Why a Tennis Knee Brace is So Important For Your Sport

Playing tennis or any other pure sport is exhilarating from the competitiveness of it all or the thrill of that win. Now, strength and stability play a massive role, not just in pure sports activities but in everything we do in life. Listen, injuries aren't fun. Some are irritating, some annoying, and some life-altering. Whether you're already in need of a tennis knee brace or you're considering. Please know, that this article was written with care for you, for your body, for your well-being. This is written to inform you of the many types of injuries that your knee may occur, how to treat/prevent them, and how braces can help you in the recovery phase. If, you may get confused or have questions. Contact us. We're here. we'll listen, and respond.

Common Knee Injuries in Tennis

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury

This injury happens when the Anterior Cruciate Ligament suffers from a sprain or tear. These ligaments exist to link your thigh bone to your shin bone ('the inner and thicker of the two bones of the human leg between the ankle and knee'). This type of injury happens due to sudden directional changes or stops. Examples of such movements are sudden stops, 'receiving direct trauma to the knee, bad landing 'from a jump, making a turn while your foot is rigidly fixed on the ground, and immediate slow-down and cutting direction. Below are the signs of ACL injury:

• "Popping" sensation
• Quick Swelling
• Wobbly, unstable
• Severe pain that prevents you from bearing weight
• Deprived 'range of motion

If left neglected, this increases your risk of having osteoarthritis in the knee.

Patellar Tendonitis

Commonly known as "Jumper's Knee", this happens as your body makes the movement to hit the ball, the repetitive jumping and bending can take a toll on your knee joints. This is because the force you exert when you hit the ground makes the tendon that links your knee to the lower limb ("shin") get strained and tear, leading to inflammation, pain, and injury. Below are the signs to note if you have "Jumper's Knee"

• Pain sensation on knees while walking, playing, or running
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Weakness in front-thigh muscles
• Persistent or chronic pain in knees
• Soreness below the kneecap
• Difficulty in flexing/straightening the leg

Meniscus Tear

The quick directional changes and actions like twisting and reaching stretches your body but keep your feet still on the ground. The lateral and medial menisci act as pressure absorbers and protect your knees as you play on the court. When stretched beyond limits, this can lead to tears or sprains. Signs usually include the following:

• Inflammation and movement restrictions
• Acute pain concentrated on the knee

Fractures due to stress

Overexertion of your muscles and excess stress can ultimately lead to a stress fracture in the long run. Given the extended long hours of playing, jumping, sprinting, and bending, inadequate resting periods and incorrect recovery routines increase your chances to get this type of injury. Signs of this type of injury are slow, and subtle and include the following:

• Acute, sharp pain in the knee
• Muscle weakness
• Mild swelling

Benefits of Tennis Knee Brace

A knee brace may look restrictive and/or constrictive but for anybody who wears one. It's not. Surprisingly enough, there's a calm tightness, it's not suffocating but more confidence-inspiring that you're safe and you can keep doing what you want to do especially when you combine it with physical therapy. These can truly help you in healing your knees and get you back in shape. Do note that your knee can sustain further injuries when they are overused, roughly twisted, or suddenly bent. The knee brace stops further injury by keeping your knee from hyperextending and condenses the tissue that surrounds it. Below are the added benefits when you using a tennis knee brace

• Minimize pain
• Manage inflammation and swelling
• Provide support for your knees after sustaining knee injuries (e.g meniscus tear, sprain) so you can maintain being active with milder pain
• Help control persistent pain
• Lessens the pressure from the knee and places it on the thigh, making you more mobile while decreasing the sensation of stiffness
• Assist in stabilizing your knee if you're vulnerable to injury
• Stimulates healing by providing support and managing the joint movement

For injuries that are sustained from playing tennis, do consult a professional i.e. a physician, physical therapist, or surgeon. Depending on recommendations, knee braces may be worn for a year. Your doctor may advise you to remove them if you will not play tennis or do strenuous activities and just resume day-to-day activities. Healing from knee injuries takes time. At most you may be advised to wear them for two years to return to your original, stable state. Upon reaching optimum healing, it will no longer be recommended.

Choosing the Right Tennis Knee Brace

Did you know, there are so many different types of knee braces on the market? This is why it's important that you consult with a professional to determine which is the right knee brace for you. There are 3 main types of knee braces available. Starting with practical braces.

Practical or Functional Braces

If you have sustained ACL, practical or 'functional braces are recommended for your knee. This is because they give additional support that minimizes pain in your unstable knee. Your knee ligaments are shielded from further injury by restricting the knees' 'forward-back or 'side-to-side' movement. These knee braces are the perfect partner for your recovery phase as give you effective support that protects your knee from movements that include sudden turns, lateral contact, or movement.

Compression Knee Brace

If your knee suffers from swelling and inflammation, a compression knee brace can be recommended by your specialist. This gives a solid compression to the surrounding tissues of your knee that can help manage the swelling. This type of knee brace can make you feel more confident with your knee as you feel the support easier and more comfortable while walking. They are made with delicate and breathable material that is very comfortable to use for sports and daily activities.

Hinged Knee Brace

If you feel pain and unstable, a 'hinged knee brace can be the perfect knee brace for you. This helps your unstable knee feel more steady as you walk. Our 'hinged 'knee 'brace with added 'plastic supports provides additional support for acute and painful injuries. In addition, the pain on your kneecap is reduced as it helps maintain the pressure in the area. This allows you to move with minimized pain. This, in turn, can give you the comfort and confidence that you need as you go about the healing process.

5 Ways to Prevent Knee Injury

1) Don't Skip Warm-Ups

Warm-ups prepare your body for strenuous activities and exercises. To warm up for tennis,

1. Elevate your arms to hip level and raise your knee to touch them.
2. Repeat for three sets, 15-30 seconds at a time

2) Strengthen your lower limbs

Strengthening your lower limbs aid in stabilizing your knee. Include squats, leg raises, or lunges in your exercise regimen.

3) Stretching

Flexing and stretching improve blood flow and the production of synovial fluid, which in turn, keeps your knees naturally lubricated. This also loosens the tightness that you feel on your knee, making you feel more flexible and mobile. Add stretches on the muscles of your front thigh, hamstrings on the back of your thighs, and calf muscles.

4) Cooldown after playing

Make time for stretching and massaging your joints and muscles. You can loosen your tight muscles by applying pressure as you roll the tennis ball on them. This soothes and relaxes the legs after the activity.

5) Treatment

Sometimes, you cannot avoid injury while you play the sport you love. If you end up with any of these knee injuries, your doctor may recommend you wear a knee brace. This is to lessen the weight and burden you place on your knees as you heal. You may be also prescribed medications to lessen pain and undergo physical therapy for rehabilitation purposes. If these methods do not work, your physician may endorse you to undergo surgery. Being informed on ways to minimize the risk of getting a knee injury and the possible recovery allows you to enjoy the sport with caution. Don't let the thought of injury stop you from living your life. Your body deteriorates in the long run if you succumb to an inactive lifestyle. Go out and play tennis today. Have fun. Enjoy life.