Runner with a sore knee: Definitive Guide to Knee Supports

Your knees are the largest and often most used joints in your whole body. With the majority of joint problems occurring in the knees, understanding how to treat a knee injury is crucial to a full recovery. To help you navigate the world of knee supports and braces, we’ve created a full definitive guide for you as an easy to use e-book.

Here are some of the key points it covers: 

How does the knee work?

To understand why supports and braces are important, we’re going to give you a quick knee anatomy 101.

The Femur (thigh bone) connects to the Tibia (shin bone) with a layer of cartilage like material called the meniscus sitting between them, acting as a foundation for stable movement and rotation.

The Patella (kneecap) sits in front of this joint to help protect this part of the knee as well as keep it moving properly. Finally, these three bones are all joined together by a series of ligaments, tendons and other muscles that guide and stabilise the knee in all its movements.

What types of knee supports are there?

While there are a wide range of supports and braces available, and the e-book goes into full detail, here’s a quick summary of each type:

  • Sleeve: Made of a compressive fabric that sits around the knee, it’s designed to relieve and stabilise the muscles and boost blood flow and muscle activity. Ideal for milder issues and injury prevention during sport and exercise. Try the GenuTrain.
  • Wrap: Similar to a sleeve, it uses velcro or buckles to fasten to the knee. Not as effective as a sleeve, but useful for people who have low range of motion or mobility.
  • Hinged brace: These supports use a rigid hinge support on either side of the knee to prevent over-rotating or hyperextension. This is ideal for more serious injuries, especially to the ligaments or meniscus, and protects the joint during recovery. Try the GenuTrain S Hinged Brace.
  • Unloader: These supports are usually larger and have more rigid components, and are designed to completely minimise pressure on the knee joint itself. These are ideal for osteoarthritis, severe meniscus injury and post-op recovery. Try the GenuTrain OA.
  • Immobiliser: These supports are designed to prevent the knee from moving, either in certain directions or from moving at all. These are suited to treating and stabilising traumatic injury, as well as assisting in recovery post-op.
  • Strap: These are not technically a brace but are often used in the treatment of minor knee issues. These are suitable for irritation of the patellar tendon and stabilising the kneecap in minor tracking issues.

Bauerfeind have a wide range of knee supports for virtually every single knee issue and injury there is. To learn more about how to find the right brace for your injury, download our Definitive Guide to Knee Braces

Bauerfeind knee support

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Bauerfeind products are developed at our innovation and manufacturing facility in Zeulenroda, Germany. Based on years of scientific research, our award-winning braces and support garments are highly recommended by medical professionals and athletes worldwide.

For assistance selecting the right product for your needs, book a video consultation with a Bauerfeind expert: Book Video Call, or call us on 1300 668 466

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