Basketball is a sport that requires a series of movements, including running, jumping and shuffling. These fast, powerful movements, however, increase your potential for injuries and knee pain. As a result, some basketball players choose to wear knee braces in an attempt to help with knee pain. The safety, stability and pain relief from the knee brace can return your intensity level and performance back to normal.
Function
The primary function of a knee brace is to add stability to the joint to reduce knee pain and the potential for injuries. The pain relief causes some basketball players to wear knee braces all the time. All of the running, jumping and movements place a significant amount of stress and shock on the knees, but the knee brace prevents excessive movement or hyperextension. Despite improving stability, knee braces don’t restrict a natural range of motion.
Types
You can choose from a variety of knee braces based on the severity of your knee injury or knee pain. For example, a basic elastic knee brace or knee sleeve can be used for mild knee discomfort. Knee pain as a result from an injury, however, may require a prophylactic or functional brace. These braces are ideal for rehabilitation after a knee injury to control movement while promoting a natural healing process.
Considerations
There are numerous considerations before wearing a knee brace to reduce knee pain. Pain is your body’s natural way of telling you something is wrong. For example, minor pain might indicate a serious sprain, strain or torn tendon. As a result, always consult your team doctor or trainer to assess your knee pain. After consulting a medical professional, they can recommend a specific knee brace based on your individual knee concerns.
Treatment
If you are suffering from knee pain when playing basketball, the knee brace may reduce pain but it’s the start of a complete treatment program. Combine wearing the knee brace with a complete treatment program to eliminate the knee pain. The treatment program should include techniques, such as rest, ice, compression and elevation. Allow the knee pain to recover and use ice to reduce any inflammation. The compression and elevation helps to prevent fluid buildup that can cause pain.
References
- The Hughston Clinic; Knee Injuries in Basketball; Glenn Terry
- Timber Wolves Today: Can You Play Basketball With a Knee Brace?
- BetterBraces.com; DonJoy Playmaker Knee Brace Provides Extra Support and Stability for Basketball Players' Knees; August 2010
- CNN Health; Knee Pain; September 2010
- TheKnee.com: Types of Knee Braces
- Bad Knees: Finding the Best Basketball Knee Brace
