When watching the big game this year, you might notice that many football players wear braces on some of their most important joints. If you’re an avid sports fan, you’ll see many similar braces when you watch other sporting events, too. But how do these supportive products help them perform on the field?
Whether you have experience wearing braces as an athlete or just know about them from seeing them often during games, understanding why your favorite football players and other elite athletes wear a knee brace or elbow compression sleeves to support their game can be eye-opening. Here’s a guide to some of the most common braces you’ll see on game day.
Elbow Compression Sleeves
Compression sleeves are flexible while providing enough compression to help stabilize the joint and reduce the risk of overextending it. Elbow compression sleeves are a great option for offensive lineman because they use their arms and hands to block on every play. That means added elbow support is crucial for increased stability and for helping reduce impact when players fall to the ground.
Knee Compression Sleeves
You might see them worn by a wide variety of positions, and that’s because knee compression sleeves are an excellent tool for football players. Sleeves can range in support from mild to moderate. A player can wear them as everyday support to help prevent injury and discomfort, or they may wear them after recovering from a previous knee injury. Knee sleeves offer gentle compression for more even weight distribution, which helps maintain overall balance and stability on the field.
Lace-Up Ankle Braces
For football players who make lots of quick lateral movements, an ankle brace offers the support some of the fastest players need on the field. Whether it’s a wide receiver running a route or a running back weaving between the tackles, there are a variety of ankle braces that offer knee running support, including lace-up braces, wrap braces, and shorter sleeves. An ankle brace should fit easily in their cleat without feeling uncomfortable or disrupting their range of motion. They’ll support even weight distribution and help players feel more confident when they turn on a dime or cut from one direction to the other.
Wrap Knee Brace
If a player has recovered from an injury and wants to prevent reversing all the steps they’ve taken to rehabilitate, they might wear a sturdier knee brace while they play. Knee braces can offer mild, moderate, or maximum support to help players in a variety of positions maintain their performance. A professional athlete may invest in a customized knee brace that conforms to the shape of their joint for the best support on the field.
Wrist Wraps
Many players in different positions also benefit from wearing a wrist wrap on the field. Wrist wraps are great for centers and other lineman on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. If a player blocks often or makes lots of tackles, extra wrist support can help them endure repeated impact throughout the game. If a player is concerned about this kind of contact for their wrist, they might choose to wear a wrist brace if they’re not primarily a blocker but still become involved in most of the physical plays, such as tight ends or linebackers.
In the end, all football players need plenty of support on the field, regardless of their position. Sports braces that are recommended by an athletic trainer or medical professional are an excellent way to reach their highest potential in the biggest game of the season.
About DonJoy®
Taking care of your body is a priority for everyone, from professional athletes to weekend pickleball players. DonJoy® is dedicated to helping athletes of all kinds support their bodies. With a range of versatile knee, back, arm, leg, and shoulder braces, this trusted sports bracing brand makes performance products to help stabilize your joints, protect against injury, and aid recovery. Plus, DonJoy® was founded by a professional football player. So, whether you’re in the middle of your season or you’re developing a rehabilitation plan to get back into the action, they know what it takes to keep you in top form. You can see their passion in every knee brace design, informative blog post, and educational resource. For confidence on and off the field, DonJoy® delivers support where you need it most.
Learn more about sports braces for a variety of sports by visiting https://www.donjoystore.com/
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