- What is the best knee brace for basketball injuries?
- Video: Knee joint anatomy
- Types of knee braces you should know about
- What are the most common knee injuries in basketball?
- Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best knee brace for basketball
- Are compression knee sleeves for basketball really effective?
In basketball, injuries are common, especially to the knees. This happens because the joint is overloaded or contracted by the muscles in constant movement and flexion. Therefore, you should stop all physical activities and not continue training for a long period of time.
Compression knee sleeves are the most effective solution for any type of sprain and provide the support you need before and after an injury. To better understand this wonderful garment, you need to know something about its types, the injuries it treats, its properties and how it works, which we will explain below.
What is the best knee brace for basketball 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: M-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: 5 Options
- Material: Spandex
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed with silicone pad
- Variety of colours
- Good compression
- Quick and easy to use
- Hight Quality
- No small sizes
- Delicate wash
The Kuangmi elastic support offers three versions with corrugated straps that will prevent stress on the joint and, by means of the material and ergonomic design, all-day comfort is guaranteed. The different sizes, available for men and women, offer just the right amount of compression on the soft tissues of the knee. Please note that the knee brace is not recommended for people prone to skin rashes.
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Number of Products: 2
- Type: Open
- Breathable design
- Durable material
- Adjustable velcro straps
- Good compression
- One size only
- Voluminous
Its design incorporates two bands that act as lateral stabilisers and a gel pad to keep the kneecap in place. It is designed in breathable neoprene material that absorbs sweat and keeps the skin free of moisture. You can use it without any problems when running, every time you train or in case you need to recover from an injury. In some people, the item is not suitable for users who suffer from compression tingling.
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: Grey and Black
- Material: Breathable
- Nº of Products: 2
- Type: Closed
- Discreet design
- 2 per order
- No material specified
The ergonomic design reduces pressure on the knee and improves joint stability. Thanks to the anti-slip silicone material, located in strategic areas in the support, the elastic knee brace does not slip during use. It is made of a 3D technology fabric, which makes it a lightweight and easy to carry ligament protector. Please note that the knee brace is not recommended for people who suffer from itching.
- Sizes: S-M-L
- Colours: Blue and Black
- Material: Breathable
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed with Elastic Band
- Strong compression
- Elastic Band for better fit
- No material specified
The elastic band prevents meniscus injuries and inflammation in the bursae thanks to its unique anti-slip system. It is recommended by top Olympic athletes, as the compression it exerts on the strategic places behind the knee is continuous and guarantees the highest quality standards. If you don't choose the right size, it is likely that the fitting system will not be efficient.
- Sizes: One size fits all
- Colours: Black
- Material: Spandex
- No. of Products: 2
- Type: Closed
- Breathable design
- Good compression
- Hight Quality
- 2 Per order
- One size only
- Delicate wash
The side supports and double silicone loops make this compressive garment support and stabilise the knee during use. Ideal for summer use when volleyball, fitness or lifting heavy objects at work. Stimulates blood circulation just by wearing it for a few hours a day. Please note that this item is not useful in cases where the injury is advanced.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: 2 Options: Blue, Grey
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed with silicone pad
- Variety of sizes
- Gel Pack
- Not machine washable
The patellar protector has a unisex design with fabrics that adapt anatomically to any knee. Importantly, its soft material generates the necessary pressure, along with the patella-protecting silicone, to keep the joint stable and prevent injury. Please note that the support is not viable for use in people who are allergic to the materials with which the knee brace is made.
- Sizes: Size 0 - 7
- Colours: Grey and Blue
- Material: Cotton, Elastane, Polyester
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed
- Breathable fabric
- Machine washable
- Omega Pad
- Strong compression
- Only one per order
- Difficulty in choosing sizes
The knee sleeve, with specially designed front silicone protector, generates increased blood supply and massages strategic points of the kneecap. This structure increases heat in the area, providing therapeutic benefits to the user. Lateral supports provide greater stability without restricting joint movement. In some products, the compression is not sufficient according to the user's expectations.
- Sizes: L-XL
- Colours: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Open with velcro fasteners
- Hight Quality
- Strong compression
- 3 adjustable straps
- Easy to use
- Few sizes available
- Voluminous
Its neoprene straps wrap around the circumference of the joint, providing extra support and improved knee support. It is ideal for use when training or needing to recover from injury because its inner lining is skin-friendly and the breathable loop fabric does not collect moisture or fungus. Please note that this knee compressor is not suitable for users with blood circulation problems.
Video: Knee joint anatomy
Types of knee braces you should know about
What are the most common knee injuries in basketball?
Basketball is a sport that is played all over the world, both at work and in everyday life. Over time, statistics have shown that most injuries in basketball occur in the knee, since that is where the lateral force and sudden movements are concentrated.
The most common injuries include:
Sprains
This is a sprain or injury to the ligaments. This happens because of the sudden tension and movements that tear them, which can lead to dislocation if not treated in time. The knee consists of four ligaments: the medial collateral ligament, the lateral collateral ligament, the posterior cruciate ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament. Trauma can be partial or complete in this area. In fact, the causes are any fall or impact that leads to a sprain, so in sports practice such cases occur regularly.
Basketball is a discipline that requires quick changes of direction, and running can cause falls, imbalances or tripping over other players. Basketball players are therefore prone to minor or severe knee injuries. It should be noted that any injury or fracture to the athlete can mean the end of their career, so caution is always advised.
Bursitis
Bursitis is the inflammation of small hardened capsules that contain or trap synovial fluid and interfere with the proper functioning of the joint, causing dysfunction, stiffness, pain, friction, and increased local heat, triggering an inflammatory process. In basketball it is usually the most painful , as it is caused by direct blows to the anterior area or knee impacts. Also, the constant pressure exerted on the joint, either through exercises or playing, puts it at risk of suffering this trauma.
It should be noted that it is usually a simple swelling, but it is important to diagnose where it is affected, as it can have serious consequences. It is important to know that if it is a high-risk stage, immediate surgical intervention is required, leading to a ban on sports and physical exertion.
Patellar tendonitis
Widely known as "jumper's knee." It is an injury that can result from overuse, such as intense or excessive training or changing surfaces during sports practice. Patellar tendonitis can manifest as inflammation and cause severe pain on the outside of the knee.
This happens very often in basketball, because it is a sport where the goal is to throw the ball into the opponent's basket, and in order to achieve this goal, you have to jump constantly. It is important to know that the knee is a joint with limited mobility, so if it is constantly used carelessly, it is possible to break it.
Iliotibial band injury
The iliotibial band is a connective tissue (tendon) that runs along the outside of the leg from the hip bone area to part of the leg and its junction with the tibia.
In basketball players who perform at high levels, such as basketball players who play the sport professionally, this ligament loses its elasticity and causes an inflammatory problem due to direct friction against muscles and bones. The iliotibial band is most damaged in sports, as it is constantly exposed to jumps, which is the case in any sport, so it is necessary to apply pressure to the affected area.
ACL injury
This is the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament as a result of an injury. These contusions are very common in sports that require certain sudden and abrupt movements. Basketball is the sport that is most affected by this trauma, since the conditions of the game require jumps with falls, sudden stops, unplanned changes of direction, etc.
The case of this discipline is so severe that they have conducted analysis and statistics on the most common injuries in the NBA and concluded that 14% of all NBA players have suffered this injury at some point in their career . In the same study, it was found that female athletes are much more prone to this injury for neuromuscular, hormonal and anatomical reasons.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best knee brace for basketball
For many years, the knee brace has become a sports fashion, not only because of its design and variety of colors, but also because of the many benefits it offers, such as: Preventing injuries, improving performance and speeding up the recovery process.
Depending on the function
Each knee brace has a specific purpose that is focused on a solution or improvement, some types are:
- Knee braces against pain: after an injury or a slip during the practice of a sport, incisive pain occurs that completely prevents the practice of your activity.
- Knee braces with pads: they contain extra padding that covers the front of the knee and is fixed with straps. Commonly used in volleyball as it reduces the risk of injury and reduces discomfort.
- Knee braces for stabilization: stabilizing injuries helps speed recovery, as knee braces are used to immobilize and prevent sudden movements that can affect the injury.
- Hinged knee braces: Easy to adjust, especially for balance, they provide the necessary stability and create a kind of pressure contrast on the knee.
- Semi-rigid knee supports: their use is recommended after an injury, that is, if you want to resume your sports activities and have suffered an injury, it is important that you do so with this type of garment.
- Therapeutic knee orthoses: Therapeutic knee orthoses are most often recommended by physical therapists or traumatologists who specialize in sports injuries or forced practices, so it is important to know the most common types for therapy or rehabilitation.
- Orthopedic knee support: it is recommended mainly for long-term injuries, that is, when there is still force or after-effects of the blows. One of their characteristics is that they are the most voluminous of all.
- Knee braces with opening: this type is used before surgery and offers pressure on the edges and a small opening in the middle of the knee. In this way, it is possible to evaluate the frequency and progress of the latter.
- Protective knee braces: this is the most popular type of knee braces on the market, since they guarantee the protection of the kneecap and the sides of the knee, avoiding direct blows that cause the most common and serious injuries in the world of basketball.
- Closed knee braces: They are most commonly used in orthopedics because they facilitate fixation by completely covering the knee; they are also versatile, both for training and recovery. They are characterized by their ability to maintain pressure and stiffness without dislocating, providing warmth to the extremities.
Material
The material is very important because it determines the quality and functioning of the knee brace or compression strap; it is one of the most studied points before choosing or purchasing the garment. The first thing to evaluate is the fabric used. There are fabrics in all kinds of shapes, colors and properties, and the combination of several of them makes it possible to obtain a material as resistant and durable as the one we currently use for clothing.
We will explain two of the best:
- Neoprene: This is the most commonly used material for knee braces. Its properties include waterproofness, heat retention in the area, freedom of movement and flexibility.
- Nylon: This is a type of thermoplastic polyamide that is hard, wear-resistant, ultra-lightweight and breathable.
- Stretchy fabric: spandex fibers contrast perfectly with neoprene or nylon to create a high quality, durable piece. It is moisture wicking, durable and can be stretched to any length without changing its original position.
Type of support
The fixation is the effect of the fixation. This is an important point when choosing the ideal knee brace, because there is no point in wearing a garment that does not stay in place. Generally, the knee brace sticks to your body, but if you want to regulate the pressure or have more security, these are the best options for you:
- Neoprene: This is a very popular material in this discipline, as you can have the necessary stability in the knee brace without any other accessories and train without major complications.
- Velcro : This is a closure system that is ideal for this type of garment. Its use is based on the regulation and control of the pressure on the knee according to the desires of the person, creating a good support.
- Non-slip gel: it is designed to be non-slip and not slip, so you can do any physical and sports activity with this type alone and without worrying that the knee brace will move or slip down.
Size
Size is one of the most important points to complete the function of the knee brace, because if you make yourself smaller or larger, it can affect the function or negatively change the results. To choose the right size, you need to measure the contour of the knee, especially above the kneecap, with a symmetrical tape measure to judge it properly. We've created a chart here so you can compare results and find the right size for your clothing purchase.
Design
The design the creative and eye-catching part of the market. In this area there has been a very pronounced development, ranging from colors to patterns and projection elements. Its manufacture is the most meticulous, as it depends on the type of fabric from which the garment is made to function properly. The goal is to shape the muscles in the best possible way, avoiding sweat, excessive pressure or materials that attack the skin.
The look is one of the most important points of an athlete, since he has an infinite number of followers and must always maintain the style that characterizes him. With the sports knee sleeves this is not a problem. Thanks to the variety of colors, designs and high quality they make you look fashionable and at the same time protect your joints , which are the foundation of your career.
Price
The cost of sports knee sleeves, as with any other garment, should be judged by their functionality. These products are characterized by certain factors that distinguish them from others, such as strength, quality, flexibility, support, durability and so on.
You can find very low prices on the market, but you should keep in mind that the most expensive products last the longest and have the best features to achieve the desired goals. So, protect your joint well and make the best investment for the development of your sports career by purchasing sports compression knee sleeves.
Are compression knee sleeves for basketball really effective?
Many doctors and physical therapists recommend the use of this garment because they believe that it allows for a quick recovery. No wonder, just by putting it on the knee, the veins are compressed, which leads to better blood circulation. This has certain health benefits: It reduces inflammation, prevents blood problems, relieves pain and heaviness in that area of the body, etc.
Therefore, its function in basketball is more than positive and beneficial, since it is not only a support for recovering from injuries, but also exerts an advanced protection that helps keep the knee always in place and protects you from any trauma you may suffer on the court.