2024-08-12 08:38:19
Whether you’re a Sunday runner, a dedicated soccer player or an enthusiastic hiker, your knees are constantly being put to the test.
However, as you know, a knee injury can quickly become a real headache, sometimes even preventing you from doing the activities you love.
Luckily, there’s a simple and effective solution: athletic knee braces. You may be wondering why so many athletes favor this accessory?
Let’s take a look at the many benefits of wearing knee braces for exercise. Who knows, you might be convinced to adopt one too!
Benefits of sports knee braces
Injury prevention
Stop preconceived ideas! one sports knee pads Not just for injured athletes. It can also be used preventatively to prevent injuries from occurring.
In fact, a good, well-adjusted knee brace, like thoseupper movement For example, providing extra support by stabilizing the knee joint. Imagine you are in the middle of a game and then BAM! Your knees twist at odd angles.
This is where knee pads come in, it’s like having an extra teammate watching over your legs!
It helps protect your ligaments and tendons by minimizing impact and keeping your knee in place.
In fact, knee braces help reduce tension and the effects of sudden movements that can lead to sprains or tears.
pain relief and recovery
If you’ve ever suffered from knee pain, you know how debilitating it can be.
Fortunately, knee braces can also help control pain by reducing pressure on the painful area and speed healing after an injury.
Let’s talk numbers.
Research shows that using Epitact Physiostrap® knee braces improves knee support by 43%.
In addition, INSEP athletes experienced a 30% reduction in pain and improved stability after just 10 uses.
Impressive, right? These results show what a difference a good knee brace can make in performance and comfort.
Learn more about knee injuries
To fully understand why knee braces are your best friend, let’s take a quick look at the most common knee injuries.
These injuries can happen at any time, whether you’re competing, participating in your annual marathon, or just riding your bike.
Most common types of injuries
Sprains and ligament injuries
A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament, usually caused by sudden movement or impact.
They can be very painful and take time to heal.
Tendinitis
Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon. This is usually caused by overuse.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)
This syndrome, also known as “runner’s knee,” is caused by irritation of the cartilage beneath the kneecap. It can cause pain in the front of the knee, especially after strenuous physical activity.
Patellar instability and dislocation
If you’ve ever felt your kneecap “slip” or move abnormally, you may have kneecap instability.
This can make movement painful and increase the risk of dislocation. When the kneecap dislocates, medical intervention is sometimes required.
other medical conditions
In addition to sports injuries, certain medical conditions can make your knees more vulnerable and require you to wear knee braces:
peripheral neuropathy
This condition affects peripheral nerves and can cause muscle weakness, making the knee unstable.
knee arthritis
Chronic joint inflammation can cause pain and stiffness, requiring extra support.
joint hypermobility syndrome
If your joints are very flexible, you may also need knee braces to stabilize your movements and prevent injury.
Different types of knee pads
There are different types of knee braces, each designed to meet specific needs. Here are the main categories and their uses:
preventive knee brace
These knee braces are designed to prevent injuries, especially in contact sports like football and basketball. They provide light to moderate support and protect ligaments.
Functional knee pads
They are often used by people who have suffered ligament damage or even surgical intervention such as cruciate ligament surgery.
They help stabilize the knee and limit movements that may worsen the injury.
Rehabilitation knee brace
These are designed to limit activity after an injury or surgery to allow for safe recovery.
They are usually stiffer and provide the most support.
patellofemoral knee brace
Designed to treat pain associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome or patellar instability, these knee braces help hold the kneecap in place and relieve pain.
They are great for runners or cyclists with front knee pain.
To get the most out of knee braces, some practical tips must be followed:
- Make sure the knee pads fit snugly, but not too tight. It should be comfortable and supportive without impeding circulation. Be careful, an ill-fitting knee brace may not provide the necessary support and may even worsen your injury.
- Wear knee braces during physical activities or movements that may strain your knees. Don’t wear it all the time (unless your doctor advises it) as this may weaken the muscles around your knee in the long run. If you experience any pain or discomfort, get an adjustment or see your doctor.
- Wash your knee pads regularly to prevent sweat and bacteria from building up. Use warm water and mild detergent, then air dry. Avoid machine washing or tumble drying the knee pads as this may damage the elastic material and reduce its effectiveness.
- Finally, check the condition of your knee brace regularly. If there are signs of wear, such as loose elastic or loose seams, replace them to ensure optimal support.
Ready and go!
Well, you now know everything you need to know about sports knee braces! Whether it’s injury prevention, pain relief, or post-surgery recovery, these little miracles can be a real game-changer, allowing you to enjoy the activities you love without having to worry about your knees.
Just remember to choose the right one and use it correctly to get the most benefit from it.
So why not try the Epitact knee brace and feel the difference for yourself?
Take good care of your knees and they will pay you back a hundredfold in keeping you active and in good shape.
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