Our knees are susceptible to injuries because they support the entire weight of our bodies. Over time, the structures of the knee may wear down or they can be injured during activity, leading to knee pain and discomfort. Wearing the correct knee brace for your injury is important to ensure that your knee gets the proper support.
Some knee braces are ideal for preventing knee injuries, some are good for daily wear, other knee braces are great for sports, and some are designed for a specific injury or condition. There are also knee immobilizers and knee pads that are used to protect the knee. If you need help
choosing the right knee brace, you can always contact our support team to connect with one of our braces coaches. Check out our wide selection of knee braces.
It is not uncommon for people who have knee injuries to at some point experience issues with their ankles. For people who want to have added support for their ankles,
AirCast makes a very popular line of braces and supports.
When we feel pain in our knees, or anywhere for that matter, it is our body telling us there something wrong is going on. Many, especially athletes who may be more prone or accustomed to injuries and/or pain, sometimes simply dismiss the discomfort as soon as it goes away; keep in mind, not all pain goes away. If the pain does go away however, it does not mean you’re in the clear yet. Some injuries that lead the pain to dissipate may in fact cause a more serious and sever injury in the future. With that being said, it is imperative to properly care for your body, especially your knees.
Here are some helpful ways to effectively and efficiently take care of your knees:
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Eating properly is beneficial for your entire well-being, your knees especially. When you eat certain foods that contain nutrients and have been specifically made to help reduce knee pain, you can actually reduce inflammation significantly. For example, orange juice can help reduce inflammation 25% more than eating a whole orange.
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Losing weight may also decrease knee pain and/or knee injuries. As direct as it sounds, being overweight puts a significant amount of strain on your joints and bones, especially your knees. The extra weight that is carried can even worsen arthritis because the cartilage in your knee is being shredded more rapidly. Think of it this way, every pound of body weight is actually equal to a shocking five more pounds of force that is applied to your knees.
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Low-impact exercises are best for anyone experiencing knee pain or who have suffered from a knee injury. High-impact sports tend to speed up degradation of cartilage which results in an increase in pain and discomfort. Swimming is an amazing low-impact workout that benefits your knees and all other muscles in your body, including your ankles. Always remember to stretch before and after you exercise to prevent and muscle tears, knee pain and/or injury, and ankle sprains.
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Try to strengthen the muscles around the knees by paying close attention to your knee and any pain associated with it. When you strengthen surrounding muscles, a tremendous amount of support is added to your knee. In order to develop these surrounding muscles properly, focus on these specific exercises: knee extensions, leg presses, hamstring curls, and flexibility exercises. Remember to practice these in a safe and monitored manner; never put too much strain on yourself or work out too excessively; you may want to consult with your medical physician or physical therapist before taking part in these moves.
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If you have been immobilized in any way after an injury or pain associated with your knees, we understand that you may become frustrated with your immobility and can become extremely eager to get back to your regular routine, but keep in mind that adequate rest and rehabilitation are critical to your recovery and any future pain; this means wearing the proper knee braces, staying off the injury as much as possible, and fully resting the entire leg associated with the injured knee.
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Finally, just as it is important to wear the proper brace for your specific knee injury (or any injury for that matter); it is imperative to wear the right shoes. Obviously, stiletto shoes may not be best for any knee injuries, but shockingly flip flops and sandals are actually easy on the knees. When working out, you want to find shoes that are designed for maximum comfort; try running shoes that offer a great deal of support. Always try your shoes on and walk around for a bit to ensure maximum comfort.
