If your knees have been injured in the past from an athletic event then your doctor might recommend you wear a knee brace.
A knee brace can be useful when you tear ligaments surrounding the cartilage.
It can provide the support your knee needs in order for the ligaments to repair.
Without a brace then you might cause more damage to the ligaments than necessary.
Knee braces are often used for protection also.
You may have never had a surgery to your knee or a serious injury.
You can still wear a knee brace for protection to ensure nothing does happen to your knees.
This is wise if you are playing intense sports where there is a lot of contact or you fall hard on your knees.
Rehabilitation is another reason a knee brace might come into play.
If you have had surgery on your knee then the doctor will want to stabilize it.
These types of knee braces are similar to a cast because they allow the knee to remain in the same position so it can heal.
Bones need to be in the right position when they heal, especially around the knee.
A good example of a brace like this would be a donjoy knee brace and there are braces for ankle injuries too.
A knee brace should never be used as a crutch.
They are primarily used to provide support for the ligaments around the knee, the knee cap, and the joints.
You might want a knee brace for protection if you are in contact sports or if you need to rehabilitate your knee due to a surgical procedure.