Sent to us by Rebecca Morris

For many people, news of the first mountain snowstorms of the season brings anticipation of fun-filled hours skiing and snowboarding. For others, there is dread at the thought of blocked drives and slippery walkways. Very few think of winter as a time to be especially aware of the potential for knee injuries. Making plans to avoid pain and suffering during this time of slippery ice and heavy snow should be just as important as waxing skis and snow shovels.

Knee injuries are some of the most common, and potentially devastating, injuries sustained by athletes and those doing strenuous, everyday jobs. This is because our knees support the majority of our body’s weight while bending, flexing, and pivoting. Many people do not consider the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the knee when deciding if they are fit enough to participate in an activity. When these skeletal structures are weakened by inactivity, or stressed from over-use, the likelihood of injury is greatly increased. Most injuries result in minor pain for short periods of time, but other injuries can cause permanent damage resulting in a lifetime of pain and diminished activity levels. Preventing injuries to these vulnerable ligaments and tendons, as well as other parts of the knee, can be as simple as finding and wearing the proper knee brace.

Protection for Mild Activity Levels

Sleeve style knee braces and supports provide a comfortable, light-weight, and convenient level of protection for those who experience mild pain during sports or other activities. This type of knee brace can help prevent mild strains, sprains, and instabilities of the knee joint. They can easily be worn under all types of clothing. This makes them an ideal form of protection against injuries resulting from slipping on iced and snowy ground.

Protection for Moderate Activity Levels

Many of the favorite activities of fall and winter involve just as much stress and strain on the knees as summer sports. Hinged knee braces can be used to provide an extra level of support while hiking the mountains in search of beautiful fall leaves, or cross-country skiing to find that perfect holiday tree to decorate. These knee braces can be made from metal, alloys, or rigid plastic and provide much better support for those who spend more time navigating the ice and snow. Though not as easily worn as a sleeve style knee brace, they are light-weight and adjustable to fit over or under athletic clothing. Another option is a knee brace that combines a sleeve type support with the extra stability of a brace.

Protection for High Activity Levels

Everyone knows ice hockey can be just as much of a full contact sport as football. Many people don’t realize that downhill skiing and snowboarding can be just as stressful to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the knee. For these types of activities, more support is needed than that supplied by a standard knee brace. Knee braces that include rigid crossbars above and below the knee are widely recommended to prevent potentially devastating injuries resulting from these highly stressful activities.

Finding the Appropriate Knee Brace for Your Level of Activity

As the number of people involved in sports and other outdoor activities increases, the demand for protective equipment also increases. There are many brands of high-quality knee braces and supports available without a doctor’s order. Searching for sports bracing and therapy experts should provide a variety of styles able to meet the needs of anyone interested in preventing knee injuries. 

Author Bio

Rebecca Morris has found BetterBraces.com the best place online to find knee braces and hinged knee braces for sports injuries. She recommends always consulting your physician and fitness professionals to discuss your options for staying fit and recovering from injuries.

Thanks, Rebecca for sending an article that applies to so many people who suffer knee problems.  for those who work on their knees, carpenters, gardeners, and other vocations, knee pads can also help allieviate knee pain, and hopefully prevent further injury to the knee. Pat