- 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, XXL
- Colours: 2 Options: Black, Green
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed
- Good fit
- Strong compression
- Not machine washable
The technology used in the manufacture allows the neoprene material to achieve a better and faster recovery from knee injuries or post-surgical stages. It can also be used by patients with arthritis or joint wear. The different sizes, for men and women, offer a mesh back ventilation that decreases moisture build-up. Be careful because the pain may not go away if you don't choose the right size knee brace.
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: Black
- Material: Breathable
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed
- Suitable for CrossFit
- Variety of sizes
- No material specified
The ergonomic design of the unisex knee brace relieves pain through compression and provides the correct alignment between the femur, tibia and patella, thus preventing further injury. It is suitable for use by men and women who suffer from arthritis or need to recover from surgery. The patellar sports compressor may not be effective in relieving pain in some cases.
- Sizes: XS-S-S-M-L-XL
- Colours: 2 Options: Red, Camouflage
- Material: Breathable
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed
- Lightweight design
- Good compression
- No material specified
The material the knee brace is made of is neoprene, which helps to keep the skin ventilated and free of sweat. Strategically designed internal side supports provide the perfect anatomical support to maintain stability as you go about your daily activities. If you choose this garment to restrict patellar movement, it can be ineffective in advanced injuries.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colours: 12 Options
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: 2
- Type: Closed
- Variety of sizes
- Ergonomic design
- Hight Quality
- Good compression
- Gentle washing
- Sizes are small in some models
It is made of neoprene with a 4-strap laycra lining for durability and comfort when training. Knee range of motion will not be diminished with any of the unisex sizes you choose of this elastic band. After two or three uses, in some cases, the support may begin to lose support and start to move around the knee.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: 3 Options: Black, Red, Multicolour
- Material: Neoprene
- Number of Products: 2
- Type: Closed
- Variety of models
- Strong compression
- High performance
- Breathable material
- Delicate wash
- Improved seams
It relieves pain in a matter of seconds and prevents the joint from becoming misaligned, which can lead to ligament and tendon injuries. Daily use of this knee brace will stimulate blood circulation without the need for another brace. Please note that in order to relieve knee pain, you should choose a knee brace that is compatible with the circumference of your joint, otherwise the elastic band will lose efficiency.
- Sizes: XS-S-S-M-L-XL
- Colours: 13 Options
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: 2
- Type: Closed
- Variety of models
- Good fit and compression
- Not machine washable
The different sizes can be worn by both men and women and the anatomical fit provides better resistance to keep the knee secure from misalignment. The breathable material helps evaporate sweat and maintains the warmth needed for therapeutic benefits. It can happen that, in too demanding activities, this brace is not suitable due to the pressure it exerts.
- Sizes: S-M-L-L-XL-XXL
- Colours: Blue
- Material: Neoprene
- Nº of products: Single
- Type: Closed
- Hight Quality
- Stretchy and breathable material
- Medium compression
The knee brace adapts anatomically to any knee, but it is important that you choose your size precisely to prevent it from slipping when you are playing. The blue neoprene material provides stability by means of two lateral columns that align the joint. Don't pass up this offer, but if you're going to play sports where you'll need to get down on the ground, be aware that this product may be ineffective in keeping the kneecap in place.
- 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.
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.