- What is the best knee brace for hiking injuries?
- Video: Knee joint anatomy
- Types of knee braces you should know about
- What are the most common knee injuries in mountain sports?
- Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best knee brace for hiking
- Are compression knee sleeves for mountain sports really effective?
Those who practice this discipline as a profession or hobby must be physically in top shape. Nevertheless, accidents can happen, and most often the knee is affected.
The entire weight of the body rests on this joint and it is of vital importance for practicing these mountain sports. Therefore, knee braces are the best way to prevent and recover from injuries. Here we explain the most common ones, how to cure them with the help of this garment, its features and more.
What is the best knee brace for hiking 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: 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: 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: One size fits all
- Colours: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of products: Single
- Type: Open
- Breathable design
- Good compression
- Not machine washable
Its ergonomic structure adjusts to any knee, so men or women can use this patellar compressor without any problems. The one-size-fits-all design provides lighter support and improves blood circulation, preventing meniscus and patellar inflammation. The triple velcro strap provides better compression during sport, but the adjustment system may decrease over time, losing comfort during use.
- Sizes: M-L-XL
- Colours: 3 Options: Grey, Blue, Green
- Material: Polyester
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed with silicone padding
- Variety of colours
- Good compression
- Breathable design
- Gel Pack
- No small sizes
- Delicate wash
The kneecap will stay in place thanks to the 360° compression offered by this sports garment and the gel pack will reinforce the soft tissue from any blows. Its different sizes will allow you to lead a healthy life and increase comfort, avoiding slippage of the compression garment when you wear it in training or at home. It is important to consider that the protector is not useful if the user does not support joint stiffness.
- 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.
- Sizes: S-M-L-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of products: Single
- Type: Open with velcro fasteners
- Hight Quality
- Strong fit and support
- Variety of sizes
- Adjustable compression
- Delicate wash
- Voluminous
Its structure is composed of two lateral supports to improve the alignment of the joint, two Velcro straps that adjust the knee brace to prevent displacement and 4 adjustable straps in the shape of a cross. Thanks to this technology, the kneecap does not move out of place and blood circulation is stimulated to relieve pain and reduce swelling in the affected area. The compressive sleeve may be itchy for some users with sensitive skin.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of products: Single
- Type: Open with bilateral support
- Variety of sizes
- Bilateral support
- Voluminous
With a Shock Doctor knee brace you prevent the joint from moving unnaturally and keep your knee away from injury. The side hinges help the braces compress the area to stimulate heat and relieve pain when training or suffering from arthritis. The one-size-fits-all brace can be worn by both men and women, although you should be aware that an anthill sensation is likely to occur when the product is too tight and prevents proper joint movement.
- Sizes: S-XL
- Colours: Grey
- Material: Spandex, Nylon, Polyester
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed with strap and velcro
- Strap for better fit
- Good compression
- Lightweight design
- Hight Quality
- Few sizes available
- Only one per order
The different sizes, with adjustable fabric and external elastic strap, will offer you the compression you need to feel comfortable and forget about pain and swollen knees. In addition, the velcro fastening is ideal for customising the sleeve circumference when you need your blood circulation to be stimulated. In some athletes the compression is not good enough to keep the knee stable.
Video: Knee joint anatomy
Types of knee braces you should know about
What are the most common knee injuries in mountain sports?
Like all sports, those practiced in a rocky environment carry risks that we can not ignore. The most common knee injuries in the mountains include the following
Sprains
This type of trauma occurs most often in the knees and ankles. They are caused by strains, sprains or stretches of the ligament caused by a position different from the natural state of the ligament. The knees are subjected to more stress than any other part of the body during mountain sports, which increases the risk of sprains because they become unstable due to certain movements or postures during the ride.
For example, on descents, the sensation increases depending on weight and speed. The risk is even greater when you take into account the unevenness of the terrain, which acts on the knee with each step and affects the stability of the joint.
Fractures
This is the term for broken bones. Falls in mountainous areas are usually the cause of these knee injuries. In this case, the kneecap (the small round bone at the front of the joint) is cracked. In some cases, the patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon may also be torn in a patellar fracture.
Mountain sports in them selves carry great risks, ranging from natural hazards such as climate change and weather changes to the presence of wildlife. Taking care of your knee may therefore not be a priority, but a tear in this area can lead to permanent exclusion from this sport.
Patellar tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis is characterized by pain between the kneecap and the shin bone. Initially, the discomfort occurs only at the beginning of physical activity or after intense exercise. The risk of developing hamstring tendonitis is even higher in athletes because the joint is overloaded. When climbing a mountain, heavy equipment, from food to first aid kits, etc., must be carried. The weight and the sometimes sudden movements that must be made at a given time are usually the cause of patellar injuries.
Bursitis
This is an inflammation of the bursa near the knee caused by the repetitive pressure of prolonged stress on the joint, as well as overuse or injury. People who perform very repetitive movements, such as mountain climbers or rock climbers, often suffer from bursitis. Climbing up and down mountains requires a lot of movements that put stress on the knee, so they are susceptible to this condition.
Sciatica
The muscles in the back of the knee are controlled by the sciatic nerve, causing tingling and numbness in this part of the body. This is because the nerve runs from the lower back through the buttocks, hips and thighs to the legs, knees and feet. Any injury that directly affects this nerve, whether it is a fall, slip, or other accident in the mountains, will result in severe knee pain.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best knee brace for hiking
The key to successful physical activity is prevention. In addition to the necessary equipment, you also need the right clothes and accessories to move comfortably and safely. The sports knee brace is undoubtedly part of your basic equipment for any mountain hike. That's why we help you choose the right knee brace for you, depending on your needs, your measurements and even your choice of material.
Depending on the function
This garment serves to center the kneecap so as not to overload it. But there are other functions that you can assign to them depending on your needs. Here are some of them:
- Knee braces for pain relief: athletes usually acquire this garment is specifically designed to reduce the discomfort that are so common, and much more, for those who practice various disciplines in mountainous areas, because their risk is not limited to one space, but can occur due to factors far from them.
- Knee supports: no other garment can protect as intensively as knee sleeves. Many sporting activities can be practiced in the mountains, such as mountaineering, trail running, canyoning, etc. All these activities are associated with high risks. Therefore, wearing the right equipment can save your life. In this sport, a wrong step or a serious fall can happen. This product protects you from injuries in this area, whether from overuse or other factors that can cause pain.
- Open knee braces: this type of knee sleeves is often used to protect mobility, which means that they help the joint to move properly without much effort, preventing injuries in this area. The shape is open at the front to better enclose the kneecap and improve breathability.
- Closed knee braces: they cover the entire knee area and naturally offer a higher level of protection. They are also often used in conjunction with gel bandages to protect the softer parts of the knee and increase comfort during sports. They are ideal for activities in the mountains, as they always keep the joint in the right position and minimize the risk of injury, no matter what area you are exercising in.
Material
However, there are exceptions where the right materials are not used, resulting in a product that is not only useful but also troublesome. For this reason, we will highlight the best fabrics to consider when making your purchase. The most recommended knee brace is made of nylon. We can say that it is resistant, elastic, keeps warm and breathable. They always combine it with spandex, which is a very flexible fiber but also absorbs moisture.
Type of support
It is important that the knee support you choose provides comfort and support, as gravity and sudden movements can cause the support to fall off. For this reason, there are alternative materials that avoid this type of accident that, although not common, can happen, especially if you are an athlete in constant motion.
These are best suited for activities in the mountains:
- Hinged knee support: this fitting allows you to open and close the knee brace. It is fitted to provide stability and freedom of movement as it is adaptable. Used in areas that require more support.
- Velcro knee straps: this is a velvet hook that is used to hold or close the garment at will. It is highly recommended for long mountain hikes due to its compression, comfort and secure fit.
- Neoprene knee sleeves: it is a product made of synthetic rubber, widely used in various industries, such as orthopedics. Since it is an elastic material, it is difficult to bend. It is therefore ideal for rocky areas, as it also adapts to the skin and protects the muscles. It should be noted that it is the most common material used in the manufacture of this garment and you will have better mobility.
Size
It isrecommended to pay attention to the size of the knee brace, as it determines the compression and therefore the effect generated in the joint. It should not be too tight, as this could affect blood circulation, and it should not be too big, otherwise it will not work. To determine your size, you should use a tape measure to measure the contour of the knee and compare it to the chart provided by the manufacturer.
Design
The versatility of knee braces is one of the main points that make them a popular garment, not only for athletes, but also for the general public. People who hike or climb have a high risk of injury in areas that are as important to their activity as the knee.
Price
Just as there is a wide variety of designs and materials, there is also a wide variety of prices. This is usually an indication of the quality of the product. A cheap garment without support material or other materials will not have the same effect as a compression knee brace.
Are compression knee sleeves for mountain sports really effective?
Knee braces are essential for mountain athletes as they relieve knee pain, prevent sprains and strains, and provide comfort and protection while walking. This compression therapy is probably the best and most affordable for athletes. Use this product on the knees to apply controlled pressure on the area that compresses the veins and improves blood circulation.
Compression therapy allows you to benefit from the following: Reduction of edema, improved lymphatic drainage, reduction of cytokines, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, improved arterial blood flow and much more. We must remember that all recommendations have been confirmed by studies in the medical field after decades of research.
In conclusion, the compression knee brace is a garment that every mountain athlete should use to be able to train safely and with the certainty of not having knee complications, and if you do, you can use it in recovery mode. So do not forget to always have it in your luggage when you go to the mountains.