In the United States, football is the king of contact sports. Unfortunately, competing in this competitive sport can lead to football-related injuries. One of the more common football injury is a knee injury, especially torn ACLs. In order to protect yourself, it is important to understand how common injuries occur, how to prevent football injuries, and how to recover from them. By actively taking steps to protect yourself as you enter football season, you will be able to decrease chances of injury. Whether you are a weekend warrior, high school player or collegiate athlete, look up to the pros as players in the NFL also trust knee braces for protection. Learn about the different knee braces available and find the best football knee brace for your position and need.
Studies have shown that if a football player wears a knee brace for protective reasons it will significantly reduce knee injuries. Some people believe that wearing a brace might decrease their movement and performance on the field, however, with how advanced the technology of these braces has become, most players do not see any effect on their performance.
Football players may be interested in wearing a brace for two different reasons. The first is to prevent an injury from occurring in the first place. The second is after the injury has already occurred and the play is ready to get back out and play. The injured aspect of the knee may not be as strong as before so the knee brace is there to provide support. There is also the mental aspect of support when wearing a brace. Knowing that the support is there for you, allows you to play the game you love at ease.
Why do football players need braces?
There are a few reasons that football players are highly vulnerable to knee injuries. It is a very high contact sport so the chances of another players hitting the side of your knee with great force in high. The sport itself also involves a lot of sudden stopping and starting, pivoting and twisting. All these movements put the player at risk of a knee injury. So if you are comparing the pros and cons of wearing a knee brace during football then the fact that the brace can be worn with no effect on performance and help decrease the risk of injury is a great reason to take the extra step in protecting your body.
Common football injuries-- ACL/MCL Injury
The most common injuries to the knee are an ACL tear, MCL tear, and meniscus tear. The MCL is located on the inner side of the knee and works with the LCL to restrict unusual movement of the knee sideways. The ACL is located inside the knee and more forward then the PCL. The ACL and PCL form an X within the knee and their role is to restrict and control forward and backward movement.
There are many studies that show if your foot gets stuck while your body goes a different direction, believe it or not, you'll create much more force than if you're hit from contact explains Muñoz. Players injured by direct contact tend to get ligament injuries that are associated with fractures.
ACL injuries can occur from either direct contact to the knee usually a lateral blow to the knee. This is typically seen in football and includes associated injuries to the MCL and Meniscus. The ACL can also be torn during non-contact activities. The athlete usually reports running down the field quickly stopping, changing directions and feeling a pop.
The meniscus of the knee is also referred to as the cartilage on the knee. Tears in the meniscus often occur with twisting movements or deep squats. A hard blow and direct contact to the knee is another common way to injure the menisci. If you tear the meniscus then there is a chance of also injuring a ligament of the knee at the same time.
ONCE THE SWELLING AND PAIN ARE CONTROLLED
Work on range of motion (about a week after initial injury), which should be near normal except for extreme ranges. Athletes should then work on strengthening the injury, progressing from isometrics (no movement) to concentric (shortening) and eccentric (lengthening) movements.
With the right recovery program and bracing, athletes can return to their pre-injury state. "It's normal for the football player to be better the second year back." The first year back athletes are still strengthening the ACL, but the second year back it should have it's strength back.
An offensive lineman for a school at any level is in jeopardy of getting this valgus blow (a blow to the outside of the knee while the foot is planted). Without a high-quality knee brace to protect the knee it is probably a matter of time before such an injury occurs as the lineman receives a hit like this. The exposure time in practice has increased and this type of protection has even crossed over to the defensive linemen in most Division 1 programs.
Assuming it's a relatively isolated ACL injury, 95 percent of athletes can return to the same pre-injury level.
TREOLO BEGAN KNEE BRACING HIS LINEMEN IN 1999
After Treolo began bracing, the MCL injury was all but eliminated. There were few who had MCL/ACL injuries, and were less severe, making for a quicker recovery than before he began bracing his athletes.
I only had one linemen over the next 11 seasons get surgery from a practice or game related knee injury. "I use the Defiance made by DJO. This brace is commonly used following surgeries for ACL and MCL, but using it prophylactically for linemen is becoming part of today's uniform.
An injury to any of the ligaments in the knee mentioned above may require having to get surgery. This is why purchasing a high quality knee brace to try and prevent injury is a great idea.
How can a knee brace help?
These types of braces are specially designed to reduce the amount of force and strain that is being placed on the soft tissue of the knee, like the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. If the brace contains a hinge then that hinge is designed to allow the knee joint to move through its natural range of motion but still restrict the knee when it is moving into a high risk position. If you are recovering from a previous injury then the brace should also contain some sort of leverage system that will decrease the amount on strain being placed on the ligament that was injured.
Here are some of the best knee braces for football:
Designed to provide stability and support following injury or reconstruction of the ACL/MCL/PCL/LCL, The knee brace features a lightweight sturdy frame lined with durable soft goods for the combination of optimum support and comfort. This is the perfect brace for those active patients needing additional support during recovery and sports.
Indications:
● Knee instability due to anterior and/or posterior cruciate ligament ( ACL/MCL/PCL/LCL injuries )
● To restrict the range of motion after reconstructive surgery
● Recommended for low to medium impact sports
DonJoy Armor Knee Brace
About the Product
Treat or prevent moderate to severe ACL instabilities, recovery from ACL reconstructions, and hyperextension prevention
Designed for athletes involved in extreme or contact sports, who don’t want to sacrifice speed
Many collegiate football teams require their linemen to wear this knee brace because it is so successful at preventing ACL injuries
Sleek, low-profile knee brace made with a strong aircraft-grade aluminum frame
Helps improve your natural gait by applying progressive resistance before reaching a firm end point during movement
Orthomen Functional ACL Knee Brace
About the Product
Knee instability due to anterior and/or posterior cruciate ligament ( ACL/PCL/LCL injuries )
To restrict the range of motion after reconstructive surgery
Recommended for low to medium impact sports
Hypoallergenic silicone-grip strap pads for anti-migration
Concentric condyle pads correspond to bilateral femoral condyles.
Numbered straps provide desirable counter force and adjust optimal size.
Designed to provide stability and support following injury or reconstruction of the ACL/PCL/LCL, The Functional ACL Knee Brace features a lightweight sturdy frame lined with durable soft goods for the combination of optimum support and comfort. This is the perfect brace for those active patients needing additional support during recovery.
Almost every move in football can lead to some sort of injury, from rushing and catching to tackling and throwing, be it from overuse or sudden impact. Injuries happen.
While there are many ongoing changes to the sport to prevent injuries, due to the impact and wear and tear on the body, young athletes can put themselves in harm's way if they don't take the necessary precautions to prevent such pain.
The key to injury prevention is to well prepare your body for the worst.
CONTACT INJURIES ARE A LITTLE DIFFERENT.
You can only prepare your body so much. But if someone tackles you and you fall hard, the wrong way, you can do some damage to your body. Having the right equipment and support is key to prevent such injuries.
Specifically speaking about the knee; training the knee to stay out of the "at risk" position is key. ACL tears occur when the knee is extended and rotated and if we can train our body's to stay in a bent knee position that will significantly reduce the risk of a ligament injury.
Football is a high-intensity, contact sport that has a high injury rate. Protect your body when you play. We have braces for football players to protect the most-injured joints, from knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist braces and more. Whether you are a football linemen, a receiver, safety or any other position, we have braces to protect you without impacting performance.
Related:
How To Choose One Best Type Of Knee Brace For Your Knee Pain?
36 comments
Wardell McGee jr
Knee replacement medical records
Rachel A. Halfant
@Orthomen My son needed these for his knees because he was starting to have knee issues with some of the martial arts he was engaging in coupled with weight lifting. These helped to take pressure off the knees so he is able to workout effectively.
Dominic Peduto
Perfect for me knee which tends to act up when training for a race.
RP Delco
Great for aching knees. Bought 1 for my knee with a surgically repaired knee (ACL & Meniscus). I use it daily and it worked so well, I bought a second for my “good” knee.
They really help reduce the pain for what I use them for which is, light exercise, walking, cycling, working around the house and daily use when my pins are aching.
Good product that is comfortable and has held up well so far.
King Elvis
@Orthomen I am amazed with this product, I exercise five days a week, start having problems with my right knee, I saw your product and decided to give it a try, it really works!! Thanks
Bernadette Sides
@Orthomen I was very pleased with the product. My husband is having a good result with the use. I also want to leave my compliment with the service, I requested the return of the first purchase, because the size was not suitable and everything went smoothly.
Javier
@Donjoy good product
Debbie Catz
This fit great and apply the needed brace after ACL knee surgery. It really relieve pain when walking through schools all day as a teacher. Thanks
Katy Govier
@Orthomen I’m in my early 60’s, very active, but have an old ACL injury that came back to haunt me last year. I tried a number of different braces/compression products, but this one WORKS. I’m back to my previous activity levels without the prior pain and discomfort. I’d recommend it to anyone.
Pamela Gould
I injured my knee working with a dog training client. I did some research and decided to try this brace. I got it today have been wearing it for a couple of hours and already my knee is feeling better. Very comfortable.
Mentor Frangu
I bought this knee brace to support my knee while playing softball. It works well and is worth the money I paid for it.
David Olson
I ordered my first Orthomen knee brace. The brace stayed in place with a full day of activity & the support was so good that I ordered my wife. She was just as happy. About a week after I ordered my first brace I ordered a second brace for myself. Thank you for the best knee support I have ever had!
Stacia Wells
@Orthomen This brace provides the perfect amount of support for my knee to feel more stabilized when working out. The material is quite thin, so it is not bulky & doesn’t slide or need much readjusting. It works very well.
Kimberly Huckabee
@Orthomen Ordered these for my daughter for basketball. Great support and made well.
Robert Green
@Orthomen Super comfortable! Forgot about my knee completely while playing softball!
John Southard
@orthomen fits well – works well.
E. Grant
Just what I needed. This brace provides great support and flexibility that allows me to feel supported while doing cardio. Great product and I will be getting another one to use for the gym, and one to keep at home.
Siarhei Papou
@Orthomen My husband says it’s Very comfortable to wear! He’s had two knee surgeries on his left knee that left his knee with recurring pain. He says this sleeve is a big help with that pain. With it’s help, he’s able to ski and hike up the mountains comfortably. He says it doesn’t completely eliminate the pain, but it does significantly reduce it.
Tom Manon
Great product. Accurate sizing ! Recommended this knee support for ACL tear. Comfortable and it works fine.
Carlos Aranda
Comfortable and flexible playing soccer with no problem.
Tracee E Kneeland
Orthomen Functional ACL Knee Brace a great product. It fits well and is comfortable to wear all day. I had tried a drugstore brand brace that did not provide nearly as much support as this does.
John Wiggins
Fit’s well, using to support my knee while I ride my bike. I noticed it, Not only do they provide my knee with great comfort but also after riding.
Juan Pinto
Best knee brace for someone who is into demanding sports. I play tennis and soccer plus I run 3 to 5 miles twice in the week and I got no problem with it. It provides stability and support. I had an ACL surgery two years ago and I jive been going trough different braces and had many thrown to the garbage because I couldn’t get what I really wanted. But this is best one.
Ruth Smith
I just had to take a minute to tell you THANK YOU for all the help in choosing a brace for my son. After surgery and therapy on his ACL the brace given to him by the Dr. was great, but his mobility and comfort was limited. After speaking with one of your experts he narrowed it down to the brace we ordered. Wow! I actually got it the day of his first game. He put it on and it felt like a second skin and he said “I feel like my old self”. He played the game of his life and look forward to a wonderful season for him. He wears the Dr.’s brace all week during practice and wears yours for games.
Mr. N. T. Blackman
I bought this to replace a Donjoy Goldpoint brace which I used for many years (I used it for skiing after completely rupturing a medial knee ligament playing rugby). The Donjoy did its job very well but it was very bulky and rather awkward. – The Orthomen is basically similar in design (i.e there are sturdy metal hinges on either side of the knee joint) but it smaller more, comfortable to wear and appears to be of good quality, and it is more cheaper.
I wore the Orthomen for the first time to go skiing this morning and I am completely satisfied with it. The snow conditions were quite difficult but I felt complete confidence in my new purchase.
Karen PP
This functional brace is identical to the one my mother has had on her other leg for years. The local home equipment supply wanted twice the price for the similar item. Thanks for being there to help.
Gringo A La Carte
Football is a very brutal sport and over the years can take a toll on your knees and ankles, lineman in particular. If you play football and are a lineman or if you are just looking for ACL knee support, invest in orthomen ACL brace. It is sturdy and feels like it can resist a lot of pressure and great price!
generic
i am going to have ACL reconstruction very soon…..would anyone know how long will it take for me to walk properly after the surgery without crutches?
Armstrong
I have a meniscus problem and this knee brace works great, I run 6 to 9 miles three times a week and thought I would have to give up running, this brace has given me new hope. I now wear it every day, no discomfort what so ever.
Jacob
This Orthomen brace is comfortable and extremely supportive. The silicon neoprene liner is quite comfortable and the velcro is durable / adjusts easily. The metal frame seems to be made of a strong lightweight type aluminum. Does the job for me at my weekly pickup football game two years out from ACL repair.
Grant
I had ACL and meniscus surgery about 7 months ago and am very active- I’ve had a couple of braces and really haven’t been satisfied, and let me say, this brace is AMAZING. I finally feel confident when running and working out!!! I literally couldn’t stop running the first time I put this on. I finally am starting to get my confidence back. I ordered the XL and it fits perfect. Make sure you measure before you buy, and purchase the size bigger if you are in question. Thank you so much
Christopher Nguyen
I tore my ACL and meniscus in high school playing soccer at the beginning of my senior year of high school. I had to watch my team win and make it all the way to the state championship game. Nothing was harder than not being able to contribute or take part. Back then I didn’t know too much about physical therapy and didn’t take it as seriously as I didn’t have much support from family during my recovery process. This took a toll on me physically and psychologically to the point where I didn’t play the game I loved for years.
Fast forward a couple years through college and post undergrad I still can’t play soccer confidently and my strikes are no where near as powerful as the were pre surgery. I’ve gone through so many braces, sleeves, kinesiology tape, you name it to find more support and comfort that it has just become exhausting and expensive. I still find mobility is an issue and during the game I am always doubting the stability within my knee. I feel I will always be a step under my past potential until i can feel comfortable that my knee has the support it needs.
After finding this site and reading all the success stories I would love to give bracelayer a try and finally find a product that works. Thanks!
Sue Bee
After stretching my ACL I needed stability to get around and wanted something better than the ones I had. It has provided great stability and is comfortable and easy to put on. I was excited to see this type of brace available and it arrived in two days!
Grant
I had ACL and meniscus surgery about 7 months ago and am very active- I’ve had a couple of braces and really haven’t been satisfied, and let me say, this brace is AMAZING. I finally feel confident when running and working out!!! I literally couldn’t stop running the first time I put this on. I finally am starting to get my confidence back. I ordered the XL and it fits perfect. Make sure you measure before you buy, and purchase the size bigger if you are in question. Thank you so much
Rose Mend
I tore up my knees racing motorcycles 6 months ago. this orthomen brace keeps me from have to have surgery
T.R. Lord
My 18 year old Senior football player has a radial tear in his left meniscus and he was adamant that he wants to play his final HS year. His doctor prescribed the Playmaker and he is back on the field, pain level 1- 2(minor discomfort) without pain mess. Well worth the money for Orthomen functional ACL knee brace. Surgery will come after the season is done.
