How Quality Knee Support Enhances Safety in Skateboarding

Skateboarding is not only an exhilarating and popular sport but also a
mode of transportation for many. As exciting as skateboarding is, it
requires appropriate safety measures due to the inherent risks involved,
especially to the knees – a key part of the body that absorbs the impact
during tricks and even everyday cruising.

Considering the pivotal role of knees in skateboarding, taking care of them is crucial to injury prevention and to maintain high performance. Today we want to talk about using quality knee supports in skateboarding, exploring the potential risks of neglecting such safety measures, the benefits it offers and guidelines for selecting the proper knee brace for skateboarding.

Role of Knees in Skateboarding

To the outsider, skateboarding appears to be a simple act of balance and movement. But behind every trick, jump, or swift turn the knee is playing a substantial role.

As skaters, many of these maneuvers subject our knees to intense pressures. Our knees function as our body’s main shock absorbers during high impact landings.

The very act of bending the knees before a jump, propelling oneself into the air and landing again concentrates stress and impact on the
knees. That’s why maintaining good knee health is crucial.

Over time, the recurrent strain could potentially lead to deterioration, affecting not just your skateboarding performance, but overall mobility away from skating.

Furthermore, the complex sequences of twists, turns and flips so common in the sport substantially involve the knees, making them integral to the
execution of many tricks.

The Risks of Not Wearing Knee Support

A mistake that some skateboarders make is not wearing adequate knee protection which can expose them to numerous knee injuries. Some of the most common among these are sprains, dislocations, tears and even
fractures.

These injuries result from forceful impacts or awkward
landings. This exacerbates the normal strain already present on the knees
while performing these stunts.

Now, these injuries might appear manageable on the surface, but they carry long-term implications that shouldn’t be ignored. Persistent injuries can lead to chronic, long term issues such as osteoarthritis in later life.

As skaters, we want to skate FOREVER but injuries that impede our mobility and impact our overall health can get in the way of that.

To bring this into perspective, consider the experiences of several
professional skateboarders. Many have had to take long hiatuses from the sport they love, or even retire prematurely due to knee-related issues.

Tony Hawk is perhaps the most famous skateboarder in the world and he has suffered his fair share of injuries throughout his long career. This has included several knee injuries. In 1998, he underwent knee surgery, which pushed him to pause his skating and recover before getting back on the board.

Well known skater Danny Way (known for his daredevil stunts) has endured several injuries, including multiple knee injuries. He has endured 14 knee surgeries that have kept him away from skating during his recovery.

The takeaway: knee protection is not simply about present comfort, but
future well-being too.

The Importance of A Quality Knee Brace for Skateboarding

When it comes to protecting your knees during skateboarding, knee
braces are the tool of choice due to their flexible design and functionality.

Essentially, knee supports is a form protective gear for the knee joint. It’s engineered to help protect the knee from injury, and to provide support
during rigorous skating.

They work by absorbing the shock that knees would typically endure while skateboarding, particularly during those abrupt turns.

The advantages of wearing a knee brace extend beyond injury prevention.
They also offer stability to the wearer, which can increase confidence while
performing intricate tricks and prevent wobbly landings – a common
cause of sprains and strains.

By adding knee supports from https://threo.nz/t/knee-support to your safety gear you’re not just protecting your knees, but also significantly contributing to your overall skateboarding performance.

How to Choose Knee Support

Choosing the right knees support is an important decision, and certain factors can significantly impact its usefulness to you as a skateboarder.

First on the list is ensuring the brace fits properly and is comfortable.
The ideal support must sit snugly, providing sufficient compression
without causing discomfort. A poorly fitting skateboarding knee brace can hamper movement and may not offer the required protection.

Next, consider the material and durability. Look for supports made of
breathable, skin-friendly, and highly durable materials. They should be
capable of withstanding the rigors and pressures of skateboarding while also
ensuring long-term use.

A vital aspect to consider is striking a balance between maximum
protection and mobility. You don’t want a brace that’s so bulky it
restricts movement but it needs to provide the best
possible protection. Look for braces that are designed for balance,
offering flexibility and protection equally.

Tips on Using and Caring FOR YOUR KNEE BRACE

While the right knee support is crucial, knowing how to use it
properly and maintain it is equally important.

• Always ensure the brace is placed properly around your knee. It should fit around the knee joint snugly, without any slipping.
• So how tight should a knee support be? The fit should be tight enough to provide support, but not so much that it inhibits circulation or impedes your normal movements. Exercise caution not to overstretch the material, as that could harm its long term elasticity.
• Once you’ve finished your skateboarding session for the day, remember to clean your support. You can do a gentle hand wash using mild soap and then air-dry it, avoiding direct sunlight or a hot dryer which might degrade the material.
• For maintenance, regularly inspect for signs of wear and tea. If you spot and holes or tears it’s likely time for a new one. Besides visible damage, if you notice your knee brace no longer offers the firm fit and support it used to, it might be time for a replacement.

How Long Should You Wear a Knee Support?

Determining the appropriate duration for wearing it can be quite
subjective, primarily dictated by the physical demands of your activities
and the condition of your knees.

In an activity as exhilarating yet demanding as skateboarding, it’s generally advisable to wear support throughout your entire session. However, it’s important not to confine the knees in supports for extended periods beyond your active session, as prolonged use could hinder blood circulation and muscle development.

Above all, listen to your body – discomfort or swelling might indicate you need to adjust the duration you’re wearing your knee brace. The key lies in achieving a balance between support and freedom of movement for your knees.

The integral role our knees play in executing stunts, absorbing shock, and ensuring mobility means they’re frequently under intense stress. This leaves them susceptible to injuries. By using quality knee supports, skateboarders can help mitigate such risks.

Having more confidence and fewer worries about skating related injuries can help boost your skate sessions. Skateboarders of all ages (regardless of their
skill level) should consider incorporating this game-changing tool into
their skate gear.

This guest post was brought to you courtesy of Sofia Miller
Sofia Miller, a 36-year-old sports degree graduate from the University of
Glasgow, has pursued her passion for athletic performance and wellness
by representing the UK in international sports events and coaching
young athletes. Her journey has facilitated a deeper understanding of the
body and training, which she leverages to emphasize a balanced
approach to sport.
Link to Sofia’s Bio: https://threo.co.uk/about-author