Basketball Knee Braces

Basketball Knee Braces

Whether you're heading out for a pickup game, preparing for sports practice or gearing up for a game with your team, you want to be able to excel when you hit the court. If knee pain or an injury is threatening to bench you and your doctor has recommended that you wear a knee brace, Walgreens can help you find the ideal solution with an assortment of braces that are ideal for basketball.

What Is a Knee Sleeve Used for?

Basketball can be very hard on the knees, leading to pain and discomfort off the court. To help combat this type of discomfort, doctors often recommend a knee sleeve, a type of brace designed to fit over the knee and gently compress the joint. A knee sleeve helps to keep the knee warm during exercise, which can help increase flexibility. The compression of the sleeve can also improve balance during a game. A sleeve does not provide support for the ligaments of the knee or restrict movement, so it is typically used to address soreness and pain and to prevent injury rather than to protect a previously injured joint.

Protective Braces to Wear on the Court

If your doctor has determined that you're at an increased risk of knee injury, he or she may recommend that you wear a prophylactic or protective brace while playing basketball. This type of brace has bars or stable supports that rest along the outside of the knee. When you're playing basketball, the brace helps to reduce the amount of impact on the ligaments on the outsides of the knees. The purpose of this type of brace is to reduce the risk of severe ligament injuries, such as ACL tears. Unlike rehabilitation braces, protective or prophylactic braces do not restrict the movement of the knee.

Braces for Rehabilitation

A rehabilitation brace is designed for individuals who are recovering from a knee injury. The purpose of this type of brace is to control the amount of movement of the joint when you're playing basketball. This can allow you to return to practice or playing after an injury while allowing your knee to continue to heal. Like a protective brace, a rehabilitation brace is designed to help absorb shocks in order to protect the knee joint as well. It may take time for you to adjust to moving with a rehabilitative brace in place. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid certain types of movements while wearing the brace.

How to Choose a Knee Brace

It's important that you involve your doctor in the process of selecting a knee brace for basketball. Choosing the wrong type of brace could negatively impact your performance on the court and increase your risk of injury. Your physician can recommend the right style of brace to meet your needs and provide you with tips on what to look for when comparing knee braces for basketball. Keep in mind that some knee braces are one size fits all, while others are sized. If a sized model is right for you, it is a good idea to measure your leg and knee prior to purchasing a brace.