Basketball is a highly physical sport that puts a lot of pressure on the players’ knees. With sharp cuts, lots of contact and running involved, the sport can take a serious toll on a frequent player’s knees. If you are someone with a history of knee pain, a good basketball knee brace can give you some much needed support.
The following guide provides a detailed look at the best basketball knee braces in 2021, to help you make an informed decision about which knee brace would be most suited to your needs.
What is a knee brace?
A knee brace is typically a fabric-based reinforced stabilizer which can be used for multiple purposes such as mobility and comfort and support. A good knee brace for basketball would protect your knee from injuries and provide increased stability. Knee braces are meant to provide the anterior knee and patella with solid external support. The sewn-in support helps to increase knee stability and hinges help eliminate hazardous hyperextension.
Knee braces are also commonly used by players who have already injured their knees and want to prevent re-injuries. These braces play an integral part in the recovery process for basketball players who are regaining their lost strength.
Why should you use a knee brace in basketball?
Knee brace is a mandatory piece of sports gear in basketball, especially for those who have an injury they are recovering from or are experiencing some kind of discomfort in the knee area. Common reasons to invest in a knee brace are to reduce chronic pain caused by the huge amount of strain put on the knees during a game of basketball, to prevent bruises caused by hard falls or collisions, and to provide support after a major knee injury such as an ACL tear. Most sportsmen would not require a knee brace under normal circumstances, though extra protection is always a good idea. Players are advised to discuss their situation with a doctor, in order to find the appropriate brace for their injury.
What to look for in a good knee brace for basketball?
If you are planning to get a knee brace for yourself, there are certain traits and qualities you should be aware of. Let’s take a look at some of the factors you should consider when looking for the best basketball knee braces:
Support
The main function of a knee brace is support, which is why it is important to make sure that you get a knee brace that properly holds your knee in place throughout the duration of the game. For this, you will have to consider two factors. First, you will have to check if the knee brace allows your knee to move properly and prevents it from bending or twisting at odd angles. Second, you will have to ensure that the knee brace offers enough compression to hold everything together. Please note that every knee injury or pain is not the same. Therefore, you will want to get a model that specifically targets the area that is problematic. General support knee braces may also work, but getting a targeted model is always better.
Mobility and Comfort
Getting used to a knee brace can take some time, especially for quick-cut players or guards who have never used them. The ideal knee brace would be one that is mobile and supportive at the same time. Choosing a model with flexible material and a certain amount of elasticity can go a long way in giving you the best amount of mobility and comfort. Basketball players are advised to use models that are soft, but also hold the knee without being too restrictive or tight. Gel padding is especially great in terms of comfort. Players are advised to try out multiple designs to find the best fitting knee brace for themselves.
Durability
The knee brace you choose also needs to be strong. Basketball is a high-contact sport that also involves a lot of moving around and sweating. That can result in a considerable amount of wear and tear for your knee brace. It is recommended that you make a one-time solid investment in a good knee brace – it is sure to save you a lot in the long run. The best option would be to look for lightweight and breathable braces that are inherently tough and are made to withstand a great deal of moisture, and twisting or falling. You don’t need to get something super expensive, just a knee brace that won’t tear up within a few months of normal usage.
Tips and Resources
If you own a pair of knee braces, there are certain tips and useful ideas you can implement to make them last longer. The first and most important tip is to ensure that you keep your knee braces clean. This will reduce the odor and will also help cut down on other problems such as infections as diseases.
Please note that if you have a knee injury, it is highly recommended that you get in touch with your physician and go for some type of physical therapy or strength training to help the recovery process. It must be noted that simply putting on a knee brace might not be the complete solution to your problem.
Best Basketball Knee Braces 2021
The structure and construction of basketball knee braces has improved significantly over the years. This small, but very useful piece of sports gear is now readily available on multiple platforms, even for the general public. Knee brace for basketball amazon is perhaps one of the most commonly used platforms to compare and purchase the ideal knee brace for many recreational players. The following list of the best basketball knee braces would help you make a well-informed and intelligent decision about the type of knee brace best suited to your individual needs.