Let's say you are recovering from knee surgery or an injury. This is an annoying obstacle in your daily activities and routine, and of course, you want to be fully functional again as soon as possible. A knee brace can help you do just that! But in which situation is it best to wear a knee support? And which knee support is best for which injury? We explain it to you here.
When should I choose a knee sleeve?
Knee injuries are common, but there are different types of knee injuries for which there are different types of knee supports. The most common knee injuries are meniscus problems, cruciate ligament problems, osteoarthritis and instability. For the different injuries, we also have different types of knee braces. Here are a few for you.
Which knee support do I need?
As mentioned, there are also different knee supports for different knee injuries. We have categorised our knee supports into three levels of protection. Level 1 is basic protection, level 2 is extended protection and level 3 is the highest level of protection.
- Level 1 bandages are best used for rheumatism, swelling, varicose veins and the so-called ‘runners knee’ and ‘jumper's knee’.
- Level 2 supports are best used for a sprained or bruised knee, bursitis, overuse, moderate osteoarthritis and instability or if the kneecap is dislocated.
- Level 3 bandages are best used if you suffer from meniscus, hypermobility, severe instability, severe osteoarthritis, hyperextension, Baker's cyst and cruciate ligament and have pain in the cartilage or cruciate ligament.
Here we explain in detail how best to use the support for each level of protection.
Protection level 1: Dunimed Knee Strap
The Dunimed Knee Strap has protection level 1 and is ideal for supporting mild complaints such as Inflammation of the patellar tendon, runners knee, overuse of the patellar tendon, patellofemoral pain syndrome (pain near the kneecap) and rheumatism.
If you suffer from stabbing pain below the knee (kneecap), the Dunimed Knee Strap is the right choice! The knee brace contains anatomically shaped gel pressure points. These pressure points ensure a perfect fit and optimal support so that your pain is instantly relieved.
Some advantages of wearing the Dunimed Knee Strap are:
- The brace does not sag and always stays perfectly in place thanks to its perfect fit and strong Velcro closure.
- It is made of highly breathable material and is therefore ideal for sports and everyday use.
- The hook-and-loop fastener is secure so that the patella brace lasts a long time.
- The brace has anatomically shaped gel pressure points that always provide optimal support.
- The gel pad can be attached to any position below the knee using the Velcro fastener.
The Dunimed Knee Strap is the test winner out of a total of 12 tested patella braces from different brands! The difference between the Dunimed Knee Strap and other bandages is that the Dunimed Knee Strap features a gel pad that always provides maximum support to the kneecap (patella) thanks to its anatomical shape. As a result, the bandage stays perfectly in place and does not chafe. The Dunimed Knee Strap has the best value for money and is long-lasting. It has been voted the best patella brace at the moment by specialists. This brace has been worn for years in all sports, such as cycling, running, as well as at work and other daily activities.
Another advantage of this knee strap is that it is available in one size and therefore always fits.
Protection level 2: Dunimed Knee Support Wrap
The Dunimed Knee Support Wrap has protection level 2 and is ideal for use with mild instability problems, weak or overused knees and sprains, twists, strains or bruises.
Looking for a simple knee brace with an open back that gives you the right support and always fits? Then choose the Dunimed Knee Support Wrap! This brace supports your knee in cases of overuse, weakness or instability and offers support after a sprain, dislocation or osteoarthritis. You can easily wrap the bandage around the knee, and this bandage has a unique design with climbing closure, so it always fits perfectly. The opening at the knee reduces pressure on the kneecap, so the knee is protected.
Moreover, the bandage does not slip. This is because the knee support has a round neoprene pad that not only protects the kneecap, but also ensures a perfect fit. Moreover, the Dunimed Knee Support Wrap improves blood circulation and keeps your muscles warm.
Protection level 3: Novamed Lightweight Hinged Knee Support
The Novamed Lightweight Hinged Knee Support has protection level 3 and is ideal for support after a fracture, severe joint disorders, joint problems, sports rehabilitation after severe trauma, osteoarthritis and cartilage problems and severe capsular and cruciate ligament sprains.
The Novamed Lightweight Hinged Knee Support is currently one of the best and strongest knee braces. Specialists and orthopaedists have been recommending this knee brace for the above-mentioned knee problems for years.
The knee brace provides maximum support, protection and stability thanks to its unique, advanced design. The brace is lightweight, breathable and has an optimal fit. As a result, the knee brace offers you ultimate support.
Some advantages of the Novamed Lightweight Hinged Knee Support are:
The Novamed Lightweight Hinged Knee Support has a patella pressure point, which ensures that the kneecap and patella tendon are optimally protected and held in place.
- The brace feels light as the hinge rails are made of aluminium.
- The Novamed knee brace provides maximum support and stability, both sideways and forwards.
- Use of the knee brace stimulates circulation, which can speed up healing.
- The brace is one of the most comfortable knee braces at the moment thanks to the Velcro closure, the material and the fit!
It is very important to buy the right size. The knee brace should not be too tight. To determine the right size, we recommend you measure the size of your knee and consult this table.
How long should I wear a knee brace?
This is a frequently asked question, which unfortunately is not so easy to answer. Wearing a knee support depends on several factors, including the type of injury, the degree of overuse and your personal situation. As a rule, a brace is always worn for a longer period of time.
Does wearing a brace weaken my muscles?
This is absolutely not the case, but unfortunately this claim continues to circulate. Until 2016, little research had been done on the effect of support on muscle strength. It was assumed that wearing a brace would greatly weaken muscles. In January 2016, a study measuring the effect of knee supports on muscle strength was published. During this study, half of the subjects were asked to wear a brace for 7 hours a day and the other half of the group did not. It turned out: after the six-week trial period, the group wearing a brace had more muscle strength than the group not wearing a brace!
How do I take care of my knee support?
Regularly wearing a knee support can lead to signs of wear and tear over time. The degree of wear depends entirely on the frequency of use. It is best to regularly clean the brace with soap and water and let it dry thoroughly.
