Professional sports involves the use of various auxiliary equipment. The most vulnerable part can be called the knee, which experiences high stress during squats, long runs, and many other exercises.
You can eliminate the likelihood of injury by using a knee support. It is manufactured using special materials and is characterized by a large number of different features.
What is a knee support, why is it needed?
The support is a bandage that provides the knee and knee joints with moderate fixation. The special structure eliminates the likelihood of damage to the lateral links and meniscus.
Outwardly, the product resembles a tightening knee pad, which is made of various materials. In this case, fixation is provided in a natural way.
Operating principle
The knee joint is subjected to stress throughout life. At the time of training, the intensity of movement increases many times, the ligamentous apparatus may not cope with the task.
The principle of operation is based on the following:
- The product tightens the ligaments and muscles, supports them and protects them from excessive stress.
- Some versions protect the knee from environmental influences.
- The knee pad reduces the tension in the knee joint.
- It has a cushioning effect.
- Applied materials keep the knee warm. This speeds up the recovery process.
The product is quite simple, but at the same time it is suitable for various applications. Moreover, in some cases, its use may be prescribed by a specialist.
The benefits of a bandage
The product in question has a fairly large number of advantages that must be taken into account.
The benefits of a bandage are as follows:
- Relief of symptoms of the disease.
- Prevention of knee injury.
- Acceleration of the recovery procedure after surgery.
- Normalization of blood circulation to ensure stable tissue nutrition.
- Reducing the likelihood of edema.
- Reducing fatigue, eliminating the likelihood of inflammation.
- Providing conditions for traffic.
The above information indicates that the bandage can be used in a wide variety of applications.
Types of calipers
There are a huge number of different products.
According to the Orlett classification, all fixing devices are divided into several groups:
- Functional.
- Compressor rooms.
- Stage.
- Stable.
In some cases, it is recommended to contact a specialist to select the most suitable product.
Soft
In the manufacture of soft versions, elastic fabrics are used. Their purpose is to reduce the degree of stress.
The product has an additional seal in the patella area. Such models do not restrict movement, they can provide fixation of the knee in the required position.
Semi-rigid
This option is required in order to reduce the likelihood of a movement leading to injury. In this case, the product allows you to move in space without restriction.
For fixing, fasteners, belts, side tires are created. They fix the position of the knee in the desired position.
Hard
In some cases, it is necessary to fully fix the limb in the joint. Rigid options are used only in case of severe damage to the knee joint.
To ensure the required level of rigidity, hinge adjusters, stiffeners, tires are used. In many ways, the design provides the fixation that is possible when creating plaster.
What material is the bandage made of?
A relatively small number of materials are suitable for the product in question.
Most often used:
- Wool. In the manufacture of cheap products, a dog is used, as it provides a reliable fixation.
- Cotton. This option is characterized by high strength and elasticity, can be washed if necessary.
- Synthetic fabrics. They are highly resilient, have small pores and can last for a long period.
- Neoprene. This material provides a secure knee fixation in any sport. Neoprene retains heat and can absorb water. Moreover, the material serves for a long period.
The effectiveness of the bandage is ensured by choosing the right product.
Caliper Selection Tips
The choice of a support is carried out according to various criteria.
The most important selection criteria are the following:
- Knee size. According to this indicator, there are a large number of bandages on sale.
- The degree of physical activity. With high activity, you need to acquire rigid options that do not allow the possibility of unnecessary movements.
The purchased bandage should fit the joint, as well as allow air to pass through and not create discomfort during movement. If you experience discomfort, it is not recommended to wear the product, as this may worsen the condition of the knee.
Manufacturers, cost
Various companies are engaged in the production of the product in question.
The most widespread are the following options:
- LP.
- Torres.
- Medi.
- ASO.
- Cramer.
- MedSpecs
The knee pad under consideration can be purchased at a price of 2 to 7 thousand Russian rubles. The most popular are products from the LP brand. They have a large number of positive reviews.
Contraindications to use
Experts identify several reasons why it is not recommended to purchase and wear the product in question:
- The emergence of dermatological diseases.
- Allergic reaction to the material that was used in the manufacture of the product.
- Violations of the integrity of blood vessels.
- The appearance of ulcers.
- Inflammatory processes that have affected the knee joint.
If the condition worsens, it is recommended to consult a specialist. Some joint problems cause an athlete to be unable to walk.
How to use and care properly?
The product in question is easy to use.
Among the recommendations for use and care are the following:
- It must be worn in such a way that the material fits snugly to the surface.
- Grooming involves periodic washing and cleaning of the surface.
- Some options are represented by a combination of rigid clamps. Each time you examine them, you need to pay attention to their condition.
Do not forget that the manufacturer indicates recommendations for the use and care of the product. Some materials cannot be exposed to water and washing powder or other cleaning agents.
If the knee is injured, it is not recommended to play sports. This is due to the fact that even short-term loads can cause deterioration. The use of a bandage accelerates recovery and reduces the likelihood of serious injury.
