Knee

Knee Health and Support

Knee pain – load, stability and technical aspects of knee supports

The complexity of the knee joint

The knee joint is the largest and most heavily loaded joint in the body. It consists of the thigh bone (femur) , shin bone (tibia) , kneecap (patella) and an advanced system of menisci, ligaments and muscles that together control movement, stability and shock absorption.

With every step, jump or bend, large forces are generated through the joint – often 3–5 times body weight . This makes the knee joint particularly sensitive to both acute injury and long-term overload.

Common causes of knee pain

  • Overload/repetitive movements: running, jumping, cycling.
  • Osteoarthritis: breakdown of joint cartilage with inflammation and stiffness.
  • Meniscus injury: twisting or pressure that causes pain during movement.
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome: pain around the kneecap caused by muscle imbalance.
  • Ligament injuries (e.g. cruciate ligaments, ligaments): in the event of trauma or rapid changes in direction.

Biomechanical and technical analysis

The knee joint functions as a hinge joint with sliding and rotating components , making it both strong and vulnerable.
Biomechanically, movement is controlled by the interaction between the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles , with each muscle group influencing stability in the sagittal and frontal planes.

Under load, the following mechanical factors arise:

  • Axial compression: vertical force up to 3× body weight when walking and up to 7× when jumping.
  • Shear load: occurs between the femur and tibia, especially during tilting or rotation.
  • Patellofemoral force: the kneecap acts as a moment arm center; imbalance here leads to mistracking and pain at the front of the knee.
  • Moment balance: an excess of internal rotation of the lower leg can increase pressure on the medial meniscus by up to 20–30%.

Self-care and prevention

  • Strengthen the front and back of the thigh (quadriceps/hamstrings) symmetrically.
  • Avoid rapid increases in training volume.
  • Wear good shoes with shock absorption.
  • Vary the surface and avoid hard surfaces when running.
  • When sitting still: stretch your knees regularly to keep your circulation going.

Function of knee supports – technical principles

A knee support can have several functions depending on the design and area of ​​use:

  • Compression support: increases proprioception (joint sensation) and reduces swelling.
  • Stabilizing support: lateral braces or adjustable straps that control movement in the frontal plane.
  • Relief orthosis: used in osteoarthritis to reduce pressure in a specific joint compartment.

From a technical perspective, many modern knee supports are based on principles from orthopedic technology patents that use:

  • Zonal compression with a gradual pressure profile (typically 15–35 mmHg).
  • Dynamic elastomer zones that allow movement but prevent overextension.
  • Highly breathable material (mesh structure) for temperature regulation.

Examples of relevant patents in this area include:

  • EP2451923B1 – Joint brace with adjustable compression zones
  • US20140107329A1 – Knee support device with integrated hinge flexibility control

Clinical relevance

Studies have shown that knee supports can reduce pain in osteoarthritis and increase stability in mild ligament insufficiency without impairing muscle activation.
In overuse-related pain, supports are used primarily for proprioceptive feedback and neuromuscular stabilization rather than mechanical fixation.

Summary

Knee pain often has several interacting causes – biomechanical, structural and behavioral.
By understanding how forces and movement patterns affect the joint, you can reduce the risk of injury and pain.
A properly designed knee support can be an effective complement to recovery or prevention, as long as it is used correctly and in combination with training and ergonomics.

NordFiness offers technically designed supports that follow these principles, focusing on a balance between stability, freedom of movement and comfort.

References

  • 1177 Care Guide: Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis
  • Nigg, BM, & Herzog, W. (2007). Biomechanics of the Musculo-skeletal System. Wiley.
  • Andriacchi, TP et al. (2004). Dynamic factors in knee osteoarthritis progression. PNAS.
  • EP2451923B1 – Joint brace with adjustable compression zones.
  • US20140107329A1 – Knee support device with integrated hinge flexibility control.
  • NordFiness technical analysis of support materials and movement ergonomics.