The 3 most common types of knee injuries. Do you know when to use a knee compression sleeve?
The 3 most common types of knee injuries. Do you know when to use a knee compression sleeve?
Did you know that the knee is the body’s largest joint? And it’s one of the strongest. Because the knee’s structure is complex, the joint is susceptible to many types of injuries – especially for athletes. The knee comprises an intricate network of muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and fluid.
Knee injury accounts for 41% of all sports injuries. Certain sports have an increased risk of knee joint injury because of the movements inherent to the sport. Sudden stops, twists and turns or the pressure put on the knee joint while running can cause knee pain or injury. And unlike hip damage, which tends to become more common as we get older, knee injuries do not discriminate based on age.
When we approach knee injuries (not arthritis or inflammation), it is helpful to consider the acuteness of the injury. In this blog, we’ll review knee injuries through the lens of Acute, Subacute, and Chronic pain.
ACUTE INJURIES
SUBACUTE INJURIES
CHRONIC INJURIES AND INJURY PREVENTION
ACUTE INJURIES
Injuries are in the “Acute” phase immediately following the injury within the first few days. Acute injuries can benefit from Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE method). A ligament tear during this phase might be managed with a functional brace until surgery can be arranged.
Post-operatively, a knee compression sleeve might be advised to help reduce swelling and increase proprioception, which is the sensory information that contributes to the sense of position of self and movement. A decrease in pain is often a benefit of these features.
An injury may result in knee damage but may not cause a ruptured ligament. This type of injury is among the most common injuries seen in athletes. It is related to the incredible forces placed on the knee either because of explosive or repetitive movements. The damage can occur to the knee meniscus as well as incomplete rupture of the ligaments, tendons and supporting structure of the knee.
In these injuries, the Acute phase management is the same: recommended treatment of RICE. For the compression component of this treatment, it is essential to note that there are many options for compression sleeves available on the market today. While they may all look similar, be assured they are not all created equal. When selecting compression, be sure to use comfort as a primary requirement. After all, if it is uncomfortable, you will not wear it.
Body Helix compression knee sleeves are designed for optimal comfort and can be worn during the Acute phase to aid in injury management. For this indication, check out our positive reviews by physicians, advisers, and customers alike.
SUBACUTE INJURIES
Injuries are considered “Subacute” during the initial healing phase and generally considered to be about six weeks. However, healing continues even after the six-week period, and the healing will be more prolonged with a more severe injury. Unloader and functional braces are less beneficial than comfortable compression during this healing phase. A study shows that using a compression sleeve like Body Helix work just as well as a functional brace after surgical repair of an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) rupture.
A knee compression sleeve is advised during the subacute rehabilitation phase because it controls swelling, supports all knee structures, and increases proprioception. These benefits are present for minor and major injuries, as well as during post-op recovery.
Additional rehabilitation options include weight reduction, stretching, and strength and balance training. Body Helix compression wraps can be worn comfortably while all range of motion activities are pursued.
CHRONIC INJURIES AND INJURY PREVENTION
Braces for injury management during sports are not very common if the injury is severe enough to require an uncomfortable, activity-restricting device. In addition, using braces for injury prevention is an active research area. College and professional American football players have worn braces for prevention of injury to the MCL (medial collateral ligament). To date, studies have shown no benefit, but studies are ongoing.
Knee compression sleeves have shown positive benefits for re-injury prevention, pain reduction and improved proprioception. Comfort, along with no migration and no impairment of normal motion, are desirable features of a compression sleeve. Body Helix knee sleeves are designed with these goals in mind.
A compression sleeve can provide comfortable support, improve blood flow to muscles, and limit swelling around an injured joint. However, the best compression product should not restrict movement in any way. Remember, not all compression is created equal. Body Helix compression products have incredible stretch and elasticity. Our sleeves will stretch more than the human body. This means you won’t alter your mechanics of motion during activity.
Our form-fit technology allows for uniform medical grade compression (20-30 mm Hg) and ensures the product stays in place. And our products can be machine washed and dried. We have six different types of knee sleeves available for your specific need. Click here to learn about which knee sleeve is right for you.
Body Helix, LLC does not give medical advice or diagnoses. Please be sure to seek medical evaluation for severe, prolonged, or worsening pain despite conservative measures.
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