The crippling pain that often companies knee injuries and illnesses can lead many sufferers into incapacitation. One of the non-pharmacological treatments that can help is wearing knee compression sleeves. These compression sleeves are made from a flexible material such as neoprene that can be worn like regular clothing. Its role is to minimize the movement of the patella but without restricting movement.
Benefits of Wearing a Knee Compression Sleeve
There are many benefits to wearing knee compression sleeves but the main reason why it is recommended for people with knee injuries and illnesses such as arthritis is because of its ability to relieve pain. The compression benefit of this gear helps in boosting blood flow to the knees, which can then aid in mitigating swelling and in managing pain.
Knee compression sleeves are also beneficial because of their ability to reduce further damage. It allows you to become more mobile even with your injuries and illness without further inflicting injuries to the knees. It can also be a preventative gear for people who often engage in intense physical activities such as athletes.
Knee Compression Sleeves versus Knee Braces: Which One Should You Use?
Knee brace is another gear that can help keep the knees stable. However, knee braces offer more support, so it is generally recommended for people who have injuries that can be prone to more injuries when becoming more mobile. Knee sleeves, on the other hand, should be a great all-around knee support. It can be used to protect the knees when lifting heavier loads. When lifting, it involves putting pressure on the kneecaps that can then cause tendonitis. If you lift heavier loads or you do weightlifting exercises, it is a good idea to wear knee compression sleeves. It is also a great ally for exercising as it can help in performing physical activities such as squats.
Of course, knee compression sleeves are also recommended for people who already have existing knee injuries. It can be used interchangeably with a knee brace when it comes to pain management and in enhancing mobility when you have knee issues.
It is also important to get the opinion of your physical therapies. You would want to choose the right gear that will work for the type of injury or health problem you have.
How Long You Can Wear a Knee Compression Sleeve?
Now on to the question of how long you can wear a knee compression sleeve. How long is the ideal time for you to wear this contraption? Knee compression sleeves are generally suitable for everyday wear. The neoprene material is comfortable enough to wear everyday without experiencing chafing. However, the question as to whether you can wear it round-the-clock is subjective to your condition and how it is worn.
Compression sleeves can be used on extended periods of time but provided that it has just the right level of tightness. They are designed to boost blood circulation but if they are placed too tightly, it defeats the purpose. If it is too tight that it is leaving indentations on your skin and you are starting to feel discomforts as the blood pools in the area where the knee compression sleeve is used, you need to take it off.
In the summer, wearing compression sleeves can also be uncomfortable because of the humidity and the heat. If it gets too hot, wearers might feel stifled and constricted and might need to take it off occasionally to allow their skin to breathe.
At the end of the day, you need to assess what feels comfortable to you. You also need to consult your physical therapist who will let you know what the optimum time for usage is the most ideal.
Some General Rules in Wearing Compression Sleeves
If you want to wear your knee compression sleeves longer without feeling discomforts, here are the general rules you need to follow:
Find a good compression sleeve.
Quality is paramount when it comes to compression sleeves. You won’t be able to get the benefits you are looking for if the compression sleeve isn’t made from the best materials and doesn’t provide enough stretch.
Make sure it is not too tight.
Assess the comfort. Does it actually improve the pain or is it too tight that it magnifies the pain? Check to see if it leaves indentations on your skin. Also check the color of your skin. If it is starting to look blue, you could be losing circulation already in this area.
You should be able to move around comfortably.
Once you have worn the compression sleeve, try moving around. Can you actually run or walk comfortably while wearing the sleeve? Does it impede movement? If it impedes movement and it prevents you from moving your limbs properly, you could have placed it too tightly.
Finding the Best Knee Compression Sleeves: Some Factors to Consider
You will only be able to reap the rewards of good compression sleeves if you are using the best one. Make sure you keep the following buying tips in mind:
Opt for adjustable compression sleeves.
Everyone perceives comfort in a different way. This is why you need to look for one with adjustable comforts, so you can customize the tightness to your preferred level.
It should have a breathable material that can wick moisture away.
If you plan on wearing your knee compression sleeve for extended periods of time, make sure you choose one that has breathable functions. It should effectively wick moisture away in order to prevent sweat from pooling on your skin. Breathable materials also mean the knee compression sleeve is more comfortable to wear in the summer season.
It should be made from natural or hypoallergenic materials.
Synthetic materials could be bad for people with sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic materials or organic materials are better for those with skin allergies. You can wear these compression sleeves for a longer time without worrying that the material will trigger an adverse reaction.
Conclusion
All in all, knee compression sleeves have a lot of benefits to people with knee ailments. Give this a go and include this in your pain management treatments. Our guide to the best knee sleeves is the best place to start!