Volleyball is a very popular game played by two teams of 6 players each, competing in a sports hall or on sand in the sun. It requires great agility and endurance, and because of the high demands, many participants get injured and have to leave the court.
In this article, you will find interesting information that will clear your doubts about sports knee braces and show you why they are the best means of preventing and treating volleyball injuries in this joint. You will also learn about the types of injuries, their characteristics and whether they really work.
What is the best knee brace for volleyball injuries?
- 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: S-M-L-XL-2XL-3XL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Breathable
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Open with silicone pad
- Various sizes
- Silicone pad and quality fasteners
- No material specified
- Only one per order
The support is constructed in neoprene material that does not accumulate transpiration and consists of two upper and lower straps that fit any type of knee. The silicone pad prevents patellar displacement and its central straps provide the right stability and compression to ensure that the femur is aligned with the knee during sports. Please note that some users may find the side buckles uncomfortable, causing pain and lack of blood circulation.
- 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: One size
- Colors: 3 Options: White, Gray, Pink
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Open with straps and Velcro
- Various models
- Good fit and compression
- One size only
- Only one per order
The adjustable neoprene sleeve keeps the skin dry because it evaporates perspiration when you are wearing. It is also noteworthy that, to prevent injuries and reduce stress on the joint there are three straps with Velcro closure that achieve the right compression to improve the stability of the knee. Pay attention because, in some cases of sliding patella, the one size of this compressive garment may be insufficient.
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: Black
- Material: Light and Breathable
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Open
- Adjustable design
- Good compression
- Quality finishes
- Velcro straps
- One size only
- No material specified
- Only one per order
The heat generated by this protector relieves pain caused by muscle tears, bursitis and tendinitis. Its material is breathable, so you can use it during the summer and, thanks to the quality with which it is made, it is possible to prolong its use without irritating the skin. You should keep in mind that if you perform sudden activities when you wear it, it is likely that this compressive clothing will start to slide down and lose effectiveness.
- 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: 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 volleyball?
Volleyball is a game of repetitive motion that demands the maximum from each participant. The knees are the parts of the body most affected by injuries, as they are subjected to a lot of stress in various places and sooner or later problems occur.
The most common injuries in this sport are the following:
Meniscus injury
The meniscus is an organic part that is mainly composed of fibrocartilage. Its function is to absorb sudden impacts, maintain balance in the event of unexpected twisting, and cushion movement. In order to perform its functions, it must be perfectly lubricated, which is ensured by the synovial fluid.
In volleyball, the meniscus of the knee bears the weight, tension, overuse, jumps, repetitive motions and sharp twists that lead to injuries that can have long-term effects. The first thing you notice when this happens is swelling of the affected part, stiffness, pain, difficulty performing movements and possible locking of the affected limb.
Sprain
Sudden and repetitive movements of the knee can stretch ligaments or tendons, which in turn can affect the meniscus fibrocartilage in the knee joint and other muscles. The first thing you will notice is severe pain when walking or touching the knee, instability and the inability to put your weight on the affected limb.
If the sprain is mild, you can try to heal it yourself at home by elevating the affected limb, applying ice, compressing and relieving the pain. In severe cases, surgery and therapy may be needed to fully heal the affected muscle.
Knee ligament injury
The ligaments in the knee support your weight. There are both medial and lateral ligaments that are susceptible to injury during extreme physical stress, which is common in volleyball. This happens when you jump to block balls or change direction. You notice the injury when you feel an imbalance, your knee swells, you have difficulty holding your own weight, and you have excessive pain that doesn't allow you to move.
Maybe it is just a mild injury, but if it is more complicated, you will need surgery and after rehabilitation therapy, wearing a knee brace is recommended to speed up the healing process. You may miss the whole season, but it will be for your health and well-being
Soft tissue injury
Soft tissue is tissue without bone. This type of tissue can also be injured, such as the cartilage that lines the bones in knee joints and is essential for balancing body weight and allowing movement.
There are many reasons for injury to this joint, mainly due to excess weight, followed by repeated jerky movements and sudden twisting. In some cases, the injury is mild and can be treated comfortably at home by elevating the leg and applying ice.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best knee brace for volleyball
The best sports knee brace for volleyball is the one that fulfills its role according to the case, they are widely used in therapies and injuries, they help you to significantly reduce pain, tension, stress and other specific discomfort.
According to the function
The function of the knee brace is very simple: it relieves pain, stress, treats injuries and all other ailments on and off the sports field. It can protect you from impacts and keep your muscles and joints warm, so you can perform your activities 100% injury-free. In short, this is a must-have for every volleyball player.
Here we explain some of them:
- Knee braces for pain relief: Are the preferred choice of sports and health professionals to treat and significantly reduce muscle pain. If you are experiencing pain that is preventing you from performing your normal activities, you should contact your doctor immediately so they can review your condition and tell you what steps you need to take to get better; a sports knee brace is usually recommended.
- Postoperative knee supports: Some knee braces are intended for use only after surgery, when rehabilitation therapy begins. It is important that they are purchased under a doctor's supervision or the situation could worsen.
- Knee supports for impact protection: Are made of silicone, they are comfortable and flexible, they are strategically placed to protect against any impact, and the best thing is that they do not restrict the mobility of the athlete.
- Knee braces to improve athletic performance: some knee braces exert uniform compression in specific areas, helping to reduce tension, pain and other discomfort in the affected muscles and ligaments so you can give 100% in any athletic performance.
- Open knee braces: They have a unique design with an opening that allows air to the kneecap, and are commonly used for kneecap injuries, osteoarthritis, and other related problems, depending on the case in which their use helps avoid surgery.
- Closed knee braces: as the name suggests, they are closed knee sleeves made of elastic material that retain heat and improve blood circulation. They are widely used in sports because they cover a larger part of the knee joint and are therefore safer to wear.
Material
Knee supports for volleyball differ from other sports in their manufacturing process. In this case, you need a product that provides mobility and protection of muscles and tissues from impact and injury. Many versions of these accessories for this discipline are made of neoprene, non-slip silicone, alloys, Velcro, silicone gel packs and other materials, depending on the use and decision of each manufacturer. Among the most commonly used fibers are spandex, rubber and nylon due to their exceptional properties of elasticity, resistance, moisture absorption, lightness and comfort.
Type of support
It is important that you feel comfortable in the garment you will be wearing during training and games. Even though the compression knee braces have a firm grip on your body, it is possible for them to fall off or shift slightly.
- Velcro: This is a very practical and easy to use two-way closure system. It is often used in volleyball as it puts pressure on the affected muscle without deforming it, while providing the necessary support to prevent it from moving.
- Non-slip silicone: it is a very elastic element that can be easily deformed without being damaged. For this reason, it fits perfectly to the knee and keeps it stable in the same place.
- Neoprene: This material is used in the manufacture of knee braces, among others, because it adheres or remains firm in the joint. It is light and comfortable, very useful and safe for training, but for games it is preferable to those recommended above.
Size
Before buying any product, it is important to know the size of knee brace you need to feel comfortable and safe. The sports knee sleeves that you can find in the market range from size XS to XXL and you can customize them according to your needs, if you already know how to measure then you can buy with confidence.
Design
When you go to a sports event, you can see a variety of products with excellent designs and colors, it's like a sports podium where the best knee braces compete. For this reason, manufacturers offer their audience not only a quality product that protects against blows and injuries and improves mobility in the execution of movements and performance in sports, but also a beautiful and elegant product with excellent color combinations. The above products meet all these requirements, namely protection, comfort and beauty.
Price
The cost of these sporting goods depends on the technology, materials, design and manufacturing. It is not advisable to buy very cheap knee braces, because they are usually of poor quality and in the long run can do more harm than good. When it comes to health products and equipment, it is better to invest a little more money to buy a quality product.
Do compression knee sleeves for volleyball really work?
Volleyball compression knee sleeves work perfectly. For years now, research and study has been done on different materials and new alloys to find the perfect balance for the best products on the market.
Not only are they the preferred apparel of athletes for aesthetic reasons, but their protection goes far beyond a padded design. The compression therapy it exerts on the knee helps improve blood circulation, preventing serious conditions such as edema or venous insufficiency. So, apart from the aesthetic aspects, it is an indispensable factor for our health well-being.
So don't think too much and buy your volleyball knee brace with confidence, because it will not only help you perform better or recover faster, but you will also be able to avoid delicate ailments and secure your condition and lifestyle.