Which one should I choose: a knee brace or a knee support?
Generally, knee supports are best as a preventative and protective brace for those doingphysical activity. They may be slightly tighter than knee braces and may have better moisture-wicking properties.
Knee braces are best for people who have had a knee injury in the past or are currentlydealing with one. They may be more comfortable, especially for extended hours and can beused on a day-to-day basis as well as for sports and activity.
We recommend knee braces for those who have previous or current knee injuries andknee supports for those who are looking to prevent injuries.
What is the difference between a knee brace and knee support?
There are so many options when choosing a knee brace. We understand that you are feeling overwhelmed; this article will guide you through. Whether you need a knee brace for a ligament injury, meniscus tear, or just want support for added stability during exercise, we are committed to helping you find the most suitable product.
One of the main questions you may be asking yourself is: what is the difference between aknee brace and a knee support? The short answer is, anything without a hinge or amechanical feature like a BOA closure system is considered a support.
A knee support is able to be slipped on right over your knee. The main function of a kneesupport is to provide compression, reduce swelling and aid in muscle fatigue. Additionalknee supports may offer additional support around the patella and knee joint, minimisingpain for mild arthritis and meniscus injuries. Knee supports tend to be discrete and can comfortably be worn under clothes.
Knee braces, on the other hand, tend to be more mechanical in nature. They help stabilisethe knee joint and protect the knee from any more injuries. Thereis a wide range of kneebraces, all catering to different conditions that you may have. Usually a doctor or a specialistwill recommend you wear a knee brace when recovering from an injury. Knee braces tend to guide the natural movement of the knee, allowing individuals to regain their strength and full range of motion.
Types of knee braces and their features
Hinged Knee Brace
Joint splits on the side of the brace can guide the knee joint inconjunction with adjustable tension straps for a secure fit. Hinged knee braces also limitexcessive twisting and lateral/medial movements of the knee whilst still keeping fullflexion/extension to aid in rehabilitation, especially if suffering from meniscus injuries, jointinstability or arthritis.
Some hinged braces, such as the GenuTrain S, also incorporatemedical-grade compression to reduce swelling and pain.
Unloader
An unloader brace such as the GenuTrain OA,which has a support component as wellas an unloader brace component, will provide noticeable relief for osteoarthritis, cartilagebone lesions, meniscal lesions, osteonecrosis and bone bruising. It works by reducing thebone-on-bonecontact with a mechanical BOA closure system. A brace such as this one willalso reduce swelling throughmedical-grade compression as well as improvesensorimotor function. Other unloader braces, such as the SecuTec Genu,with a metal frameand a four-point principle, offer comprehensive stabilisation following ACL, PCL or complexligament injuries. This type of brace providestool-free limitation and immobilisation of thejoint.
Read More:
Types of knee supports and their features
Knee Support
These provide relief and stabilisation of the knee joint thanks to targetedactivation of the muscles stabilising the joint. They can provide mild pain relief to meniscus.Supports can aid in the metabolism of the knee’s self-healing process is they have astimulating effect on the infrapatellar fat pads (protective cushion underneath your knee cap). With stimulation of the mechanical sensors, you can improve coordination, sensorimotor function and movement patterns. Some knee support such as the GenuTrain also has targeted compression which can accelerate a reduction in swelling and oedema.
Read More: Product Spotlight – GenuTrain
Sports compression knee support
Knee Supports such as the sports compression kneesupportare designed to boost performance rather than aid in an injury. It can incorporatemedical-gradecompression to reduce muscle spasms and fatigue. Compression supportscan increase the supply of oxygen to the area to improve muscle endurance and decreasemuscle fatigue. However, please note that compression supports are not suitable for kneeinjuries.
Read More: Is Compression an Elite Athlete’s Secret Weapon?
