Knee Pain: Should I use a strap or brace?

When it comes to deciding the best way to treat knee pain, the options can feel overwhelming. Generally, there are two main forms of knee support: the knee strap and the knee brace. Each has its own set of benefits. Below are the key differences and some tips on which one will manage your knee pain.

Knee injury and the cause of pain

The main point of difference is the type of injury you have. Wearing a knee strap is great for simpler injuries like runner’s knee, jumper’s knee, patellofemoral pain and mild aches under the knee. 

If you’re dealing with something more severe, looking to manage swelling, or anything else that’s giving you trouble, bracing is the best option.

When will you be wearing the knee support?

When you wear knee support, the type of brace you wear is almost as important as the type of brace itself. Whether it’s a knee strap or brace, if you have had a knee injury, you should always wear support when exercising or playing sports. This will prevent further injury and treat any current issues or pain. 

One big advantage of a knee brace over a knee strap is that it will also help speed up recovery, especially with something like the GenuTrain. Due to its flexible design, the GenuTrain knee brace can be worn during exercise to minimise fatigue and pain. It can also be worn post-exercise to help promote recovery and reduce swelling. 

Comfort and materials are important

Comfortable support is essential when treating an injury, especially if you’re looking to stay active while you’re recovering. Many support items on the market are initially effective but increasingly uncomfortable, made from neoprene and other thick, overheating materials. Knee straps typically last longer due to their simple and minimal design, but again, many lose their effectiveness due to cheaper materials. 

Bauerfeind has a distinct advantage in this area. The difference is a special viscoelastic gel and breathable weave, allowing easy and comfortable all-day wear. 

This means that where a full brace would normally be too uncomfortable, the Bauerfeind knee brace can help. Our knee braces and knee straps are German-designed and engineered, using the highest-quality materials. They provide instant relief and are highly durable.

Wearing knee support for constant pain

Whether you are recovering from injury, or you suffer from knee pain every day - due to your job or an old injury - it’s essential to be able to recover and find relief without the treatment interrupting your lifestyle. 

The Sports Knee Strap is fairly discreet and comes in a range of colours, so it can be worn with whatever outfit you’re wearing that day.

Knee braces tend to be larger and cover the whole knee. However, Bauerfeind uses a special flat knit weave with a perfect fit, which means a GenuTrain knee brace can be worn underneath most clothes without being visible.