When playing sports, it is important to pay attention not only to the results and muscle training. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the joints, especially the lower extremities. The knee is subjected to the greatest load, therefore, with careless movements, injuries are possible. And because of constant physical influences, the joint wears out: cartilage is destroyed and ligaments become inflamed. Therefore, it is very important for athletes to choose the right equipment for sports. The knee brace is especially needed. Do not confuse them with medical orthoses, which provide immobility to the knee. There are a variety of sports fixators that do not interfere with movement, but protect the joint from injury.
Latch functions
Such knee pads are most often used for medical purposes. Patients with arthrosis, arthritis, after injuries and operations on the knee wear them to reduce the load on the knee, reduce pain and fix parts of the joint in the correct position. But they are also used by he althy people. For example, using a knee bracejoint for sports. People who experience increased physical activity often suffer from microtrauma of the ligaments and muscles, dislocations, knee pain and swelling. To reduce discomfort during exercise, you need a knee brace.
It also performs the following functions:
- reduces pain, swelling and inflammation;
- fixes the joint in the correct position, preventing cartilage wear;
- reduces the risk of injury;
- improves blood circulation, lymph flow and metabolic processes;
- protects the joint from overload.
These knee pads are especially important for those who play professional sports and cannot interrupt training. The retainer helps maintain freedom of movement and reduce pain. In addition, it helps improve athletic performance.
What qualities should knee pads have
Knee braces that are used for sports must fit the person perfectly in size. This is the main quality of the knee brace, thanks to which it can perform its functions. It is very important that the material from which the orthosis is made allows the skin to breathe and does not cause allergies. In addition, it is necessary that the retainer has the features necessary for certain sports. For example, when doing acrobatics, volleyball, figure skating, knee pads with soft silicone or helium inserts are needed, and in aggressive game sports, the kneecap should be protected by reinforced stitchedpad.
What are knee braces
Knee pads are made from different materials. In addition, depending on the degree of rigidity and the functions performed, there are several types of latches.
- Elastic bandages and tapes provide little support for the joint, but are comfortable to use and slightly reduce the load.
- Bandages made of elastic material that follow the shape of the leg, usually cover not only the joint, but also the leg above and below it. They can be worn in the form of a stocking, but those that are fixed with Velcro fasteners are more comfortable.
- Orthoses with hard inserts or a reinforced knee pad are designed to protect the joint from bumps and falls.
- High-hold knee pads are usually equipped with metal or plastic inserts, hinges and stiffeners. They are rarely used in sports, only by those athletes who have suffered an injury or joint disease.
There are other types of knee pads: detachable, compressor, warming, with additional rollers and inserts. In addition, they may be called differently. Athletes often use elastic tapes with an adhesive surface - teips. For fixation, splints, calipers, bandages, brace are also used.
What knee pads are made of
Knee braces are made from different materials. When choosing a knee brace for sports, you need to pay attention that it is natural,allowed the skin to breathe and did not cause an allergic reaction. Therapeutic rigid fixators are made using medical steel and plastic. Such knee pads are used by athletes only after injuries, as they severely restrict movement. Two types of materials are most commonly used to reduce stress on the knee.
- Natural fabrics: cotton or wool. To enhance the elastic properties, lavsan fibers can be added. Such knee pads have a warming effect and prevent stretching of muscles and ligaments, as well as hypothermia, when playing sports.
- Synthetic materials: polyester, neoprene and nylon. They are used in all kinds of knee pads. The most comfortable neoprene knee brace. It securely fixes the knee, does not interfere with movement and allows the skin to breathe. In addition, synthetic knee pads can be used for a long time.
Elastic fasteners
These types of knee pads are used most often in sports. An elastic knee brace is needed to reduce the load on the knee. In addition, it stimulates blood circulation, relieves pain and swelling. If there is a high risk of injury, elastic models with a reinforced patella are used. There are such types of soft knee pads:
- Elastic bandage is very easy to use. You can bandage the joint with any tension and it is allowed to wear a bandage for a long time. The bandage is made of natural material and allows the skin to breathe.
- The silicone knee strap is designed to support the patellaand pain reduction. Available in both single and double straps for more stable support.
- The most comfortable are neoprene retainers equipped with Velcro fasteners. They are easy to put on and fit.
Hard clamps
Orthoses with strong fixation are used only after injuries and in case of joint diseases. Kneecaps of the maximum degree of rigidity are equipped with metal spokes, hinges. They have a rigid frame, often made of plastic, and a rather complex design. Such orthoses are used after fractures and dislocations. Strong fixation knee pads are made of neoprene or other elastic material, have metal stiffeners and firmly fix the joint, limiting movement. They are used for arthritis or arthrosis.
But for sports training, a rigid fixator of the knee joint is not suitable, as it greatly restricts movement. Therefore, athletes often use semi-rigid knee pads. They stabilize the joint, protect it from unwanted movements and injuries.
How to choose the right brace for sports
In order for the knee brace to really help the athlete prevent injury and reduce the load on the joint, it must be chosen correctly. But this is often not easy to do, because when playing sports, the muscles tense up and change the relief. And a properly selected knee joint brace should quickly take the desired shape, adapt to changing musclesand securely fix the joint. In addition, it is necessary that the knee brace has the ability to pull up on the go, depending on the load. It is best to seek the help of a specialist who can advise which knee brace is best for this case and help you choose the right size.
After all, the main thing is that the knee pad fits snugly around the joint, holding it, but not squeezing and not disturbing blood circulation. To determine the size, you need to measure the circumference of the thigh 10-15 cm above the knee. Depending on this, several sizes are distinguished. But it is better to measure it before buying a retainer, since the relief of the muscles is different for everyone.
Best sports braces
He who is seriously involved in sports knows for what purpose which knee pads are best used. Their popularity depends on reliability, ease of use and cost. Several knee pads are considered the best for athletes.
- The Fosta Knee Brace, made of neoprene, is a light elastic brace. It has a special silicone insert that helps to fix not only the knee, but also the patella.
- Braces from Pharmacels reliably support and protect the knee joint. These retainers have a warming effect, which helps to maintain the elasticity of the ligaments. The knee pads of this company are designed specifically taking into account the specifics of movements during outdoor activities and sports.
- Mueller neoprene knee braces effectively protect againstinjuries. Their design with four crossed straps securely fixes the knee, reduces the load on it, but does not restrict movement at all. There are models with reinforced kneecap protection, which protects the joint from impacts.
- Variteks knee pads are made of neoprene and are suitable not only for running, but also for swimming, surfing. Such fixators have the function of supporting the patella, which is very important during increased physical exertion.
Features of using knee pads
If the wearing of a brace was prescribed by a doctor for rehabilitation after an injury or to reduce the load on the injured knee, then you should follow his recommendations regarding the wearing time. Usually, sports braces are worn during training or outdoor activities. Most models are recommended to be worn for no more than 8 hours. Do not wear a knee pad if metal parts show through on the inside, as it can injure the skin.
How to care for your knee pads
Elastic retainers without metal and plastic inserts can be washed in the machine, but it is better by hand so that they retain their shape longer. Semi-rigid knee pads are washable only in cool water without powder. In order not to damage the product, it must not be ironed and dried near heaters.
