Whether you can and should wear a knee support or brace for playing football (soccer) is a complex issue. In addition to whether it is the right thing for you and your specific injury, the laws of the game also influence what you are allowed to wear. Additionally, whether a particular support will help or hinder your game!
Am I allowed to wear a knee support for football (Soccer)?
Knee supports are generally allowed, but they must be safe for all players. Referees have the authority to inspect and approve or disallow equipment based on its safety and compliance with the laws.
In the UK, regulations surrounding the use of knee supports in football, and other medical aids on the pitch are governed by both The Laws of the Game from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and specific guidelines from The Football Association (FA).
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In particular, Law 4 of The Laws of the Game, covers players’ equipment. Knee supports are allowed as long as they meet the following criteria:
1. Safety
Knee supports for football must be safe for both the wearer and the other players. Specifically, they should not have any sharp edges, hard materials, or other dangerous parts that could cause injury during contact.
For example, the Ultimate Performance Hinged Range of Motion knee brace has solid metal parts and a hard exposed hinge system. This would not be allowed due to the risk of injury to other players during contact. However, the Advanced Elastic Knee Support would be fine because there is no risk of injury to other players.
2. Competitive advantage
The knee support must not provide the player with an unfair advantage. It is meant to support a medical need, not to enhance performance beyond what is natural for the player. For example some knee braces have powerful springs built into them which assist the wearer to straighten their legs. Somehow I suspect anything capable of doing this is not actually going to help you as a player. But the rule is there in case.
3. Appearance
The knee support should ideally match the color of the kit, particularly the shorts, to avoid confusion or drawing unnecessary attention. The FA also says that medical supports such as knee braces should be disclosed to referees before the match, who will inspect them to ensure they comply with safety standards. If a knee support is deemed unsafe, you may be asked to modify or remove it before being allowed to play. However, at amateur and grassroots levels, referees often take a practical approach, focusing on player safety.
For more detailed guidance, you can refer to The Laws of the Game or local FA guidelines.
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When should I wear a knee support for football?
Well first let’s look at when you shoudn’t use a knee support to play football. If you are injured, or carrying an injury, particularly an acute or recent injury then you should rest and allow your knee to heal. Continuing to play will only delay or prevent recovery and lead to a long term, chronic injury which is more difficult to treat. If it hurts to run on, even with a knee support then rest. Lets face it, you do not see professional players wearing knee braces on the pitch.
However, there are situations where a knee support may help prevent injury or help recover following an injury.
Preventing injury
Whilst no knee support completely prevents you from injuring your knee, it may help in some cases. For example, if you have had knee injuries in the past and your knee feels weak or unstable then a knee brace or support may give you that bit more confidence to train and play. Specific knee supports also help prevent overuse injuries such as Osgood Schlatter disease, Patellar tendonitis and Iliotibial band syndrome. They do this by changing the way forces transmit through tendons and as a result allow the tendon to heal.
When it comes to knee ligament injuries then a knee support with additional sideways or lateral protection may help protect the lateral ligaments. However, the ACL is a particularly difficult ligament to protect because you only need to twist your knee a small amount to cause injury. As a result, any knee brace capable of significantly protecting it is unlikely to be flexible enough to allow you to play.
Recovery following injury
Knee supports are excellent for recovering from injury. Both immediately following injury, and as you progress through rehabilitation. By protecting the knee they allow you to perform rehabilitation exercises whilst reducing the risk of aggrevating your injury.
Knee joint injuries
These include knee ligament sprains including ACL and torn cartilage meniscus. If you have suffered any of these then it is important you complete a full knee rehabilitation program before you return to competitive football. Do not use a knee support to mask injury. Wear it while you recover to protect your knee.
Once your injury has healed you may feel it is weak or you may lack confidence on it. This may be because you haven’t included movement control and function exercises in your rehab plan. Or you may have laxity in the knee ligaments themsevles. Either way, wearing a knee support can help while you regain strength and proprioception in the joint.
Overuse injuries
The include patellar tendonitis or jumper’s knee, hamstring tendonitis at the back, patellofemoral pain or iliotibial band syndrome. Whilst the same principles apply and you should allow healing to take place along with a full rehab program, there are specific knee braces which reduce the strain on your tendons, allowing you to train or play while you fully recover.
Examples of knee supports for football
There is always a trade off between the amount of support you have and how much your movement is restricted.
Elastic knee support
One of the most popular knee supports I recommend for playing football in is an elastic knee support. It provides compressive support to the knee without restricting movement significantly. The elastic knee support provides a good balance whilst also being breathable and comfortable to wear for extended periods.
This is great for giving support and confidence after recovering from most knee injuries including ligament sprains and joint injuries. However, does not significantly protect the knee ligaments.
Stabilizing knee supports
These have the benefits of a simple elastic knee support, but with additional straps and springs for extra lateral support. They give more support but are generally heavier and allow less knee bend (flexion).
These are great if you need extra support following a knee joint sprain. They protect lateral knee ligaments and cartilage, however restrict movement a lot more.
Patellar tendon supports
These are straps which go around the knee, applying pressure onto the patellar tendon. As a result, they change the way forces transmit through the tendon, taking stress away from the painful area.
These are great for managing patella tendon injuries such as patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee) and Osgood Schlatter disease.
ITB straps
These wrap around, or just above the knee joint applying pressure to the iliotibial band on the outside of the knee. Again they work by re-distribuiting forces through the tendon.
These are suitable for Iliotibial band friction syndrome injuries, especially chronic, long term injuries. If you have acute pain then rest.
Patellofemoral pain supports
These attempt to support the patella and help it align properly. it is particularly difficult to influence patella alignment with a knee brace. This is probably best done using tape but some knee braces are designed to support the patella, and help it stay in the right place as you bend your knee.
