- What is the best knee brace for weightlifting injuries?
- Video: Knee joint anatomy
- Types of knee braces you should know about
- What are the most common knee injuries in weightlifting and powerlifting?
- Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best knee brace for squats and weightlifting
- Are compression knee sleeves for weightlifting and squats really effective?
Weightlifting is no longer a hobby or a simple exercise to build muscle mass, but has become a world-class professional sport increasingly practiced by men and women.
This sport, which involves lifting as much weight as possible, requires a lot of skill and technique to avoid injuries, but they are still quite common. Therefore, in the following article we will learn in detail the most common injuries and how to prevent them by using knee braces when practicing this sport.
What is the best knee brace for weightlifting injuries?
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colors: Green, Pink and Grey
- Material: Breathable
- Nº of Products: 2 pieces
- Uses: Rehabilitation and sport
- Elastic Fabric
- Double Anti-Slip Silicone
- Ergonomic & Adjustable
- Sport Design
- Unisex
Double Anti-Slip Silicone
Various Colours and Sizes
Stretch Fabric
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-2XL
- Colors: 3 Options: Black, Red, Green
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: 2 Pack
- Type: Closed
- Variety of colors
- Good compression
- 2 Units per order
- Comfortable and easy to fit
- Finishes to be improved
- No Breathable
Choose this pair of knee braces that includes as a gift a gym bag so you can carry it and you will feel safe when lifting weights, cross training or make maximum demands on the knee. Its structure is made of neoprene to prevent slippage and accumulation of sweat in the area. Although you should consider that, in some users with dermatological lesions, the use of this support is not recommended.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-2XL
- Colors: Camouflage Gray
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: 2 Pack
- Type: Closed
- Various sizes
- High compression
- Quality materials
- Ergonomic design
- Finishes and seams to be improved
- Not suitable for washing machine
It is designed for the highest level athletes to demand the most of your knee. For this reason, the material with which they are manufactured eliminates sweat and always keep the joint firm. This superior meniscus protector will help you avoid injury and relieve pain while playing tennis, rugby or any other sport. Keep in mind, however, that some users may find this knee brace uncomfortable and too adjustable.
- Sizes: M-L-XL-2XL-3XL
- Colors: Black and Green
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed with straps and Velcro
- Strap for optimum fit
- Breathable
- Large sizes
- Only one per order
The adjustable straps offer the necessary compression to maintain the balance of the joint, so you can choose any of the available sizes, but be careful because your decision may affect the grip and comfort when you use it. The breathable material adjusts 360°, creating a unique sense of security. Please note, the fabric may be insufficient to evaporate sweat for some users.
- Sizes: M-L-XL-XXL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Open with lateral stabilizers
- Lateral stabilizer support
- Good compression
- Strong fit
- Breathable
- Large sizes only
- Delicate wash
- Only one per order
It has removable metal hinges on each side that together with the adjustable straps generate the right compression to keep the joint aligned. Knee stability is guaranteed when training or practicing your favorite sport thanks to the patellar support design. For some users, the knee brace may prevent them from climbing stairs or performing similar movements, so you should be aware of this point.
- Sizes: M-L-XL-2XL-3XL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Open with silicone pad
- Silicone pad
- Adjustable straps
- Lateral support
- Quality finishes
- Large sizes only
- Too bulky
- Only one per order
Any of the sizes in neoprene is breathable, so you will not have problems when using it in summer or in hot weather. It has a pad coated in EVA rubber that works to stabilize the patella and prevent tendon displacement. Its design with adjustable straps generates greater stability thanks to its non-slip quadruple structure. If you need a support to exert pressure in specific places, this compressive sleeve is not recommended for some injuries.
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: Black
- Material: Elastic
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Open with straps and Velcro
- Adjustable straps with Velcro
- Good compression
- Breathable
- Quality finishes
- One size only
- Delicate wash
- Only one per order
It is designed to combat the symptoms of muscle sprains and strains thanks to its adjustable straps with Velcro closure and the ability to retain body heat to improve blood circulation. This knee brace comes in one size fits all for men and women, making it easy to fit anyone. Consider that this compressive knee brace, in some users, can easily fall out of place.
- Sizes: M-L-XL-XXL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Open with straps and Velcro
- Adjustable straps for better fit
- High compression
- No small sizes
- Only one per order
Thanks to its different sizes, with bidirectional support, the internal pad adapts to the patella to compress the area and prevent its displacement. The system of straps with Velcro closure allows a better grip to stabilize the knee and stimulate heat. You can use it in summer without any problem because its material evaporates sweat. Consider that, in order to obtain a quick deflation, the injury should not be in advanced degrees.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Breathable
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed
- Various sizes
- Good fit and compression
- No material specified
- Only one per order
Stimulation of blood circulation is easily generated because the length of this bandage keeps the quadriceps and calf muscles firm, which keeps the joint aligned and supported against sports overloads! You can also use it for surgical recovery or to prevent wear and tear in case of arthritis. In some patients the maximum flexibility of the knee is not obtained.
Video: Knee joint anatomy
Types of knee braces you should know about
What are the most common knee injuries in weightlifting and powerlifting?
Injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor lifting technique, improper positioning of the legs in relation to the spine, muscle strains due to overtraining, inadequate warm-up, or simply lack of expert supervision. The most common injuries include:
Strain of the ligaments
Generally, a torn ligament occurs when the ligaments violently change shape or size, either because they are contracted or overstretched. The main cause of this change in size is sudden movements for which the muscle was not prepared during rotation or flexion, actions that are very common in weightlifting, such as squats.
In this joint, the most obvious signs of a ligament strain are severe, intense pain, rapid swelling or inflammation, and a feeling of warmth, which can lead to temporary immobilization and, in the worst cases, require medical-surgical intervention to restore the ligaments to their original size and position.
Muscle fiber tear
This is caused by a tear in the muscle fibers that protect the knee when the knee is subjected to sustained stress over a short period of time. It usually occurs when the knee is loaded for long periods of time. The most common symptom is a sharp pain accompanied by a feeling of internal tearing.
In weightlifting, muscle tears are very common due to the constant stress placed on the back as the tensor and the rear leg flexors, better known as the calf muscles. The constant stress on these parts of the body often results in more or less severe injuries to the muscle fibers.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an injury that occurs when the tendon fibers that connect the muscle to the bone in the form of "cords" are damaged. These can become irritated or simply inflamed when they are repeatedly stressed by sudden movements. This injury often occurs when one overstretches while lifting weights, especially during the first movement.
Tendonitis can cause irritation or severe pain in the knee. In weightlifting, the joints are very often used to lift weights in one or at most two movements, so they are subjected to a lot of stress, which can easily affect the tendons.
Muscle contractures
Muscle contractures or spasms are injuries characterized by severe pain in the muscle when it contracts due to the constant tension in the hip of the knee. It is quite common not only in professional weightlifters but also in amateurs. This condition can cause various discomforts that can last for days, such as limited range of motion, muscle weakness, muscle stiffness, and even immobilizing pain as it worsens.
Poor movements due to poor technique, constant muscle fatigue from overtraining, or simply a change in the usual exercise routine that overstimulates the muscle can cause a weightlifting muscle cramp. It is important to wear the necessary clothing to protect the muscles and take care of the athlete during training, as they are common in this discipline due to the high physical demands.
Chondromalacia of the kneecap
This is a knee injury that is very common in weightlifting. Due to the constant friction during squats and the weight exerted on it, as well as the additional weight of the weights, there is wear of the upper articular cartilage, especially between the kneecap and the femur. Usually, in this case, rehabilitation and therapy measures are prescribed to relieve the pain, as well as special packs to prevent the injury from worsening due to further friction.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best knee brace for squats and weightlifting
When choosing knee braces, whether you are a beginner in sports or a professional in the field, it is necessary to have certain standards to make the purchase, always adapted to your needs, goals and objectives, to choose those that are able to accompany you in physical activities without causing discomfort but fulfilling their function.
To help you choose, we have compiled a series of characteristics that you should consider when making your decision:
According to their function
- Knee brace for pain relief: Some knee braces are specifically designed to prevent common injuries and relieve pain. Compression sleeves with built-in gel massage soft tissue during movement to reduce or prevent swelling caused by friction and cartilage wear. In addition, they relieve discomfort that occurs during workouts or when moving to a new weight limit.
- Knee protection supports: they provide additional safety. They are designed to provide protection at all times during use and avoid situations that put a lot of stress on the knees and cause severe joint or muscle pain, which in itself is a therapeutic benefit. They are used to treat recurring symptoms or damage caused by old injuries and are even recommended outside of training camps.
- Support knee braces: they exert more pressure and distribute weight better, so they not only provide support, but also provide better balance and use strength better. In weightlifting, this type of knee brace can provide a high level of protection against serious injury.
- Open knee brace: this type of knee brace is very famous for its ability to protect the mobility, that is, it allows the joint to move correctly without having to exert much effort, thus avoiding any kind of injury in this area. They are open at the front to enclose the kneecap and allow better breathability.
- Closed knee braces: they protect the entire knee area and thus offer better protection. They are usually used with gel packs to protect the softer parts and provide more comfort when lifting weights.
Material
Knee braces meet certain standards in terms of materials suitable for resistance in sports and adaptability to the body, but can vary depending on their purpose. Among them we find :
- Elastic material: usually interlocking bands made of flexible, rubber-like material, but suitable for sports and skin. They do not cause irritation and can be used for daily training with moderate intensity. They ensure better recoil and avoid excessive pressure on the hamstrings during squats to lift weight.
- Neoprene: Most compression knee sleeves feature neoprene sleeves to better support and distribute weight across the knees and legs. Their weak point is low breathability, so frequent washing is recommended.
- With gel pieces: although it is not the main material, some garments contain embedded gel that provides therapeutic support by massaging and supporting the muscle with every movement. It is typically used when there are symptoms of injury or damage that result in muscle weakness. The amount of gel may vary depending on the model.
- Thermal material: some knee braces are specially equipped with a thermal material that can retain heat or cold, promoting muscle rehabilitation and pain relief. Very useful after a workout where the muscles have been pushed to their limits and signs of inflammation appear.
Type of support
Although this is not one of the most important features, it is one of the most important, since the knee braces must have a good support that ensures adaptation during movement and sports. In this way, you'll avoid unpleasant moments when they are not properly adjusted or, even worse, when they come off during strength training and cause an imbalance that, in turn, can lead to injuries to any part of the body.
- Hinges: light but strong metal tool that allows the knee brace to be opened or closed. They are added to provide or improve stability and allow freedom of movement, but with the necessary compression they are adjustable to meet both requirements. Used in areas that need more support depending on the needs of the athlete.
- Velcro: This is a velvet hook that is very useful to fasten or close the garment at will. It is highly recommended for weightlifting due to its soft material, high resistance, support and good fixation.
Size
Knee brace sizes can be specified in the universal number system or by standard letter sizes. S being the smallest and XL and larger being the largest size, you need to know the diameter of your knee, which you can determine with a simple tape measure. Each of them is designed to fit almost perfectly, too loose fit would affect the function and too tight fit would cause blood circulation problems.
Design
The knees are designed to satisfy the consumer in as many aspects as possible, be it aesthetics, functionality, adaptability, athletic performance, or other amenities such as breathability, ease of storage, and durability.
If you're more the adventurous type and want to excel at weightlifting, there are eye-catching designs that range from fluorescent color to military prints, as well as women's, men's and unisex models. These details don't have to detract from the functionality the knee braces are made for; on the contrary, they enhance it.
These garments are designed to bring out the best in them. Other factors to consider are the support, the quality of the straps or bands, as well as the adaptation to your foot type if you are sensitive, or simply the functionality according to your needs.
Prices
There is a wide range of prices on the market, depending on the manufacturer, the material used and the functions. Before making an investment, you should weigh which device to choose based on your needs, body type, medical history and stamina. Based on this, you can make a better decision with all this information. It is always good to choose the ones that have a longer lifespan, better build quality, and better performance.
Are compression knee sleeves for weightlifting and squats really effective?
Compression knee braces are essential for a physically demanding high-performance sport like weightlifting. By their very nature, squats and repetitive bending take a toll on our muscles, tendons and joints. It has been proven that knee supports provide additional support to our muscles in this sport and also help us improve our technique, for example, by providing a better rebound.
This type of clothing has the advantage of not only helping us avoid injury from sudden movements during the workout itself, but also protecting the muscle from degenerative damage such as cartilage wear in the long run. Therefore, they are often recommended by professional lifters.
This constant use of knee sleeves as a preventive measure even prevents annoying pain that is not necessarily caused by injuries, but by muscle fatigue. They therefore result in a higher athletic performance during training and are also a great help during competitions where a greater physical effort is required.