Provides the patellar tendon with relief during outdoor sports
Hiking is your favorite activity or lifelong adventure. Whether you are conquering a mountain in a national park, breathing in the fresh air on a scenic hike or unwinding on an urban trail, find the gear that gets you there. Bauerfeind braces, sleeves and compression socks support and stabilize your joints, relieve strain and improve proprioception for better endurance and more comfort with every step. Try Bauerfeind products risk-free with our 60-day money-back guarantee.
What are common hiking injuries and how to treat them?
Hiking is a popular adventure and can be a great way to exercise. With trails ranging in difficulty, length and scenery, there’s a hike out there for everyone. While injury rates are lower than during other activities, they can still happen. Common hiking-related injuries include:
- Blisters
- Sore legs
- Slips and falls
- Knee pain and strain
- Twisted ankle
- Sunburn
- Pulled muscles
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Allergic reactions to poison ivy, oak and sumac
- Insect bites
Bauerfeind braces, sleeves and compression socks stabilize your joints, relieve pain and keep your legs vitalized to get you to the top.
Find the full article about common hiking injuries and how to treat them here.
How to avoid injuries while hiking?
Gradually getting used to hiking and giving your muscles, joints and ligaments enough time to adjust is key to preventing injury. Choose trails based on your experience and fitness level. Work up to longer, more strenuous hikes.
- Plan your route, consult with a ranger and check the weather before you leave for your hike
- Pack all essentials according to the length and duration of your hike: water, food, first-aid kit, clothing, camping gear
- Wear hiking boots with good grip
- Hiking boots that come up over the ankle can protect from ankle sprains
- Bauerfeind’s new Outdoor Merino Socks, with innovative functional zones, support your feet, help prevent blisters with extra padding, regulate body temperature and keep your feet dry and fresh
Should I wear a knee brace when hiking?
If you’ve experienced a knee injury in the past, have pain or feel your knee needs extra support, wearing a knee brace relieves pain, makes hiking more comfortable and your knee feel more stable.
Compression found in Bauerfeind’s Knee Brace Line provides stability and massages the area around the knee joint to reduce pain and inflammation. If you’ve never had a knee injury, you may still want to consider a hiking knee brace like the Bauerfeind GenuTrain Knee Brace to help protect your knee against excessive strain while hiking the great outdoors.
How to prevent knee pain when hiking downhill?
Although hiking uphill is more strenuous for the whole body, hiking downhill puts more strain on your knees with a higher risk of injury.
According to a study by pubmed.gov, the “increased moment and knee flexion angle yield a 3 to 4 times bigger femoropatellar joint compressive force for downhill walking compared to level walking.” Another study found that walking downhill reduces the sense of knee joint position, also known as proprioception, resulting in a higher rate of injury while descending.
- Wear shoes with proper grip
- Center of gravity: Try to keep your weight over your legs.
- Don’t lean forward or back while descending.
- Use trekking poles and lengthen them according to the terrain. This helps to stabilize and keep your body upright while reducing the strain on your legs
- Wear a GenuTrain Knee Brace to support and stabilize your knee, reduce excessive strain and increase proprioception
- Go slow and focused. Take shorter steps to keep your center of gravity over your legs and place your feet intentionally.
- Build strength by stair walking and doing other exercises
- Pack smart: Only take necessary items to keep the weight you are carrying low
What socks should I wear for hiking?
Choosing hiking socks depends a lot on your personal preference. Generally, socks are available in different lengths and with different types of compression, cushioning and material.
Comfort on every step with hiking socks from Bauerfeind. We offer Outdoor Performance Socks and Outdoor Merino Socks in two lengths as mid-cut and knee-high socks. The socks feature innovative functional zones for better endurance and comfort on the trail. Our socks are padded to prevent blisters and relieve stress on your feet. The soft breathable and temperature-regulating material keeps your feet dry and fresh.
Can I wash my Bauerfeind brace, sleeve or compression socks?
Yes. Washing your braces regularly helps maintain their shape and last longer.
For products with Velcro straps, fasten them securely at the place provided on the brace. Machine-wash your brace, sleeve or socks in cold water using a gentle or delicate cycle. Wash separately using a laundry detergent with no additives (do not use fabric softener or Woolite). Lay flat and let it air-dry. Do not put it in the dryer. Proper washing and drying helps keep the knit’s elasticity and original fit.
