Knee pain and knee problems are one of the most common problems that people go through. They can be caused by an injury, ageing, or even being inherited. Even though there are plenty of medical opportunities when talking about knee problems, these problems can be long-lasting. Despite a long list of generic knee complications, knee caps seem to be a common recommendation for most of them. Knee caps provide the extra support and resistance that your ligaments, bones, or muscles might need to recover. Sports are one of the most common causes of hindrances to the knee when considering people of all ages. These can be either new traumas or old injuries.
The health of these ligaments and joints is essential to overall performance and endurance in sports. It can also have an impact on efficiency and even a sportsperson’s confidence. Despite having a healthy knee, the use of knee braces can be seen in any sport. As mentioned before, knee braces are an essential tool to reduce knee pain or prevent possible injuries. So, without further ado, let’s briefly dive into their use before understanding their importance in sports.
The Basics and Advantages of Using Knee Braces
Knee braces come in many different shapes and have many different uses. They are available in the standard knee sleeve variant as well as specialised for specific ligaments, resistance, or patellae. They are generally used for
1. Knee Support
During workouts, there is a lot of force that is put on our knees in order to improve our overall strength. Knee sleeves help combat some of the force by providing resistance and support.
2.Compression
The skin-tight nature of knee braces helps with blood flow and reduces any kind of minor pain or swelling. This is a significant factor in the popularity of knee braces, making them popular among athletes.
3. Healing and Recovery
Knee braces are useful not only for professionals but also for hobbyists and enthusiasts. Healing and recovery from injuries are aided by regular use of the proper knee caps and braces.
Now that we have gone through all the major points that knee braces are known for, let’s look at their exclusive use in certain sports. Keep in mind that knee braces are not the ultimate tools but only a supportive convenience.
Badminton knee braces
Badminton takes advantage of a lot of the benefits of knee compression braces. It is an explosive sport that needs quick movements and pivot rotations. It also necessitates proper coordination with the placement of the hands and the pelvic region. Knee braces during badminton retain the heat from the joints. This, in turn, keeps the joints and muscles warm and always ready for combat, helping them to stretch as needed and function at an elite level. A more breathable brace is suggested for badminton. A ventilation option ensures that your muscles and joints are kept at the optimal temperature.
Football knee braces
Football is the most played sport in the entire world, and the use of knee caps and braces is quite evident in the sport. It is a game of stamina as it requires constant running, sudden pivot movements of the joints, and abrupt motions. Even though footballers can injure almost any part of their body, their lower body is constantly more vulnerable and exposed to possible injuries. The tackles, swift leg movements, and unpredictable commotions around the ball can easily end up hurting someone. Calf strains, quadriceps strains, and knee collisions are common among football professionals. There are several dedicated knee brace options for footballers that can help provide extra cushioning, support, and balanced muscle movement to prevent possible injuries or strains.
Cricket knee braces
Cricket is a sport that is very similar to any endurance sport. A slow ironman can take 14–15 hours to complete, whereas an average test cricket match can last up to 25–37 hours. Even though players get rests from time to time, the stamina and overall strength needed in cricket are noteworthy. Knee braces in cricket can help ease the balanced movements while batting, bowling, or even fielding. Common leg injuries in cricket are stretched hamstrings, strains, and PFPs (patellofemoral pain syndrome). With the help of correct knee braces, these injuries can be prolonged and even prevented. Furthermore, since it is a game of sheer focus, the extra stability from the braces helps athletes make quick and rapid movements without worry.
Hockey knee braces
With a structure similar to football, hand-eye coordination like badminton, and demands on balance like no other, hockey is a sport that regularly keeps one’s lower half on the radar. The swinging sticks in the ground can unintentionally injure any part of one’s leg. Apart from that, the constant swivelling movements and force on the knees demand the use of braces that would stabilise the muscles and joints of the area they are holding. As a result, they improve overall balance, distribute force evenly on the knees, and cushion the knee cap. When looking for a knee brace for hockey, make sure to opt for side bracing, extra padding for the patella, and adjustable straps for a better and more personalised fit.
Basketball knee braces
Basketball is the second-fastest sport in the world after ice hockey. It displays extraordinary athletic abilities and demands precision each second. Chronic pain due to immense pressure and burden on the knees is most common at any level of basketball. Unpredicted collisions are one of the causes of almost all major injuries, due to the explosive jumping and hopping. A patella-padded compression knee brace is highly sought after when looking for extra protection and support in basketball. Not only do these provide that extra layer for your muscles and knees, but they also help keep your muscles and joints in tip-top shape. In the case of an uncommon twist of the knee, the support helps distribute the force evenly and also provides resistance, preventing injuries. The ACL, which is considered a career-ending injury for basketball players, is caused by strain on specific muscles; however, studies have shown that using knee braces can reduce the strain on these muscles, lowering the chances of injury.