How to choose your knee brace for sport?

An average of one in four people will suffer a knee injury. A knee brace used during sports can prevent such injuries or help them heal.

Who needs a knee brace?

A knee brace is a medical device that protects and supports your knee joint to prevent injury or help with healing.

Knee braces are for people with joint, tendon or ligament pain. They are also popular with people who are particularly demanding of their knees, like athletes.

Knee braces support the joint, strengthening its natural function and helping to reduce pain.

People with unstable kneecaps or fragile ligaments can use a knee brace to protect their joint.

When should you use a knee brace for sports?

There are three types of knee braces:

• Ligament brace. It protects an injured ligament, a stretched but not torn ligament or when there is edema.
• Patella brace. It helps to ease pain in the kneecap. It keeps the patella, the flat bone located directly on the knee, in its natural track.
• Immobilizer. Sometimes articulated, it is often prescribed by a physician after an injury or surgery. It blocks the knee for recovery. It should not be worn on a daily basis or during a sports activity.

How do I choose the right knee brace?

A sports knee brace provides better joint stabilization and leg support. It must adapt to various constraints since the knee is a complex joint made up of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and menisci.

A sports knee brace prevents false movements and excessive strain on the joint. However, it should not interfere too much with movement, to avoid making sports unpleasant.

Different models of knee braces are suitable for different sports or different types of users. Some knee braces are specifically designed to accommodate the rapid growth of teenagers. Knee braces for older people are made of thinner, more lightweight materials so they can be worn discreetly under clothing on a daily basis.