Sports Knee Pads
Sports are a vital piece of everyone’s lives, and we all enjoy them. They provide a sense of calm and enjoyment to both spectators and athletes. However, because sports can be dangerous, protective gear is essential, such as knee pads to protect vulnerable knees.
What sports use knee pads? Players can use knee pads in all types of sports, but it is mandatory in contact sports. Sports that emphasize or involve physical contact between players are known as contact sports. Examples of contact sports are ice hockey, football, and lacrosse.
The largest joint in the human body, the knee, is essential for all upright activity. The knee has a thin layer of skin and muscle covering the kneecap, giving it little protection. In today’s post, I will explain the importance of knee pads to players in all sports.
What Are Knee Pads?
The knees are the joints in your body that support the majority of your weight. They assist you in moving and performing daily activities such as sitting, climbing stairs, walking, running, and so on.
Knee injuries are, unfortunately, very common. So, wear knee pads whether you play sports or engage in any other activity that puts a strain on your knees.
Knee pads are essential for any sport. This gear is crucial where there is a high risk of falling or injuring your knees in other ways.
Knee pads are useful protectors for all athletes. Several sporting activities are known to be common causes of knee-related injuries.
Different sports require different knee pads. Knee pads are classified in terms of the following:
- Material
- Flexibility
- Comfort
However, their functionality is the same regardless of the details. The cushioning in the knee pads helps to absorb shock, which is beneficial to all athletes who play contact sports.
Importance of Knee Pads
Knee pads should be worn whenever there is a risk of falling on one’s knees or receiving other blows to the knee area. Among the most common causes of severe knee injuries is simply overstretching the knee. Overstretching allows the knee to absorb too much shock.
Knee pads protect your knee from injuries such as arthritis. They also protect it when you fall to the ground or take a blow from another player or a ball.
Ignoring minor injuries and pain can lead to the development of jumper’s knee, runner’s knee syndrome, or even arthritis.
All of these put you at risk and will permanently damage your knees. No matter how experienced you are with your techniques, it is good to use knee pads designed for your specific activity.
Sports Where Knee Pads Are Useful
Knee pads are useful in a variety of activities, not just contact sports. For example, there are knee pads for dancing, yoga, and martial arts. These knee pads are much more flexible.
They don’t impose any limitations on the user and they allow you to do your favorite exercise without feeling restricted. Your knees will be safe at the same time.
Knee pads are frequently used in sports like:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Football
- Hockey
- Wrestling
- Roller skating
- Skateboarding
- Extreme sports like motocross
In sports where flexibility is not required, such as skateboarding, the knee pads are stiffer and are designed to withstand extreme shock. The same can be said for motocross knee pads, as the risk of injury is much higher than in most other sports.
Even in sports that are similar in nature, such as basketball, volleyball, and football, the knee pads differ. Volleyball knee pads, for example, have a lot more padding than basketball knee pads. Basketball knee pads are longer.
The knee area is protected as much as possible from any contact, whether it is from the ball or the basketball court.
Many players choose to not wear knee pads in sports where the risk of impact is low, such as volleyball. But it is a far safer and more reasonable investment to wear knee pads.
If you get hurt, you may not be able to enjoy sports for a while. You will need to take a break until the injury heals.
Benefits of Knee Pads
Knee Support
A knee collapsing while exercising is a common occurrence. You may choose a knee pad with a stretchy sleeve that slides over the leg and covers the back of the knee. It should protect the patella while providing support to the knee muscles and ligaments.
On the sides and back of the knee, your thigh muscles are connected to your calf muscles. This prevents the knee from hyperextending during strenuous activity.
Injury Reduction
Knee injuries can occur in any sport or exercise that requires you to press your knee to the floor or fall forward on your knees.
When skating, biking, or playing sports like hockey or football, knee pads can help protect your patella and surrounding muscles and ligaments.
Thirty-two percent of knee injuries occur when a player is not using knee pads. Students who wore knee pads in sports like cheerleading, basketball, and softball had a 56% lower risk of knee injuries.
Increased Performance
Athletes may be hesitant to perform at their peak without knee pads, which is understandable.
Diving to your knees to hit a low ball in volleyball, for example, is commonplace. Indoor courts can injure your knees if you hit them with your entire body weight at full speed without pads.
If you skate, knee pads give you the confidence to try a new in-line skate move. If you wrestle, it can help you try new techniques. If you play football, you will have less fear of injuring your knees.
Knee pads won’t protect you from all knee injuries, so check with a doctor, coach, or personal trainer. Ensure that you’re doing things properly before attempting new techniques.
Types of Knee Pads
Shell Caps
Knee pads with shell caps have outer surface shells that provide durable protection and stability. These are typically made of plastic or carbon fiber.
Knee pads with shell caps are often for activities on rough, rugged surfaces, such as roofs or construction sites. They shield knees from lacerations and punctures.
Because they allow you to switch and slide around, hardshell caps are perfect for projects that require mobility. They are ideal for most surfaces, except hardwood floors, which shell caps can scratch.
Shell caps have varying degrees of thick padding for added protection and comfort. Knee pads for shell caps are usually kept in place by an elastic sleeve.
Hex Pads
The honeycomb designs on hex pad knee pads provide a more comfortable fit while giving you extended optimum mobility and comfort.
Many people wear hex pads when they play sports like volleyball, basketball, and weightlifting. Hex pads are made of foam materials that provide shock absorption. In rehabilitation therapy, these knee pads can also be used as compression devices.
Hex pads are sweat-wicking, breathable, and easy to clean. They’re made for athletes, so they’re not ideal for ventures that require you to kneel for long periods.
Padding Caps
Padding caps or soft caps on knee pads provide pliable protection made of foam materials. For jobs on smooth or somewhat soft surfaces, a padding cap provides comfort and mobility.
Because of their light weight and comfort, soft cap knee pads are often used for around-the-house projects.
Padding caps have the widest point of knee-to-surface touch. They are not suitable for projects that require a lot of movement on the ground, especially side to side. However, they’re a good option for limiting exhaustion caused by long periods of continuous kneeling.
Things to Consider When Buying Knee Pads
When choosing a knee pad, you need to figure out the best balance of comfort and functionality. You also need to consider the degree of security required and the length of your game or project.
The options can seem overwhelming. I will narrow down the key types to help you find the right knee pads for you. Consider the following when shopping for the right knee pads.
Fit
It is essential to choose knee pads that fit properly. Knee pads that are too small can limit your movement and make you uncomfortable. The pads can slip and fail to protect you if they are too big.
Cushioning Material
Knee pads come in a variety of cushioning fabrics. Gel, foam, and rubber are the most popular types.
Cooling vs. Heating Properties
The material of the knee pads determines whether they are suitable for colder or warmer temperatures. On cold days, dense padding layers serve as thermal insulators. Neoprene or soft cap knee pads, on the other hand, provide breathability.
Thickness of Padding
The padding’s thickness, or density, affects its defensive elements as well as mobility. Longer periods of kneeling are made more comfortable by thicker padding.
Adjustable Straps
Because adjustable straps aren’t always required, not all knee pads come with them. When the pads are worn over various types of clothes, the adjustable straps come in handy.
Conclusion
Knee pads are protective pieces of equipment that withstand impact to avoid damage and protect the knees. Knee pads reduce the chance of injuries in collisions during games.
If you think you should wear knee pads, then wear them! Whether you are training for extreme and contact sports or learning to ride a bike, you want to protect your knees.
