Coping with knee pain in sports

Hockey Knee Pain

Monthly Archives: December 2014

McDavid Knee Brace – Pro Stabilizer Review

Posted on by Posted in Knee Braces, Product Reviews
mcdavid knee brace

McDavid Knee Brace – Pro Stabilizer Review

Mcdavid Knee Brace

This McDavid Knee Brace is a great example of a company getting it right! The Pro Stabilizer consistently gets top customer reviews and ranks highly against its competitors.
“I love the pull tabs on the top. I’ve had other braces without these and they are definitely a great feature. It makes getting the brace on much easier!” – Amazon Reviewer
You can see that it is well made, which means durability. It has solid support, and thoughtful features such as the finger tab. The hinges are covered so no snagging on clothes or shin guards.

Specs

 – material: 4.8mm Neoprene
 – brace type: Patellofemoral with Hinged side bracing
 – support level: High
 – features/benefits:
  • thick thermal neoprene sleeves to provide therapeutic body heat retention
  • Firm compression and soft tissue support
  • Extra long sleeve protects against abrasion
  • Padded horseshoe buttress protects and relieves pressure from the patella
  • Hinges on both sides of the knee
  • Two-sided nylon construction for added durability
  • Adjustable Velcro straps
  • Fits right or left knee
Pros: Extra features such as finger pull tab. Excellent feedback on Amazon for piece of mind. Recommended by other leading Knee Brace websites.
Cons: Wide profile could make fit difficult for hockey players. The Hinges do stick out which means fitting under clothes is an issue

Overall Verdict 4.4/5

Lots of positive reviews and happy customers make this McDavid knee brace easy to recommend. My impression is that it is an excellent knee brace, providing full support and stability for weak knees. However, that being said, I think the bulk of the brace would mean it doesn’t suit a hockey players needs. If you have low profile or narrow shin guards, the braces hinges would not fit comfortably and probably cause discomfort and be a distraction.

If you aren’t planning on using the brace whilst playing or training, I can easily recommend it.

Get the McDavid Pro Stabilizer knee support here

Knee Pain Relief – Penetrex

Posted on by Posted in Pain Relief Products, Product Reviews
knee pain relief

Knee Pain Relief by Penetrex

“After about four weeks using it three times a day, the pain is gone! I really can’t believe a cream could work so well.” – Amazon Review

So, does it work? Over 4000 people say it does! There are so many positive reviews for Penetrex that it would be ridiculous to overlook it.

For the best knee pain relief, people want something that is fast acting and penetrates deep into the knee, and Penetrex provides. The product claims that its aim is to repair and heal damage rather than act solely as a pain killer, and focuses on treating the root causes of the inflammation thus reducing the recovery time.

Penetrex details

knee pain relief
Penetrex pain relief cream

 – Active Ingredients:

  • Vitamin B6, MSD/DMSO2
  • CMO (Cetyl Myristoleate)
  • Choline Bitartrate
  • Arnica
  • Boswellia Serrata

 – Treated Conditions:

  • Tennis Elbow
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Arthritis
  • Sciatica
  • Back Pain
  • Restless Leg Syndrome RLS
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Shin Splints
  • Neuropathy
  • Sore Back
  • Sore Neck
  • Golfers Elbow
  • Repetitive Strain
  • Trigger Finger
  • Heel Spurs
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Gout
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Knee Pain
  • Hip Pain

 – features/benefits:

  • Advanced Formulation Penetrex® is The #1 Pain Relief Therapy on Amazon 3 Years running. Recommended for use on its own or as a complimentary application along with braces, splints, gloves, ultrasound treatment, physical therapy, massage, etc.
  • Hundreds of Thousands of clients in over 65 countries have now discovered this breakthrough transcutaneous treatment. Recently updated, Penetrex now provides added potency and is a Paraben-Free product.
  • 100% Unconditional, Money-Back “Relief Guarantee”. No Questions Asked – No Time Limit.
  • Immediate, Lasting, Healing Relief For Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Golf & Tennis Elbow, Tendonitis, Bursitis, Sciatica, Back Pain, Shin Splints, Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, Plantar Fasciitis, etc.
  • Researched, Developed, Formulated & Filled By A Renowned Chemist in Southern California. This Product Does Occasionally Become Back-Ordered. Order Your Supply Of Penetrex Today!
Pros: The things I like about this product: many, many positive reviews from satisfied customers. Penetrex offers a 100% unconditional satisfaction guarantee – don’t like it or think its not working and you can return it. The company claims only a 1% return rate (1 in every 100 sold)
Cons: For all the positive reviews, there are a number of negatives that drag the overall percentage down. Penetrex does state that the aim of the product is to treat the underlying cause rather than provide temporary pain relief. The product is attempting to solve everyones problem. Maybe its just like when you were a kid mixing paint and it always turned brown?

Overall Verdict – 4.3/5

For a hockey player, Penetrex could be just what you need for knee pain relief and get you through the game. Used in conjunction with a knee brace or sleeve, Penetrex has enough satisfied customers that it really could be the miracle it claims to be. Besides, it offers an unconditional 100% money back guarantee if you’re not happy.

Purchase Penetrex today

Common Hockey Injuries

Posted on by Posted in Injury Prevention
hockey injuries

Common Hockey InjuriesCollision in front of goal - hockey injuries

Hockey injuries, they’re not fun – and aside from the typical knocks, bumps & bruises that you get whilst playing, skaters reaching speeds of up to 30mph and the puck at times exceeding 100mph, it’s no surprise that the game carries some risk of serious injury. Collisions with players, the boards or the ice can lead to concussions, bone or ligament damage, and on top of that, the risk of cuts from skates. Following is a list of the most common hockey injuries.

“I played pretty darn competitive-level hockey. Then the good old knee injury…” – Actor Taylor Kitsch

Head Injuries

Concussions remain the most significant and common injury suffered by hockey players, and contrary to popular belief, not all concussions result in loss of consciousness. Sometimes it manifests itself in the form of mild dizziness, headaches or overall tiredness and irritability.

Player hit - hockey injuriesKnee Injuries

The second most commonly reported hockey injuries are injuries to the medial collateral ligament (MCL). The MCL is one of the knees supporting ligaments. An MCL injury occurs when it is stretched or torn by impacts to the side of the knee or sudden twisting movements. It can also be damaged when the skates blade catches in a rut and the players knee is twisted over. Typically quite painful, it doesn’t always result in surgery. Players are generally back on the ice within 6-8 weeks. Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACL) injuries and torn cartilage aren’t as common, but also occur. For more information on knee injuries, check out The Knee Joint Explained

Ankle Injuries

The ankles are also vulnerable to injury with the high speeds of the skaters, the sudden stopping and rapid directional changes means the ankle is vulnerable to twisting.

Shoulder Injuries

Injuries to the acromioclaviular (AC) joint in the shoulder and the clavicle (collarbone) can also happen when a player is “checked” into the boards, another player, or impacts the ice awkwardly.

 

Face Off

Hockey injuries are frustrating, but with correct treatment, proper training and developing good playing techniques the severity of the injury will be drastically reduced.

 

Of course by wearing correctly fitting equipment – at a minimum, shin guards, padded pants, protective cup, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves and helmet, you’ll reduce the chances of injury and unless your league requires it, it is highly recommended to wear a face mask or visor as well!

Exercises for Knee Pain – Keep It Simple

Posted on by Posted in Strength & Conditioning

Exercises for Knee Pain

Want to get back to the Game, but the pain in your knees is keeping you away? Following are 5 simple exercises for knee pain that will help strengthen the muscles around the joint and decrease the stress on the joint. Stabilise your knee and get back on the Ice with minimal fuss!
Keep the following rule in mind – Don’t bend your leg so much that your knee is in front of your foot. This places undue stress and pressure on the front of the knee joint.
  1. One Legged Calf Raises: Stand on one leg using a wall or a chair for balance, slowly lift your heel off the floor rising up on your toes. Concentrate on keeping chin, knee and ankle in line as you do this, hold, then slowly lower.
  2.  Step-Ups: Find a staircase, then lead with your right foot and step up, bring left foot up and tap on the top of the step, then lower back down. When you step up, make sure your knee is directly over your ankle. Repeat with left foot.
  3.  Partial Squats: Stand about 30cm in front of a chair like you’re about to sit in it. Keep feet hip width apart and toes forward, then bending at the hips, slowly lower yourself halfway down to the chair keeping knees behind your toes.
  4.  Straight-Leg Raises: Sit with back against wall, right leg straight out in front of you, and left bent about 45deg with foot flat on the floor. Slowly raise your right leg about 30cm off the floor and hold, then gently lower. Repeat with left leg.
  5.  Hamstring Stretch: Best way to do this is to lie flat on back with legs stretched out. Loop a towel or rope around one foot and then pull straight leg toward your chest (keeping a slight bend in the knee) Keep your entire back pressed flat to the floor throughout the stretch. Hold for 20seconds then release and repeat with other leg.
Do 10 repetitions of each of these exercises for knee pain 2 to 3 times a week.

Shock Doctor Knee Brace – Review

Posted on by Posted in Knee Braces
shock doctor knee brace

shock doctor knee braceShock Doctor Knee Brace – Ultra Knee Support

Can’t say enough good things about this product, other than I’m buying another one for my left knee for backpacking/long distance day hiking – Amazon review

This Shock Doctor knee brace looks unstoppable! Just like something IronMan would wear. The Ultra Knee Support is Shock Doctors most advanced and protective knee brace. It features bilateral support stays and hinges for maximum stability. Aimed at providing support for moderate to major ligament sprains, muscle strains and unstable joints.

Specs:
 – material: latex free vented neoprene & lycra mesh
 – brace type: bilateral hinges
 – support level: High
 – features/benefits:
  • x-fit straps – Securely wraps leg with comfort and overlaps hinge to maximize stability during flex
  • Bilateral support hinges with aluminium stays to securely anchor in the sleeve and protect the knee while hyper-extension stops and impact absorbing base pads prevent over-extension.
  • Anatomical pre-curved design for an enhanced fit, comfort & stability in performance.
  • N-Tex vented neoprene & Lycra mesh at the back of the knee providing moisture wicking and comfortable knee flex
  • Convenient finger tabs to allow an easy grip when fitting
Pros: Slim design will fit under shin guards, comfortable form fitted design keeps knee stable without sacrificing mobility.
Cons: the cross straps can chafe behind the knee, sizing is small and if you have bigger calves can make it difficult to fit on. Side bracing can dig into legs for those who are larger.

Overall Verdict 4.1/5

Superb knee brace. Plenty of positive reviews with most of the negatives calling out the tight fit and small sizing.

Purchase the Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Support today

Mueller Knee Braces – HG80 Review

Posted on by Posted in Knee Braces
Mueller knee braces

Mueller Knee Braces – HG80 Review

Mueller Knee Braces HG80Mueller knee braces have built a very solid looking knee brace, the HG80 Knee Brace offers an exceptionally high level of support complete with removable side bars and hinges.

“I’ve had knee issues for years (three arthroscopies, one ACL replacement, and currently a torn meniscus), and this brace is the best I’ve found.” – Amazon reviewer

First impressions are that this could be an excellent support for hockey players with ligament pain or cartilage damage.

It offers a pull-up sleeve type construction with wrap around straps for added stability.

Specs
 – material: Nylon, Polyester
 – brace type: Hinged
 – support level: High
 – features/benefits:
  • The Mueller-exclusive hydracinn® fabric is the moisture-wicking antimicrobial catalyst behind the HG80 heat management system.
  • Uniquely breathable, it’s antimicrobial to inhibit bacterial growth.
  • Extremely soft to the touch and lightweight with flatlock seams, these might just be the most comfortable braces you’ve ever worn. no seams.
  • Inner gripping strips+ hold braces in place and help prevent brace migration.  no slip.
  • Over 5 decades of proven performance in america’s athletic training rooms has gone into the development of hg80
Pros: Slim line fit, can be used under hockey shin guards. Solid feel yet retaining freedom of movement. Removable side braces. Moisture wicking fabric to keep knee cool and dry.
Cons: Sleeve type fit which means correct sizing could be difficult to achieve.

Overall Verdict: 4.2/5

Mueller knee braces offer an excellent, well rated knee brace in the HG80. It has plenty of positive feedback from users. The best point is the ability to remove the side braces and reduce support as your knee improves post injury. I also really like the width of the brace as it means it will fit snuggly under shin guards. I highly recommend this knee brace.

Purchase the Mueller Knee Braces HG80 here

McDavid Ligament Knee Support Review

Posted on by Posted in Knee Braces, Product Reviews
mcdavid ligament knee support

McDavid Ligament Knee Support Review
mcdavid ligament knee support

A superb, highly supporting knee brace, the McDavid Ligament Knee Support rates highly for its price. Its primary feature is the extra cross straps to aid in ligament support and securely hold the knee in place.

My First impressions are that the Knee Support will provide excellent support and stability for someone who has mild ligament damage.

“It offers extremely good quality and the criss/cross straps are what most people need to support weak knees” – Amazon reviewer

Specs
 – material: 100% Latex free 4.8mm Neoprene
 – brace type: Patellofemoral
 – support level: Moderate
 – features/benefits:
  • Reinforced medial-lateral support with spring steel stays aids in prevention of ligament injuries
  • Four elastic crossing straps add ligament support
  • Padded buttress supports the patella
  • Top and bottom hook and loop closures ensure outstanding fit
  • Latex-free neoprene provides thermal/compression therapy
  • Seamless, perforated back panel for 
all-around comfort
  • Outer heavy-duty nylon fabric for durability
  • Fits left or right
Pros: Extra cross straps that aid patellar tracking and keep the brace firmly in position.  Smooth rear panel that prevents chafing and pinching by the straps.
Cons: Pull up sleeve type brace so sizings are smaller than expected.

Overall Verdict 4/5

The McDavid Ligament Knee Support is a solid brace that provides excellent support for its price. Its best feature is the extra wrap around straps that snuggly hold the knee in place. I actually also like that it is a sleeve type brace that slides up the leg. This offers a better fit than the wrap around design of other braces. Be sure to get your measurements correct when ordering as these braces tend to be on the small side. The biggest draw back that some customers found is that the cross straps are anchored at the side of the brace rather than wrapping around.

Purchase the McDavid ligament knee support here

Pro-Tec Athletics Knee Brace Sleeve

Posted on by Posted in Knee Braces, Product Reviews
knee brace sleeve

Pro-Tec Athletics Gel Force – Review

protec_gelforce

Targeting Basketballers, the Gel Force knee brace sleeve by Pro-Tec Athletics is also a good choice for hockey players needing basic knee support or added protection.

“What I thought was a sales pitch (4way stretch design), is not. Unlike some past girlfriends, this brace is pretty supportive.” – Amazon reviewer

The Pro-Tec Athletics Gel Force is a comfortable, supporting and high mobility knee sleeve. It provides patellar tracking support through an oval gel insert. It also has basic lateral support on both the inside and outside of the knee through two ‘spring’ stays.

Specs

 – material: 4 way stretch nylon
 – brace type: Sleeve
 – support level: Minimal
 – features/benefits:
  • Thick oval gel provides excellent comfort and support to patellar (knee cap) area.
  • Medial (inside) and lateral (outside) spiral stays offer overall knee-joint stability.
  • 4-way stretch material provides supportive compression while allowing full range of motion.
  • Light, breathable fabric keeps skin dry reducing any fabric irritation.
Pros: Aimed at alleviating pain and providing moderate stability for those niggling pains.
Cons: Can bunch up and pinch back of knee

Overall Verdict 4.2/5

Although aimed at Basketball players, the Gel Force knee brace sleeve is also a good choice for hockey players. It offers a basic level of support through compression and lateral springs. The feature I like the most is the Gel Patellar support providing just that little extra padding to the knee cap. It also has very high reviews on Amazon – comfortable is a word that comes up a lot. I did notice that the main negatives were sizing and pinching at back of knee. Overall, if you’re a hockey player that just needs that extra bit of protection on their knees, then I recommend the Pro-Tec Athletics Gel Force knee support.
To purchase the Pro-Tec Athletics Gel Force Knee Support click here

Mueller Pro Level XXL Knee Brace – Review

Posted on by Posted in Knee Braces, Product Reviews
xxl knee brace

Mueller Pro Level XXL Knee Brace – Review

Mueller Pro Level XXL knee braceMueller knee braces have produced an ideal leg brace for larger legs. The Pro Level sizes from an XXL Knee Brace all the way down to Small, and features a wrap around design. This makes it easy to get on and off.

Its made for weak or injured knees that require side support without impeding or restricting mobility.

The brace also has a Patella buttress to support and stabilise the knee cap, adjustable straps and an open back for comfort.

“I have big legs. This was the only one big enough to fit me. I have used it for over a year and it works great.” – Amazon reviewer

Specs
 – material: neoprene
 – brace type: Hinged
 – support level: High
 – features/benefits:
  • patented Triaxial Hinges provide maximum medial/lateral support
  • Patella buttress stabilizes and protects the knee cap
  • Adjustable straps above and below the knee for added support, proper fit and comfort
  • Open back eliminates bunching behind the knee
  • Extra front padding and rugged “extra-stitching” seams
Pros: Solid hinges, snug and secure fit without sliding or pinching. The hinges and side bracing offer that extra level of support compared to some of the lower models. Designed for larger legs and comes in big sizes.
Cons: May restrict movement a bit too much as the material is quite stiff. Wider profile than other hinged braces could cause bad fit under hockey shin guards.

Overall Verdict 4/5

The very best feature of this knee brace is its extra large sizing. If you’re a hockey player with bigger legs and have had problems in the past getting a knee brace that fitted, then this could be the one for you. Overall, the brace offers standard features and could have problems fitting under a pair of hockey shin guards due to the side hinges. I would recommend this brace only if you aren’t able to find a decent fit elsewhere.

Get your Mueller XXL Knee Brace today

Neo-G Knee Stabilizer

Posted on by Posted in Knee Braces, Product Reviews
Knee Stabilizer

Neo G Open Knee Stabilizer – Review
Neo G Open Knee Stabilizer

My initial impression of the Neo G knee stabilizer was simply ‘ok’. However, on doing more research and reading peoples comments about it, I am much happier to rate it higher.

The Neo G Stabilized Open Knee Support has metal spiral stays to help support the knee joint. These allow controlled and flexible movement without restricting.

The open patella design with stitched buttress helps with patella tracking and provides added support. It helps with overall stability by eliminating glide and twisting at the knee.

“I can not say enough good things about this brace. I played hockey goalie for 35 years and this was the most comfortable and protective type of its kind.” – Amazon reviewer

Weight bearing pressure during movement is more evenly distributed over the joint helping with arthritic and meniscus pain. The durable, heat therapeutic neoprene helps with arthritic knees, chronic aches and stiffness. A dynamic support, ideal for occupational use, summer and winter sporting activities such as tennis, skiing, golf etc.

Specs
 – material: Neoprene & Nylon
 – brace type: Patellofermoral with side stays
 – support level: Moderate
 – features/benefits:
  • Helps with strains, sprains, instability and patellar tracking in the knee
  • Helps support and stabilize injured, weak or arthritic knees during occupational and sporting activities
  • Interchangeable metal spiral stays on either side help provide flexible support and the open patella design and stitched buttress help give reinforced support to the patella
  • The product is a Universal Size (fits most), provides adjustable support, fits the Left or Right knee & is Unisex
  • Registered with Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, UK as a Class 1 Medical Device
Pros: 3 strap system to hold firmly in place.
Cons: Some complaints that the velcro doesnt hold for long. Centre strap can chafe behind knee.

Overall Verdict 4.2/5

Solid looking brace with plenty of good feedback. Neo G has established credibility being registered with various global healthcare regulatory agencies. Initially I didnt like the brace, but on further review I have to admit that it is a very good option for hockey players who need a moderate level of support.
Get your Neo G Stabilised Open Knee Support here