Are you tired of the hassle and discomfort of taping your knee? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are discovering knee braces can be a better alternative to traditional taping methods. So this blog is going to be all about it. We’ll explore why using a knee brace, especially a stabilizer knee brace, can be a game-changer for your knee health and overall comfort.
What is Knee Taping?
Before we explore knee braces let’s first understand the traditional taping method that is knee taping. This method involves the application of adhesive tape to the knee joint to provide support and stability. This technique is frequently employed by athletes and individuals recovering from knee injuries to mitigate pain and prevent further damage.
Limitations of Knee Taping
Despite its widespread use, knee taping presents several limitations. The recovery process can be time-consuming and may not offer consistent support throughout the day. Additionally, its improper application can lead to skin irritation and potentially exacerbate the injury.
Why Use a Knee Brace?
In today’s fast-paced world, knee pain is quite common and easily affects people of all ages. Knee braces can be used to relieve knee pain and become a saviour for many. Here are a few points stating why you should use knee braces:
Better Support
Knee braces are engineered to provide better support compared to tape. These braces can help stabilise the knee joint, thereby reducing the risk of further injury and promoting a more efficient recovery process.
User-friendliness
Knee braces can offer a significant advantage in terms of ease of use. Unlike taping, which requires precision and expertise, these braces can be easily applied and adjusted by the user, ensuring optimal support and comfort.
Durability and Reusability
Knee braces are designed for durability and reusability, making them a cost-effective solution. Unlike adhesive tape, which needs frequent replacement, a high-quality knee brace can provide long-term support with proper maintenance.
Types of Knee Braces
To cure a variety of knee injuries and issues, there are various types of knee braces that can heal, prevent, and manage pain. Although, with any medical decision, it’s best to consult with healthcare professionals before using a knee brace.
Functional Knee Braces
These braces were originally made for athletes recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and used for stability. As its name suggests, these are effective in returning users to functional activity after a ligament injury.
Rehabilitative Knee Braces
These braces are similar to function knee braces and assist in healing the knee and allow patients to gain mobility while reducing pain.
Unloader Braces
These help distribute and “unload” weight from the knee joint and are typically used for people suffering from osteoarthritis, a common knee condition in seniors.
Prophylactic Knee Braces
These braces are designed to protect the knee from ligament damage. Prophylactic knee braces are typically recommended for athletes like football players and aren’t designed for daily use.
Knee Sleeves
The knee sleeves made completely of fabric are thinner and less structured braces used to mitigate knee pain and improve chronic knee conditions.
Research indicates that knee braces can be beneficial for individuals with osteoarthritis, providing pain relief and improving function. However, the effectiveness can vary based on the type of brace and the specific condition being treated.
How to Choose the Right Knee Brace
You can consult the healthcare professional for the best braces for your particular knee injury or condition before you buy one for you. Although, there are some factors that you can consider while buying these braces:
Factors to Consider
Selecting a suitable knee brace involves considering factors such as size, material, and the required level of support. It is crucial to choose a brace that fits well and meets the specific needs of the user.
Personal Needs
Not to be mentioned, but the choice of a knee brace should also be guided by the individual’s personal needs and activities. For instance, athletes may require a different type of brace compared to individuals recovering from surgery.
Top Products Recommendation by Bodyassist
Here are the top Bodyassist product recommendations for your knee support needs:
Patella Stabilizer
This unique brace helps correct patella tracking and assists in relieving pain associated with jumper’s or runner’s knee.
Key Features
- Locks the knee cap down like TAPE.
- Once applied, it stays there.
- Unique 3-point tension system.
- Designed according to knee cap taping techniques.
- Allows force to be applied to the outer knee cap border.
- For general deficiency in knee cap tracking.
- For people who need to tape their knee caps.
- Quick to apply and comfortable.
- Ideal for chondromalacia patella, general aches and pains behind the knee, runner’s knee, bowler’s knee, patella bursitis, and patella migration.
- Anatomically shaped to provide orthopaedic support.
Deluxe Thermal X-LOCK Knee Wrap
This knee wrap is versatile, front opening, low-profile cartilage, and patella support with ligament straps.
Key Features
- Contoured thermal wrap with full adjustment and an optimum fit.
- Detached X-LOCK straps wrap over brace and lock down ligaments for improved patella support.
- Use in cases of non-specific knee pain, tendinitis, bursitis, and arthritic pain.
- Condyle pads may be re-applied in any position.
- Medial and lateral steel stays for added stability.
- Open patella helps relieve pressure over the knee cap.
- CR neoprene is 100% latex lightweight medical grade neoprene.
- Medoxylin liner provides thermal insulation, moisture draw capacity and air circulation to keep skin well oxygenated and comfortable.
- Vented back panel keeps things cool and lined for added comfort.
- Fits left or right, washable and hygienic.
Gel Knee Sports Support with Stability Strap Fit
Sports knee wrap made with Air Wick ventilated neoprene fabric with plush inner liner that provides comfort against the skin and instantly absorbs and evaporates perspiration.
Key Features:
- Wrap-around sleeve with 2 outer adjustment straps.
- Anatomically contoured 360° open patella gel cushion that helps relieve pressure and enhances knee cap stability.
- Snug fit, superior compression and extra confidence when worn.
- Designed to fit perfectly and packed with technology.
- Suits many sports applications.
- Adjustable closure with contoured design.
- Helps with non specific arthritis discomfort.
- Prevents slippage during strenuous activity.
- Helps to relax tendons and prevent muscle strain.
- One size fit, unisex, left or right, machine washable, hygienic.
Laced Hinged Patella Stabiliser Knee
A knee brace like no other. Wear it and immediately it becomes clear as to why this is the best knee brace you’ll ever wear. If you want the ultimate in comfort and support, then this is it. No need to look further.
Key Features:
- Triple lock system for varied pressure. C-shaped pressure pads surround and stabilize the patella.
- Brace includes 2 low profile support stays for lower level stabilisation and 2 multi-centric molded aluminium hinges for rigid hinged medio-lateral support.
- 100% soft cotton inner liner for a perfect soft touch feel.
- Nylon mesh outer layer securely fastens Velcro locks.
- Natural, hypo-allergenic and breathable materials.
- Neoprene free and latex FREE.
Why laces?
We lovingly call them ‘spaghetti’, but there’s a good reason for having them. Made from multiple corded strands, they work differently to common ‘single’ velcro straps. They allow blood to flow more freely, so we don’t get the typical ‘tourniquet’ effect that other braces deliver.
The experience of locking down a brace with laces feels very different. It hugs the body with an ’embracing connection and delivers improved fit with a better overall patient experience. Hence the name M-Brace.
Knee-IT Strap
This strap is designed by Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist Donald Fareed MD. To help correct patella tracking and relieve pain associated with jumper’s or runner’s knee and general patella pain.
Key Features:
- For minor relief of knee pain associated with arthritis, tendonitis and Chondromalacia Patella condition.
- Exerts concentrated pressure and compression over the patella tendon and into the joint liner, with Gentle pressure along the medial and lateral soft tissue.
- A contoured shape enables muscles and tendons to relax.
Patellofemoral Knee Brace
A comfortable knee cap realignment brace with lightweight breathability that feels great against the skin during workouts and activities. Micro-adjustable ReflexWing buttress realigns the knee cap, providing dynamic lateral support for common knee cap conditions.
Key Features:
- PowerLock straps and heat mouldable CustomFit hinges provide a customized fit.
- FlyWeight fabric is lightweight and breathable.
- Anti-Migration Tech minimizes migration.
- ReflexWing buttress for comfortable knee cap realignment.
- Durable and machine washable.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, it can be said that taping your knee can provide temporary support and relief, meanwhile, a knee brace offers a more effective and convenient solution for long-term knee health.
They are designed to provide consistent support, reduce pain, and prevent further injury, making them a superior choice for anyone dealing with knee issues.
So it’s time to say goodbye to the hassle of taping and embrace the comfort and stability that a knee brace provides. Your knees will thank you!
FAQs
1. Why should I use a knee brace instead of taping my knee?
Ans. Using a knee brace can provide consistent support, reduce pain, and prevent further injury more effectively than taping.
2. Can a knee brace be used for all types of knee injuries?
Ans. While knee braces can help with many common knee issues, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best type of brace for your specific condition.
3. Can I wear a knee brace during sports and physical activities?
Ans. Absolutely! Many knee braces are specifically designed for use during sports and physical activities. They provide the necessary support while allowing for a full range of motion.
4. How long should I wear a knee brace each day?
Ans. The duration of wearing a knee brace depends on your specific condition and the advice of your healthcare provider.
5. Can I use a knee brace if I have arthritis?
Ans. Yes, knee braces can be beneficial for people with arthritis. They help reduce pain and provide support, making it easier to perform daily activities.