Knee braces are devices worn by athletes to prevent injury to the knee joint or support the knee after an injury. A goaltender wearing a brace during a game must have the ability to maintain agility and speed. Regardless of the position played, the type of knee brace required by the athlete depends on the activity and the type of injury to be supported or prevented.
Prophylactic Braces
Prophylactic knee braces are designed to prevent or reduce the severity of knee injuries sustained during games or other sport activities. Prophylactic knee braces reduce stress on the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament and medial collateral ligament. Depending on the amount of support necessary, this type of brace can be made of sleeves of stretchy material, hinges, bars and/or adhesive straps.
Functional Braces
Functional knee braces protect unstable, weak or injured knees from further injury. Depending on the type of injury, functional knee braces are designed to support the specific injured ligament or ligaments. This type of brace is especially important to goaltenders who are required to twist, jump, pivot and change directions quickly. Functional knee braces are most often made of a stretchy material with metal hinges on the sides of the knee to control motion.
Rehabilitative Braces
Knee braces designed to allow only controlled movement of the joint for rehabilitation exercises are called rehabilitative braces. This type of brace is most commonly used for two to eight weeks after surgery or a severe injury. Most athletes cannot participate in full activities wearing a rehabilitative brace because motion is very limited. These braces are prescribed by physicians to allow the joint to heal without restricting all motion.
Considerations
Knee joints are a large joint that can be placed under enormous stress during exercise and sports. Injuries to the knee can have an adverse affect on activities of daily living and sports activities. Consult a doctor in order to find the appropriate knee brace for the goaltending injury.
