Test of the McDavid knee brace

To treat patellar pathology, we have testIt is a knee brace recommended by our osteopath, in this case the McDavid knee brace, which has proven to be effective and comfortable for continuing sporting activity despite pain.

By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: Jean-François TATARD

For the first time in 40 years, 35 of which have been spent running or cycling, I'm going to put on a knee brace. Indeed, this month the McDavid brand offered me the opportunity, through my osteopath Fabrice Bedin, to testis a knee orthosis designed to relieve patellar pathology and a notorious problem with cartilage.

McDavid designs and markets sports medicine products. In this case, a whole bunch of products related to sports protection and performance for athletes but also for all other active people. The history of the brand began in 1969 when Dr. Robert F. McDavid Jr., namesake and founder emeritus of the company, created the first knee protection brace widely used in football. After a successful start and a period of fabulous growth, a company was incorporated under the name McDavid Knee Guard Inc. in 1980.

Today, McDavid products top the list of recommendations from professional athletes, sports medicine professionals and athletic trainers. From back and lumbar orthotics to ankle support to research into compression shorts with patented technology specifically designed for pubalgia, McDavid products meet the specific needs of professional athletes – and others – in a wide variety of sports.

Un storytelling global

McDavid also has a storytelling which is told around the world: from its headquarters in California to its subsidiaries in Canada, Japan and Europe, to its global distribution center. Its objective remains to support our sporting practice in complete safety and to perpetuate its heritage.tagand with products at the cutting edge of what is best in terms of support and relief of bone, muscle, ligament or tendon pathologies. And which inspire confidence and help athletes of all levels to maintain their skills and better: to continue to progress while protecting themselves from injuries and wear and tear.

Focus on the knee

Constantly stressed, the knee is the site of many traumas, such as sprains, patellar syndrome, or osteoarthritis. In case of weakness or injury, wearing a knee brace can help reduce pain and relieve the joint. My friend, Fabrice Bedin, the osteopath of all trailers from the area, and at the same time a teacher at the Paris School of Osteopathy, introduced me to different types of knee braces and their indications, in order to help me choose the model best suited to my particular problem. 

Anatomy lesson

The knee is the intermediate joint of the leg that supports the weight of our body, and plays an essential role in our mobility and stability. Indeed, it allows many movements such as flexion, extension and rotation, and is particularly stressed throughout our lives. The knee is thus composed of three bones, the kneecap or patella, the tibia and the femur, connected together by three joints (femoral-patellar and internal and external femoro-tibial), four ligaments (internal and external ligaments, anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments) and tendons. Other anatomical elements also participate in its function such as the synovial fluid, which acts as a real lubricant, and the meniscus, a small fibrocartilaginous disc which acts as a shock absorber. It is the integrity of these different parts which ensures the knee's stability and allows it to respond to different demands.

But then in my case, what do we do?

Each knee pad has its own function. In fact, depending on the anatomical element affected, the activity or the therapeutic objective, they will each have a very specific role: relieving pain, correcting movements, facilitating post-traumatic healing, protecting the knee before or after an operation, promoting rehabilitation, enabling the resumption of sport after a period of convalescence, etc.. So in my case, the knee brace is a patellar knee brace. In this case, an orthosis related to my cartilage problems. What we call chodronopathy. Very common among forty-somethings who have overdone the kilometers of running, the big gears of cycling, and the heavy loads repeatedly in bodybuilding. 

Chondropathy of the knee (“chondro” means cartilage and “pathy” refers to the disease) is cartilage damage on all articular surfaces of that joint. This damage causes softening, especially on the kneecap, and long-term symptoms. Chondropathy of the knee is often asymptomatic at an early stage. The more severe the damage, the more pain and discomfort appear, sometimes for more than a year or even 18 months. This mainly involves pain in the joint during normal movements, often felt as pressure pain when moving the knee against resistance. It is most often accentuated when squatting, walking downhill, going down stairs, climbing on a bike and when driving a car (clutch, accelerating). Pain at rest can occur during and especially after prolonged and quiet sitting (driving, long-haul flights, working on a computer).

Choosing the knee pad 

The McDavid range is very, very wide and for each pathology, there is a different product. On Fabrice's advice, I therefore selected the patellar knee brace (patella, meniscus, osteoarthritis). The patellar knee brace is designed to trap the kneecap, prevent any lateral movement, and improve overall knee stability. These knee braces are used in cases of pain associated with patellar instability (anterior knee pain). They are indicated in patellar or patellofemoral syndrome, but also in cases of lateral subluxations, poor patellar alignment, chondropathies (cartilage damage), tendinitis (tendon pain), meniscectomies (removal of a meniscus), or in cases of mild osteoarthritis.
And the more severe the instability of the patella, the more rigid the patellar knee brace must be, that is to say, reinforced laterally. This is the case with the one I have tested. Reference [5147] in the McDavid range… And in size M in the context of the test.

A beginning to everything…

So this is my first time wearing a knee brace. And if I had not been offered the test or that my osteopath had not pushed a little, I must admit, I would never have put on this accessory. I was apprehensive about wearing one while cycling. And yes! You will never see a Tour rider with a knee guard. So it felt weird. In my mind, " you have pain: you clench your teeth". " You're in a lot of pain: you stop". But you never pedal with a knee pad. Except that here, I admit, the knee pad is really well thought out: it has the shape of an "X" with adjustable buttresses. And that's a good point to place them on the point of pain in order to maintain pressure to reduce discomfort. The knee pad is very comfortable to wear, the fabric is well sewn and does not cause any discomfort. It is quickly forgotten when pedaling. My knee injury is forgotten after a few kilometers. 

My impressions

The compression is elastic. It is of high quality with an increased level of comfort. Another point, the side stays ensure impeccable stability and protection. The support and comfort are perfectly adjusted as well. And I find the finish very sporty in its style and very neat, especially at the ends. No irritation even when sweating a lot on the home trainer. The gel heel counter adds a lot of comfort and protection as well. It's made in a very breathable way. Sweat wicks away well. 

Choosing the right knee pad 

I understand better the choice of this knee pad. You must choose the type of knee pad that is suitable for your situation. And also the right size. A correct and suitable orthosis will be worn well, and will thus be able to exert its therapeutic action. To choose the knee brace model that best suits your needs, you must first know the level of support required and the size of your knee. To do this, simply refer to the measurement tables corresponding to each knee brace. If in doubt, you can contact your osteopath or orthopedist. Maybe even your pharmacist. But be aware that at McDavid there are also knee braces adapted to all pathologies and all morphologies. 

To conclude

McDavid knee braces are orthotics that support and relieve many knee pathologies. And the range doesn't stop there... Whether you are an athlete, a convalescent or someone suffering from osteoarthritis, it is important to choose the right knee brace model, adapted to your size and symptoms. The one that Fabrice Bedin recommended to me responds to a very high level of demand from an enthusiast who is not prevented from practicing even under penalty of sanction. This reassures, builds confidence and allows you not to feel guilty about continuing to run or cycle without really knowing whether it is reasonable not to stop. 

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