Choosing which knee support [http://www.return2fitness.co.uk/Supports_And_Braces/Knee_Supports] to buy will depend on how much support you need, how much you want to spend and weather you have any specific injuries. Knee supports come in three types:
Hinged Knee Braces
Stabilized Knee Supports
Basic Knee Supports
Wrap around knee supports
Hinged Knee Braces
- A hinged knee brace [http://www.return2fitness.co.uk/Supports_And_Braces/Knee_Supports] contains metal reinforcements in the sides for maximum lateral (sideways) protection and support.
- Some knee braces use a geared hinge system in the middle which means the pivot point of the support moves as the knee bends (because the pivot point of the knee changes as it bends) providing a more snug fit.
- Suitable for - Moderate to bad knee joint injuries involving some ligament or cartilage damage, or some ligament instability.
Stabilized Knee Supports
- A stabilized knee support does not have solid metal parts but will have other features to provide extra support over the standard knee support - again helping to prevent sideways stress on the knee ligaments. Stabilized knee supports may have flexible steel springs sewn into the material at the side or may have elastic straps which wrap around the side for additional support.
- A stabilized knee support will provide less lateral support for the knee joint but will often be less bulky than a full hinged knee support.
- Non specific knee pain or injuries such as tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis or patella problems can benefit from protection with a stabilized knee support as well as minor ligament injuries. For patella problems a thicker buttress around the patella such as in the McDavid 421 patella knee brace can give additional support.
Basic Knee Supports
- A simple neoprene heat retainer will not usually have any additional springs, stays or supports. Some are open patella and have a hole for the kneecap to fit through. This can decreases the pressure on the kneecap or patella.
- A padded knee support will be closed and have additional padding over the patella to protect from knocks or minor impact as well as pressure from the ground when kneeling for long periods or landing on the knees for example in volleyball.
Wrap around knee supports
- Some knee supports are wrap around. This has the advantage that one size fits all. Often they will not give the same level of support as a fitted or sized knee support however they also have the advantage that compression can be increased by wrapping tighter for greater support.
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