For most athletes, waking up with knee pain is a nightmare. After all, we use our knees in almost every movement, so a lateral knee injury can be devastating if you’re working toward a goal of fitness or weight loss.
If you want to show a little more love to your joints, knee braces can be a way to help prevent injury. Although they won’t replace strength training and proper physical therapy when it comes to injury rehabilitation, these accessories can give your knees an extra boost of support.
Benefits of using this type of accessories
As the name implies, knee pads are compression pads worn around the knees for added joint support when you experience pain or minor injury.
Arguably one of the most important components of wearing a sleeve is increased proprioception , which is your brain’s ability to feel the position of your knee joint in space.
When people experience knee pain and feel the joint is unstable, a knee brace provides a feeling of security. This in turn can help prevent further knee injuries.
In some cases, they can also be used to improve sports or training performance . By increasing blood flow to the muscles around the knee, oxygen in the area increases, allowing you to get to a high level without getting fatigued so quickly. When people become fatigued, injuries occur.
This is also the reason why you can see powerlifters in the gym with knee pads; They help prevent your knees from giving up at the bottom of your heavy squat.
Think of this accessory as a “security blanket”. If you are experiencing mild or moderate pain and feel that your knee cannot bear it, this may be a good time to try using the knee brace. However, if the pain gets worse over time, see a physical therapist or doctor.
How to choose a suitable knee brace for you?
If you’re going to try one, you’ll need to consider a few factors to help you find the best one, including padding, compression, material, and where your knee hurts.
Filling
The knee pads come in different levels of padding. The best padding for you depends on the amount of support you need and the sport or activity you plan to do. The more padding, the more support provided, but also the more your movement will be limited.
For activities that require a lot of movement, look for a flexible knee. For pain relief, choose a sleeve with more structure and support.
Compression
A sleeve with more compression can help limit swelling due to an existing knee injury. But too much compression can worsen any sensitivity or sensitivity.
Material
Are you sweating too much? Go with a breathable or absorbent knee pad. If you have sensitive skin and can react to rougher fabrics, look for an option that feels soft and more flexible to the touch.
Pain
The area where you experience pain can change the type of sleeve you choose. Some knee pads are specifically designed for pain inside the knee, while others are made for more general pain or discomfort.
This generally depends on where the tightest areas of the knee brace are or where there may be additional padding.
The best knee pads
Mava Sports: best for general compression
Unlike most compression knee pads, the Mava Sports knee is built with an adjustable strap, so you can tighten and loosen it as you like, avoiding slipping while you walk or exercise.
This cover is on the lighter side when it comes to padding and is constructed of breathable fabric. If you are looking for maximum stability, this is not the case for you.
Omeril: the best for sports performance
This is one of the best reviews on Amazon, being one of great sports performance in general. By offering even compression throughout the sleeve, there is no one point that is more or less padded than another.
Although this case will provide support and compression, it is a more flexible option, as it is made specifically for physical activity. Athletes with higher levels of pain may opt for a more stable option.
Nordic Lifting: the best for weight lifting
Nordic Lifting Knee Pads are made specifically for weightlifting and powerlifting, making them a safe choice for your next heavy squat session.
UFlex Athletics: the best for running
The UFlex Athletics compression sleeves are designed with a breathable and flexible fabric, making them perfect for runners. They are also made with a silicone grip gel, which will prevent them from slipping during your workouts. With moderate support, this sleeve is best for runners with minor injuries.
Mumian: the best to relieve pain
This is a more padded option, which makes it better for pain relief and joint support. This hybrid clamp and compression sleeve is made from a flexible fabric, but has built-in spring stabilizers along with a silicone knee pad, which provides more support than a standard sleeve.
