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Knee sleeve provides considerable support to the knee and protects it against future injury, especially among those involved in daily activities that exert pressure on their knee. They are made of neoprene material and are comfortable to wear; you just slide them over your knee. It is common among those involved in jumping, running, and weight lifting because:
- Knee sleeve’s compression element promotes blood flow on the injured knee, hence reducing any chance of swelling or pain during and after training.
- Knee sleeves keep the knee joints warm.
- Knee sleeve is made of neoprene material that makes it a great option when one is recovering from a knee injury. It provides some support while allowing the knee to strengthen naturally without limiting its mobility.
- Knee sleeves provide additional support when doing squats, snatch, and clean and jerk.
- To some extent, it reinforces joint strength during heavy lifting or when one is doing exercise for an extended period.
Choosing a Knee Sleeve for Your Workout
The many benefits can tempt you to get one for your workout. But is it necessary for every athlete to wear a knee sleeve? The answer is no. Here are a few pointers you should consider.
- You only need to wear knee sleeves if the workout you are doing depends on your knees’ strength to lift the weights.
- If you gradually carry heavier weights when working out, there are chances of your knee caps grinding against each other, which might cause tendonitis. Wearing a knee sleeve supports intense movements.
- If you are a new athlete, you need not wear a knee sleeve because your knees are still healthy.
- Veteran athletes find knee sleeves helpful because it helps with the pain and joint weakness caused by the grinding of the knee against the tendons due to the progressive workouts that accumulate weight mass overtime.
Besides these pointers, it is crucial to invest in the right techniques and proper training to enhance your strength and efficiency. A knee sleeve only adds value if you are into good training practices.
Factors to Consider when buying a Knee sleeves
From the preceding discussion, you’ve already known if you need a knee sleeve or not. If you do, there are a few details you need to consider before you settle for the “right” one.
1. The width of the knee sleeve
Knee sleeves come in different thicknesses to meet the varying needs of athletes and the demands of different sports. These thicknesses include:
- 3mm thick knee sleeve is an excellent option for sports enthusiasts looking for support and extra stability when doing exercises over a long time. It is ideal for sports that need endurance because it is lightweight.
- A 5mm thick knee sleeve is versatile. You can wear it for different sports and workouts. It provides support in activities where speed is required. If your work focuses on several variables like power, strength, or cardio-based, 5mm thick sleeve is an excellent choice because it is flexible. Also, if you are into the warmth of knee sleeves, this is a perfect choice.
- 7mm thick knee sleeve is for activities that involve heavy lifting and take less time to accomplish but need accuracy. It is mostly used by heavy weightlifters or at the gym by heavy lifters who need additional support. So if you are in a substantial compound movement, this is the sleeve for you.
2. The Durability of the Knee Sleeve
The durability of a sleeve varies depending on the construction material a company uses to produce its sleeves. You can know how durable a knee sleeve is by checking:
- The material used. Most sleeves are made from neoprene. You should check out the type of neoprene the company uses. The higher the quality, the better. It is also important to note that a stiffer knee sleeve will readily return to its original form when stretched as compared to others.
- The sleeve’s stitching. Here check how the brand has stitched the different pieces together. Pay attention to how the ends marry each other. A durable knee sleeve should have double, triple, or hooked stitching. This reinforced stitching ensures the knee sleeve doesn’t fray easily. Also, check whether it is stitched interiorly or exteriorly. A knee sleeve with anterior stitching is durable as compared to exterior stitching.
3. The Cost of a Knee Sleeve
On average, a knee sleeve costs $50. There are also reputable brands that cost up to $90. Despite being expensive, they have a proven track record of lasting longer.
You can also find others that are below the high price range. They are good options, but durability is not guaranteed. However, the advantage is, you can easily buy another one as it doesn’t cost you much.
Whichever you settle for, do your research prior. Knee Force and their review articles provide some insightful reviews on some of the best knee sleeves in 2020. You can start from there. Ensure you are within your budget.
