Knee braces are medical devices that protect the knee from injury. They also play a major role in the recovery of an injured athlete. Simply put, knee braces are designed to protect the knee and provide protection. But you need to remember that not all athletes benefit from them.

In some sports, such as motorcycling, knee braces, such as Ossur CTI®3 Knee Braces, are a must. However, there are also certain sports where knee braces hamper the athlete’s performance and do more harm than good. Let us find out which sports require knee braces and how they can benefit athletes.

Which Sports Require Knee Braces?

You must know that knee braces are not for everyone. Not every athlete benefits from wearing these knee supports.  Firstly, since these devices provide protection to the athlete, they are useful for individuals who have previously injured their knee and need an extra shield of safety while they resume playing after recovery. Secondly, these braces also provide safety during high-contact sports such as football, basketball, and rugby. They also reduce the risk of injury to motorcyclists and runners, who have a higher risk of getting their knees injured. Knee braces paired with high-impact sports shoes have been proven to be of great benefit to most athletes.

If you are worried about whether knee braces are legal in your sport, don’t worry. They are generally accepted in every sport and are not termed an unfair practice, unlike performance-enhancing drugs.

How Do Knee Braces Benefit Athletes?

Knee braces act like a protective shield preventing the knee from injury. There are numerous benefits of knee braces, making it a must in most sports. Let us learn about them in detail in the following section:

1.    Helps Recover From ACL Surgery:

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the four most important ligaments of the knee. ACL tears are very common among athletes, leading them to undergo ACL reconstruction surgery. Resuming playing sports after the surgery can put your knee at high risk. Although you may think you are fine, there is a high risk of you injuring your knee again. In such circumstances, wearing good-quality knee braces can truly save you from further injury.

2.    Helps Protect Your Knees if You Slip or Fall:

Slip and fall are a part of every sport. But if your knees are already weak due to previous injuries, wearing knee braces is a good idea. If you plan on returning to the playground right after the injury, then wearing knee braces will protect you from slips and falls.

3.    Provides Stability to Your Knees:

Knee braces offer support to the ligaments. This means no matter how intense the sport is, wearing these devices will prevent your knees from moving too much and too suddenly. Moreover, they can also improve awareness around the knees, giving you a better idea of how your knee is moving. This knowledge is very important if you are resuming sports after a long break or surgery.

4.    Some Knee Braces Provide Relief From Pain:

Imagine you are in the middle of a very important tournament, and all of a sudden, you injure your knee! Sound dreading, right? If the injury is not very serious and the pain is not excruciating, you can wear knee braces for extra support and relief. However, remember that knee braces are not an alternative to medical guidance and must only be used after being approved by your physician or trainer. Knee braces are designed to improve mobility and relieve pain while you are undergoing treatment.

How Long Should One Wear Knee Braces?

How long an individual wears knee braces depends on why one needs them in the first place. Most athletes wear knee braces till they experience discomfort while playing the sport. Other sportspeople who are into adventure sports, such as motorcycle racing and offroading, wear them every time they play the sport. In fact, the knee braces are a part of their harness.

So, before you decide how long and when you need to wear the knee braces, it is important to seek guidance from your trainer and medical expert.

Conclusion:

Knee braces are a must for people seeking to indulge in adventure sports or athletes who are currently recovering from an injury. However, before you purchase a knee brace for yourself, it is important to research the brand and build of the device to ensure optimal safety.