Knee Strap Vs Knee Brace: what's the difference?

When it comes to taking care of your knees there are so many options available that it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when selecting which one is right for your pain. Two of the most common types of knee support are a strap or a brace. To assist with knowing what's what, here is a knee strap vs knee brace: what's the difference?

Firstly, what is the injury?

The main purpose of each knee support will depend on the type of injury you’re looking to treat.

Wearing a knee strap is great for more simple injuries like Runner’s Knee, Jumper’s Knee, patellofemoral pain and mild aches under the knee.

If you’re dealing with something more severe, are managing knee swelling, or anything else that’s giving you trouble, wearing a brace is the best call.

Learn more: 5 tips for taking care of your knees.

Knee strap vs knee brace: what's the difference?

When will it be worn:

With knee support, when it's worn is almost as important as the product itself. Generally speaking, it's beneficial to wear either a strap or brace during exercise, sports or any physical activity where you’re putting strain on the leg.

However, while a strap is good for active use, a brace has key benefits in its all-day use.

Wearing a knee brace both during and after activity will assist the muscles around the knee to recover faster.

This means that if you’re treating an injury, it will heal faster. And if you’re looking to prevent an injury, wearing the brace as you warm down will provide added protection. 

Bauerfeind Knee Brace

Comfort is important

Wearing a comfortable support is particularly important if you are required to keep active during recovery. 

Many options are initially effective but become increasingly uncomfortable over time because they're made from neoprene and other thick overheating materials.

Because of this, often people will choose to wear a smaller strap that doesn’t make them sweat and get uncomfortable.

Bauerfeind use a special viscoelastic gel and breathable weave in all their straps and braces, to allow for easy and comfortable all-day wear. This means where normally a full brace would be too uncomfortable, Bauerfeind has your knee feeling great!

Bauerfeind knee strap vs knee brace: what's the difference?

Lifestyle factors:

Even when injured, we want to be able to keep going without the treatment interrupting our lifestyle. Knee straps are generally fairly simple and small, meaning they easily fit almost any lifestyle. 

A knee brace tends to be larger and cover your whole knee and can often only be worn with certain clothing. However Bauerfeind knee braces uses a special flat knit weave with a perfect fit which means you can wear it underneath your normal clothes all-day, without any problems.

How durable they are:

While knee braces are able to treat a wide range of issues, most that you find in the chemist tend to wear out quickly, losing their elasticity and coming apart after a short period of time. 

Knee straps are generally durable due to their simple and minimal design.

Overall, while each have their advantages, in the majority of cases a knee brace is the best choice, especially if the knee has been injured. 

What’s most important, is to look for high quality materials which can appropriately support your knee and reduce the immediate pain.

Do you have private health? Most private health extras will cover Bauerfeind Products, check to see if yours is includedBauerfeind Private Health Insurance Inquiry

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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