Knee Supports & Braces following a Sports Injury
Let’s face it; knee injuries are the stuff of nightmares. Whether you play a team sport or just enjoy keeping fit, the knees play a crucial role in literally every step you take. When stability, movement, and strength are compromised by an injury, sporting performances will suffer. As such, going the extra mile to promote the quickest return to action is crucial. Knee supports and braces will help you achieve this.
Here’s all you need to know about the what, whys, and when’s relating to knee supports and braces.
What Injuries Can Be Supported With Knee Braces?
The knee is made up of bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. As such, you could experience sporting injuries relating to any of those elements. Broken bones, ACLs, and overstretched tendons are just three examples of injuries that could be suffered. Meanwhile, general wear and tear from repeated stress – such as from long distance running – could worsen existing problems.
Knee supports can be designed and manufactured to various styles. Therefore, it is possible to find knee supports that are used for recovery and rehabilitation processes for several conditions. In addition to the three mentioned above, you can find knee supports for:
• Dislocations,
• Torn cartilage,
• Bursitis,
• Tendonitis,
• Iliotibial band syndrome,
• Posterior cruciate ligament injuries,
• Impact injuries.
Knee braces and supports can be used to protect the knee from impact in team sports, to provide extra support during rehabilitation, or to prevent overstretching during recovery. Whatever type of sports injury has been suffered to the knee, it’s likely that braces and supports will offer some benefits.
When Should Knee Supports Be Used?
Every knee injury is different, which is why you need to consider the unique elements of yours before finding a solution. Speaking to a specialist is always advised.
Depending on the nature of the injury and the type of brace being used, it may be necessary to wear it at various times. These include;
• Overnight during the early phases of recovery,
• During light gym work and rehab,
• At specified times during the day for several months,
• When playing sports (either for rehab or indefinitely).
There are many contributing elements that will influence the requirements for wearing your knee support. Your age, weight, type of knee injury, severity of injury, fitness levels, and type of knee brace will all have an influence on the situation. There is no one single right answer, other than the one that works for you.
Will A Knee Brace Cure My Condition?
Knee supports are designed to assist your recovery, but the rehab process will almost always comprise of other elements. These can vary from case to case, but will usually include some of the following;
• Rest and relaxation,
• Stretches and exercise,
• Strength and stability training,
• Ongoing warm-ups and warm-downs.
Even with all of those factors in place, there are no guarantees that the knee will ever truly recover to 100% health. Nonetheless, wearing the correct knee support ensures the best shot at unlocking the best outcomes available. Right now, that’s all you can truly hope for.