weeks but months and even years. Its about persistence and making small progress.

When and How do Knee & Ankle Supports help?

1. Provide External Support: They literally hold the joint in a certain position, preventing excessive or uncontrolled movement. Especially incase of injury. If your problem is induced by biomechanics of feet then special orthopedic shoes and splits can help.
2. Reduce Pain: By limiting movement or providing compression, they can decrease pain signals with knee and ankle support.
3. Provide Stability: They can help restore a sense of stability, which can be psychologically important and allow you to move more confidently.
4. Proprioceptive Feedback: Some supports (especially braces) can provide sensory input (proprioception) that helps your brain understand the joint's position in space. This can contribute to better control.
5. Reduce Swelling: Compression supports can help control swelling by improving fluid circulation.
6. Allow for Gradual Return to Activity: They can allow you to participate in activities you couldn't otherwise, while your body is healing (but only when used appropriately).

What to do in case of Knee and ankle pain?

While knee and ankle supports can be useful in certain situations, especially if you had a fall or injury but if it has developed overtime then the first thing is stop that activity (for me it was running on treadmill as i am overweight, so i started zumba as it lets your feet and knees move is different direction unlike running which is a repetitive move). Other things to consider are:

1. Physical therapy: Engaging with a physical therapist who can assess biomechanics, muscle function, and movement patterns to identify underlying issues. Yoga, tai-chai are good restorative options.
2. Strengthening exercises: Building strength in surrounding muscles through targeted exercises to improve joint stability and support. Light weights and resistance bands exercises provide stability to muscles.
3. Flexibility and mobility exercises: Improving flexibility and range of motion to maintain healthy joint movement. Focus on mobility routines.
4. Proper footwear and orthotics: Using well-fitted shoes and custom orthotics if necessary, to address foot and ankle alignment issues. Use arch support for flat foot and bunion separator incase of bunion problem.
5. Review diet and nutrition: Muscles and bones need optimum amount of protein, calcium, all vitamins and minerals. Minerals are core of bones and they aren't made of calcium only, they need Magnesium, Potassium, Copper, Boron and nearly 60 more minerals, if you have chronic pain then get a blood test.

By understanding the limitations of knee and ankle supports, individuals can take a proactive approach to addressing their health concerns and develop strategies for achieving optimal joint function and overall well-being. A more holistic approach that incorporates physical therapy, strengthening exercises, flexibility training, and proper footwear may be a more effective way to manage knee and ankle discomfort in the long term.