Football is a high-impact sport that involves many tackles, blocks and collisions. As a result, football players are susceptible to many injuries, including knee injuries. These injuries can keep players sidelined for extended periods of time, and can also cause long-term knee pain during games, practices and everyday life. Alleviating pain, provide protection and return to the game more quickly by using a strong support knee brace.
Common Knee Injuries
Knee injuries in football are not only the result of direct collisions, and can occur as the result of running, sudden stopping, sudden pivoting and constant changes in direction on the playing field. Knee injuries can affect the ligaments, cartilage and bone of your knee joint. Common knee injuries include tearing to your anterior cruciate ligament, a medical collateral ligament injury, tearing of your posterior cruciate ligament or cartilage damage, also known as a meniscus tear. Your knee is also susceptible to strains, dislocations and fractures, as well as overuse injuries such as tendinitis and bursitis.
Prophylactic Knee Braces
Prophylactic knee braces protect your medial collateral ligament against excessive stresses, and are extremely beneficial in reducing the risk of re-injury to your MCL. These braces are also very supportive of your anterior cruciate ligament. Prophylactic knee braces help to enhance your balance and provide a sense of security if you have sustain knee injuries in the past.
Functional Knee Braes
Functional knee braces help to reduce the movement of your ACL, and can help you return to the game following ACL repair surgery. This type of knee brace also provides mild support for your PCL and MCL. However, you may experience decreased agility as the result of wearing a functional knee brace.
Patellofemoral Knee Braces
Patellofemoral knee braces can support the front portion of your knee. They provide support for patellar dislocations as well as tendinitis. This type of brace works to improve the stability of your knee as you flex and extend your knee. They can decrease pain, provide confidence and help improve the overall functioning of your knee. Note that this brace can cause skin irritation and lesions, so only wear it when you experience pain or other knee problems.
