Asking what is the best knee support is a very difficult question to answer, as it depends on the type of knee injury you are either trying to protect against or are currently recovering from. It can sometimes be a personal preference, as sports stars use a variety of manufacturers to manage pretty much the same type of injury.
This article looks at some of the types of knee braces available on the market and the best knee support to be used in each instance, from patella injuries to knee injuries to ligament damage.
It is worth bearing in mind that if you are unsure as to which is the best knee support for the condition you are looking to manage then you should speak with a clinician. Diagnosis is essential in being able to establish the best option for you, as they also manage different conditions.
Patella Band
The patella, or knee cap, is the small bone sitting at the front of the knee and acts as a lever for the Quadriceps muscle. The best knee support for patella injuries would be something like the BioSkin Q Baby Patella Band, a low profile support designed to offer compression to the affected area. The discreet band fits just below the patella, with the compression helping to manage pain and inflammation.
Hinged Knee Support
If you are looking for a somewhat generic knee brace which can cater for a variety of conditions such as sprains, tendonitis or osteoarthritis then the BioSkin Hinged Knee Support may be the best support for you.
The design of the brace allows compression to be managed by the wearer, with four different straps which can be adjusted as to the wearers own specific requirements. Some knee braces also have a buttress at the front which can also help to manage patella injuries. For a generic knee brace which offers adjustability then the Hinged Knee Support would be the best option.
Post Surgery Knee Braces
If you have just undergone knee surgery then the best knee support will be a specific design, something that will not be worn following full recovery, such as the Innovator DLX. This type of brace is designed to protect the knee following surgery by restricting movement, something which can be adjusted throughout the recovery period. By restricting movement it ensures the knee is not over extended at any point, something which may damage the knee joint.
The CTi knee brace
The CTi is one of the best options for managing the prevention of ligament damage through undertaking high impact or extreme sports. The knee brace is manufactured from carbon fibre and the rigid exoskeleton is specifically designed to protect the knee joint from impact damage.
The CTi is worn by professionals and amateurs alike, so they can have the confidence to push themselves further and harder without fear of ligament damage should they fall. Ligament damage typically results in surgery and up to one year on the sidelines which can be career threatening in some instances.
Unlike knee braces mentioned above which are designed for compression, the CTi is all about protection from impact and minimising unnatural movements, making it the best knee support to help protect against ACL / PCL / MCL / LCL injuries.
If you are ever in doubt as to which is the best knee support for you then you should consult a clinician who will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best knee support for protection or for rehabilitation.
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