Knee pain can be a frustrating setback for everyone, but especially for sport-loving clients, whether you are a weekend warrior, playing pickleball, soccer, or weekend basketball. It can slow you down, make you second-guess your movements, and even sideline you altogether. However, with the right support, such as a knee brace, you can stay in the game, move with more confidence and keep doing what you love.
Why Use a Knee Brace
Knee braces aren’t just for injuries. Knee braces can help to manage discomfort, prevent further injuries and reduce strain on the joint. If you have experienced any of the following, it maybe time to consider a knee brace:
- Instability when changing directions quickly for example, pivoting to catch the ball
- Pain during or after the activity
- Past injuries such as meniscus tears, or ACL injuries
- Overuse issues like runner’s knee
Types of Knee Braces
At BioPed, our clinicians will take the time to understand your movement patterns and pain before recommending a brace, because not all braces will work for everyone. Different pain and different activities may require different styles of braces. Here is how different braces can help with your unique pain.
- Compression Sleeves: These knee braces provide mild compression around the knee, are less bulky and are used for mild pain, instability and swelling.
- Hinged Braces: These braces are made unique to you and are excellent at addressing very specific challenges. They are protective for sports that have lateral movements, such as soccer or basketball.
- Patellar Straps or Bands: These are small bands that fit right below the kneecap and apply light pressure to help reduce strain during repetitive motion. These are ideal braces for runners. They are slim and do not add bulk.
- Custom Knee Braces: These tend to be used for serious injuries. a BioPed clinician would measure you, and a brace would be made for your exact measurements. The BioPed clinician would consider your body type, the activities you plan to do and the severity and location of injury to help make the ideal brace for you.
What Else Can You Do Besides Knee Bracing?
A knee brace will be quite helpful and can be paired with other strategies to improve your health.
Below are tips for helping you stay active:
- Warm Up: Prior to playing, take a few minutes to warm up your muscles and joints. Do some stretches. Never go into a game with cold muscles, you increase the chance of injury.
- Strengthen Your Muscles: Stability in joints starts with strong muscles and ligaments. Strength training or physiotherapy can help to build muscle around the joints to help stabilize them. For the knee that includes the hips, hamstrings, quadriceps and gluteal muscles.
- Recover Properly: Don’t skip the cool down. Also, remember ice, rest, and compression after a workout can help your knees recover faster.
- Check Your Shoes: Proper footwear is key to having the correct foot alignment. Old or unsupportive shoes do not support the foot, which in turn supports the rest of the leg.
Whether you are a weekend warrior or train regularly, knee pain doesn’t have to mean the end of your sports journey. With the right support, such as proper shoes and a knee brace, combined with smart training habits, you can stay active and do more of what you love. Don’t let your knees hold you back!
