In recent years, sports have become more and more important, which has a positive effect on health. Whatever your preference for physical activity, it is important that you practice the discipline you have chosen safely and comfortably, as you may suffer injuries that can be harmful.
In general, the knees are the most exposed to pressure, so it is advisable to use compression knee sleeves to protect them from any kind of discomfort. In the following article, we will help you choose the knee brace that best suits your needs.
What is the best knee brace for sport injuries?
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Breathable
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed with silicone pad
- Various sizes
- Silicone pad
- High compression
- Suitable for everyone
- Quite bulky
- No material specified
- Only one per order
With a Bauerfeind sports knee brace you can play basketball for as long as you want and rest assured that the knee will not be injured and the kneecap will not slip out of place. The breathable neoprene material and gel pad relieve pain and adjust the knee during play without causing discomfort. The quality of the materials and stitching may deteriorate over time.
- 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.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colors: 6 Options
- Material: Nylon, Lycra
- No. of Products: 2 Pack
- Type: Closed
- Various colors
- 2 By order
- Low level Compression
The lightweight and comfortable fabric of the Modvel knee brace is available in all sizes and, thanks to its design, the muscles will remain stable, without having a high compression. Every time you use it during training or when you go for a walk, this support will generate enough temperature to get the therapeutic benefits of warmth. And don't worry about perspiration, because the material wicks away sweat. In some cases, the knee brace may be of little use for walking and may only be suitable for sitting.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-2L-3XL
- Colors: 7 Options
- Material: Breathable
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed with silicone pad
- Silicone pad
- Good compression
- Variety of colors
- Quality finishes
- No material specified
- Not suitable for washing machine
- Only one per order
In all the sizes you can choose there is a silicone pad located in the center to prevent the patella from moving and causing tendon and ligament ruptures. Compression is exerted by its metal lateral supports that anatomically delineate the joint, generating just the right compression to prevent any type of injury. Stability is created by the 3D cutting technology with which it is manufactured. In some patients the upper part of the knee brace may detach and cause discomfort.
- 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: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colors: 12 Options
- Material: Nylon(65%), Latex(20%), Spandex(15%)
- No. of Products: 2 Pack
- Type: Closed
- Variety of colors
- 2 By order
- Low level compression
The 3D fabric is efficient in providing necessary and maintaining the knee with the right heat to reduce tension on the muscles and reduce inflammation in the affected area. It is suitable for all sports activities and for your daily household chores because you can wear it under your clothes without anyone noticing. If you don't choose the right size, the support often cuts off blood flow or is too loose.
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL-2XL
- Colors: 3 Options: Black, Blue, Pink
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed with silicone pad
- Various sizes
- Silicone pad
- Only one per order
The medical grade compression sleeve provides the necessary fit due to its size, which keeps the knee slightly bent to avoid overloading and stress on the joint. The different sizes available provide relief and stimulate blood circulation to decrease toxins in the affected soft tissues. In some situations, the stabilizer is insufficient to keep the joint protected, but this will depend on each case.
- 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.
Video: Knee joint anatomy
Types of knee braces you should know about
What are the most common knee injuries in sports?
As mentioned above, we are exposed to injuries in sports, but it is important to know which are the most common, what are their symptoms and in which discipline they are most likely to occur. In this way, we can be warned and know how to react when such an event occurs, and we can take all the necessary measures to prevent it.
Below is a list of the injuries we most commonly sustain while playing sports:
Sprain
This type of injury occurs when one or more ligaments in the muscle are severely stressed and change shape, stretch or contract, resulting in symptoms such as pain, swelling, muscle immobility and even inability to walk.
The latter is the case when, in the worst case, the knee ligament is torn. Usually, the cause of a knee sprain is a wrong movement, poor technique while performing an exercise, or a sudden and violent blow. Depending on the severity of the blow, the tear may be complete or partial.
Muscle strain
This injury, which occurs in almost all sports, occurs when the knee joint muscle is stretched or overloaded beyond its capacity, usually during stretching or movements that require the athlete to be mobile. Although it is not usually a serious condition, it can be very troublesome, causing discomfort during subsequent exercises if rest is not taken.
In the sports lexicon, it is commonly referred to as a strain, and many people do not give it much importance so as not to cause more serious symptoms. However, if the muscle does not recover properly, it can lead to more serious injuries. For this reason, the use of protective devices such as knee braces is recommended to practice sports more comfortably and avoid this type of discomfort that can hinder us.
Bursitis
Bursitis in the knee occurs when the bursa, which stores fluid in the knee, becomes inflamed. This inflammation is caused by repetitive rubbing movements of the joint or positions like squatting that put stress on the joint, as well as other activities that create extreme overuse, and even a direct blow to the knee.
Bursitis can occur in any of the four bursae that store fluid. However, it most commonly occurs above the kneecap or on the inside of the knee, below the joint. The main symptoms of this injury are that the affected area is warm and swollen, it causes pain even without physical activity, and it can limit mobility.
Chondral knee injury
A type of injury to the tissue lining the bone of the knee joint, better known as cartilage. It is caused by direct or indirect but high-intensity trauma, such as a blow that directly injures the cartilage, or a sudden movement of the knee about 40 degrees that can injure the tissue, or it can be caused by a violent contraction of the joint.
This type of trauma can be more complicated than the others because if the cartilage is damaged enough to break, it usually needs to be surgically replaced, although there are other types of regenerative or therapeutic treatments. This condition is also common in sports that involve frequent direct contact with the knees, such as soccer or basketball, so it is important to use the proper protective equipment.
Patellar tendonitis
The patellar tendon is the tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia and works with the muscles at the front of the thigh to allow mobility and movements such as running, jumping and kicking.
Patellar tendinitis is an injury to this particular tendon caused by excessive movements that stress the tendon until small partial tears or, in the worst cases, complete rupture occur. As these tears multiply, they cause more and more pain.
The first symptoms occur when you feel a sharp, stabbing pain between the kneecap and the tibia. This type of injury is usually not immediately noticeable, except that this discomfort begins to interfere with exercises and then prevents the exercise of the same. Left untreated or with adequate rest, they can prevent everyday activities such as climbing stairs, bending or walking, depending on the severity and number of partial injuries.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best knee brace for sports
Sports knee braces offer many advantages in the practice of various sports, but when choosing such a protector, it is necessary to take into account various aspects so that we can acquire the appropriate protector that can be adapted to our lifestyle and the sport we practice. In addition, it is important to choose a model that provides the required level of safety, comfort and protection depending on the sport you practice, since the physical requirements in each sport are different.
Depending on the sport
- Running: For running, we recommend knee braces that cover the entire joint and provide sufficient support, preferably with closures, but made of flexible material, e.g. spandex. Compression sleeves are ideal, provided they are sufficiently breathable.
- Soccer: For soccer we recommend the use of flexible materials, neoprene, but with a stronger material included so that they protect athletes from direct contact and are easily adjustable.
- Volleyball: As for soccer, it is recommended that the knee braces for this sport are elastic, flexible and have a support material that protects the protectors from direct impact against hard surfaces. However, it is also advisable to use knee braces that can prevent sprains caused by jumps.
- Cycling: for cycling, it is advisable to use knee sleeves that provide compression to protect the knee throughout the pedaling while allowing great mobility. It is preferable that they are not made of another solid material or gel, but are customized.
- Weightlifting and fitness: this type of high performance training requires compression straps that support the kneecap well and keep it in position. In addition, this type of knee brace has the added benefit of providing better cushioning during lifting movements.
- Golf: In golf, due to the nature of the rotational movements and the long periods of standing, it is recommended to use stabilizing knee supports, especially knee braces with adjustable straps. They are the most suitable for this sport, as they effectively prevent the muscle pain associated with this type of pressure.
- Tennis, badminton and racquet sports: for racquet sports, it is advisable to use stabilizing compression knee sleeves that can fully support the joint during sports that require very fluid movements, jumps, push-ups and squats.
- Crossfit: for any exercise that involves lifting weights, it is important to use knee braces that provide good compression but also protect the kneecap to ensure good circulation and weight distribution without causing pain to the joint. Or in some cases, if you have already suffered an injury, for rehabilitation.
- Sports gymnastics: for sports gymnastics, we recommend the use of fabric knee braces that are very soft, elastic and yet supportive, so that you can freely perform all the conditionally demanding movements that are common in this sport.
- Yoga: as in gymnastics, knee braces made of soft fabric are preferable, which can adapt to the mobility of the athlete. However, in this case you can also use those with greater support, such as those with gel padding, to help the muscles withstand the great tension in the knee due to the extended stretch position.
- Rugby: Since this is a sport where the likelihood of contact between the knees and solid surfaces is high, it is recommended to use knee braces with full coverage that provide protection against direct and indirect blows, which are very common in this discipline. They can even have a protective front made of sports plastic or other resistant material.
- Hiking, trekking, climbing and mountain sports: for these sports you can use compression knee sleeves, open or closed, but it is important that they are stabilizing to provide additional support to the knee during long hikes, usually in inhospitable terrain.
- Boxing, karate and contact sports: Like rugby, these are sports that are practiced hand to hand, where there is a high probability that the knee may have direct hits or surfaces and even injuries due to violent movements, so we recommend knee braces reinforced with protective materials, as far as can withstand in these days protect the knee from this type of injury.
Material
Knee braces can be made of different materials adapted to resistance in sports and adaptability to the body, but have a specific use depending on the objective:
- Neoprene knee braces: knee sleeves with compression are generally equipped with neoprene sleeves to provide better support and stability when it comes to hold the weight and distribute it on the knees.
- Knee braces with gel straps: This is not their main material, but it is characteristic of some knee braces that are designed to help therapeutically by providing a massage through the gel during the movements of the athlete. Primarily required for injury symptoms that cause muscle weakness.
- Elastic fabric or Spandex: these fabrics are most common in the models with crossed bands, made of a very flexible material similar to rubber, but suitable for sports and skin. They are generally recommended for sports that require a lot of flexibility in movements and a good comfort.
Type of support
Some knee braces have a type of fixation of the material with which they are made, but some sports require additional support for this purpose and that are even more adjustable some of these additional materials are:
- Hinged knee supports: They are made of a light metal that withstands greater stresses and allows the knee protector to be opened or closed. This tool is used to provide stability and allow free movement, but with the necessary compression without being too uncomfortable or heavy for the knee.
- Knee support with Velcro: this is a hook, usually made of velvet, which is very useful when it comes to fastening or closing the garment at will. Due to its soft but resistant material, it is particularly suitable for heavy sports.
- Knee braces with metal or plastic closures: they are not so common in knee braces, but they are definitely an ally when we need extra support, since they adapt much better to the shape of the joint and significantly reduce the risk of the garment shifting. They can be made of metal or even plastic.
Size
The sizes of knee braces can be given by the universal numerical system or by standard measurements in letters that overlap with the standard measurements, XS being the smallest and XL and above being the largest size. It is important to know the diameter of your knee in cm to get an idea of which model you should buy. Sizing is important for a perfect fit because if it's too loose it will hinder function, and if it's too tight it can cause problems like restricted movement.
Design
Knee braces are designed to cover every possible aspect to meet the needs of athletes. These range fromaesthetics to functionality, adaptability and athletic performance, depending on the sport and activity level of the athlete.
Depending on the sport, there are different models on the market that offer better performance, resistance or pain relief and injury prevention. It is important to choose a device that corresponds to the level of physical exertion and helps us strengthen our weaknesses and protect our joints and muscles.
Price
Before buying, it is important to consider which device is best for us and what we expect from it in terms of durability. Also, the frequency of use and the type of sport we practice to make a smart investment according to all aspects we have evaluated.
Therefore, when buying a sports compression knee sleeve, the above aspects should be considered first and foremost before determining the cost. A low-cost product will not have the expected effect because its materials do not allow it. Purchasing a compression knee brace that is expensive but will protect you at all times and keep your knee healthy to develop a shape suitable for sports is the best investment you can make.