Knee straps are used by some athletes who lift heavy weights. Knee straps — and other such types of lifting equipment — are intended to be used to help support the body part affected during lifting and to increase the amount of weight the person is able to lift. Powerlifters use knee straps to reduce the chances of injury. Discuss your weightlifting regimen with your doctor, and seek advice on knee wraps and other forms of support.
Construction
Knee wraps are made from stretchy, man-made materials. Actual materials vary manufacturer — for example, Maximuscle brand wraps use a material called Elasticon, while Schiek brand wraps are made from a cotton-elastic blend. Some wraps have a hook-and-loop, Velcro-type closure; non-closure wraps require you to tuck in the loose end to secure it.
Wrapping Method
The most important aspect of wrapping your knees is how tightly you wrap. You need to make sure the wraps are tight enough to provide support, but not so tight that they restrict blood flow. Roll the wraps before you begin wrapping, for ease of use. Sit down and extend your left leg until it is almost straight, but keep it relaxed. Take one of the rolls and place the loose end of the wrap behind your knee just below the joint. Stretch the wrap a little bit as you wrap it around your leg. This makes sure that the wrap is snug, but not tight. You will probably have to experiment to see what suits you best. Make sure you wrap over the end so that it is secure. Unroll the wrap as you wind it around your knee, moving up the leg as you go. Unroll until the upper part of your knee is covered, and continue wrapping until the bottom part of your lower thigh is covered. You don't want to cover too much of your thigh or calf, but this is personal preference. If your wrap has hook-and-loop attachment, secure the wrap when finished. Otherwise, tuck in the loose end of the wrap securely and stand up to test the wrap job. Stand up straight, bend into a squat and make sure you have full range of motion. If it seems suitable, repeat the process on your other leg.
Considerations
Ensure that the wraps you choose stretch out to at least 20 feet, because the more times you can wrap your knee, the more support the wrap will offer. Choose wraps made from the heaviest possible fabrics with the proper amount of stretch, because lightweight fabrics offer less protection and support. Do not buy bulky, under-elasticized wraps, because they won't do you much good, other than to impede your range of motion and increase your risk of injury.
Caution
Always use a spotting partner. Never try to lift heavy weights if you have injured yourself, because this may cause further injury. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy during a lift, pass the weight off to your partner and take a break. Make sure you breathe properly throughout each lift. Holding your breath during a lift can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels.
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