If you are an athlete, you may be susceptible to thigh injuries. This is especially true if you participate in high-impact sports that require a lot of muscle movement from that part of your body. Sports such as rugby, football, and track and field are all great examples of this.
Thigh supports can be a great way to prevent and treat sports-related injuries. There are many different types available on the market to provide extra support to your thighs and hamstrings during intense activity.
What Is a Thigh Support?
Thigh supports come in a range of sizes, colours, and materials. Though they vary, thigh supports all serve to do the same thing – protect your thighs and hamstrings from injury.
Repetitive and intense activities, over time, can put a lot of strain on this major muscle group. If proper self-care is not taken, athletes may develop certain conditions involving the calf muscles, hamstrings or quadriceps. If not treated, these conditions can wreak havoc on one’s ability to perform optimally.
Thigh supports can be used to treat almost all quadriceps and hamstring injuries including strains, hernias, hip bursitis, and more. These tools can also be used to assist with circulation and provide additional support for weak muscles that may be more prone to injury.
5 Best Thigh Supports
Adjustable Groin and Hamstring Support
This brace provides support to both the groin and hamstring area. It is a two-in-one combination that targets both areas, which are most susceptible to athletic injuries.
Features:
- Unique two-in-one design to support both the groin and hamstring areas.
- Adjustable straps make it easy to find the best fit for your body.
- Medically engineered for optimal results.
Pros and Cons of This Adjustable Thigh Support
Pros:
- Less bulky than some other thigh supports.
- Crafted with high-quality neoprene to help keep muscles warm.
- Fits both the right and left leg depending on your needs.
- Men and women can both use this thigh support.
Cons:
- The two-in-one design may feel more restrictive than supports designed for a single area.
Price:
This adjustable groin and hamstring support is available for £13.99.
Neo G Thigh and Hamstring Support
The Neo G Thigh and Hamstring Support is another great option for those looking to prevent or treat injuries in this area. It is smaller in size and available at a reasonable price.
Features:
- Fully adjustable for the perfect fit.
- Constructed from neoprene for full flexibility, breathability, and support.
- Universal fit for men or women on either leg.
- Registered as a Class one medical device.
Pros and Cons of the Neo G Thigh and Hamstring Support
Pros:
- Neoprene material ensures flexibility and durability for easy movement.
- Neoprene material also helps to warm muscles to mitigate pain and alleviate stiffness.
- Can be used by men or women.
- Easily adjustable.
- Washable.
Cons:
- Adjusts to a maximum size of 71cm which may not be large enough for some athletes.
- Cannot be washed or dried traditionally; must be done by hand and air-dried.
- Only available in one colour (blue).
Price:
The Neo G Thigh and Hamstring Support can be purchased for £19.99.
LP Elasticated Thigh Support
This thigh support provides full compression to the affected area for quick recovery following a quadricep or hamstring injury.
Features:
- Available in three sizes.
- Can be used during an activity.
- Offers full compression to the affected area for quick recovery.
Pros and Cons of the LP Elasticated Thigh Support
Pros:
- Contours to the shape of your thigh to prevent the support from riding up or slipping.
- Elastic material provides full compression to the injured area to reduce the chances of future injury.
- Retains the heat to aid in the recovery process.
- Crafted from surgical-quality material.
Cons:
- Is not a universal fit.
- Is not adjustable; must be sized accordingly.
- Cannot be machine washed or dried.
Price:
The LP Elasticated Thigh Support is available for £11.99.
Bauerfeind MyoTrain Thigh Support
While this option is a bit pricier, it is high-quality support for those who have sustained muscle injuries in the thigh area.
Features:
- Includes two cushioned pads that can be removed for optimal use.
- Provides effective support to the quadriceps and hamstring areas.
- Helps to minimize healing duration.
- Offers solid protection against future injuries.
Pros and Cons of the Bauerfeind MyoTrain Thigh Support
Pros:
- Precise compression for faster healing following an injury.
- Crafted from strong materials for long-lasting use.
- Breathable material prevents skin irritations.
- Silicone edge helps the support stay in place during movement.
- Adjustable straps allow for the best possible fit.
Cons:
- More expensive than some other comparable thigh supports on the market.
- Can feel bulkier than some other options.
- Only available in blue.
Price:
The Bauerfeind MyoTrain Thigh Support is available for £74.40.
LP Extreme Thigh Support
The LP Extreme Thigh Support is a fantastic option for those who are looking to stay active but seek full compression for relief from existing muscle injuries.
Features:
- Retains heat to alleviate pain associated with injury.
- Provides optimal compression to help with the healing process.
- Comfortable, stretchy fabric makes it easy to slide on and off.
Pros and Cons of the LP Extreme Thigh Support
Pros:
- Coolprene material helps alleviate pain and swelling for optimal relief.
- Easy slide on/off design.
- Slim profile for use during activities.
- Provides compression to the affected area for faster recovery.
Cons:
- No universal size.
- No adjustment opportunity.
Price:
The LP Extreme support is available for £26.99.
Why Use a Thigh Support?
There are many reasons you should use a thigh support. If you have sustained injuries to your quadriceps, hamstrings, or groin area in the past, you may be more susceptible to repeat injuries over time. Consistent use of a reliable, well-crafted thigh support can help prevent future injuries and mitigate your risks during activity.
Additionally, thigh supports can be used to treat existing injuries. If you’ve been injured and are still recovering, a thigh support can provide you with the help you need. They are designed to compress the muscles to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation to the affected area. More blood means faster healing. Often, the materials also contain a heating component or help trap heat, which alleviates pain and swelling in the muscles.
Thigh supports can also help you stay active. There is nothing worse than sustaining an injury that takes you out of your sport. Even a temporary lapse in activity can be physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing. A thigh support can help ensure you stay healthy and in the game.
Types of Thigh Supports
As you can see from the few options listed earlier, there are many different types of thigh supports on the market. Let’s explore what they are.
Compression Sleeves
Compression sleeves are usually smaller in size. They are designed to slip on and off with ease and to provide compression to the affected area. Compression of the major muscle groups helps to stimulate blood flow, increase circulation, and promote faster healing.
Compression Shorts
In addition to compression sleeves, there are also compression shorts. These are designed to mimic the look and feel of shorts but can be worn underneath your normal athletic attire. Compression shorts provide compression to a larger area for maximum healing.
Thigh Braces
Lastly, there are thigh braces. These are typically universal in size. They have adjustable straps so you can extend or compress the brace with ease for the perfect fit. Unlike compression sleeves and shorts, braces can be made from many different types of materials and may contain additional padding to help reduce injury to the affected site.
How to Choose a Thigh Support
When selecting the appropriate thigh support, there are a few things to consider. Size, price, and durability are all important elements to think about before purchase.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a thigh support is fit. Some thigh supports are one-size-fits-all. They may have straps that you can use to adjust the support comfortably around your thigh.
Others come in different sizes, so you must measure your thigh to find the appropriate size. A brace that is too loose or too tight is not going to be effective. To measure, you will want to find the circumference of your mid-thigh. If you are between sizes, it is always recommended you size up for comfort.
Another important thing to consider is durability – for consistent use, you are going to want to purchase a thigh support that is strong and will last. The material should be flexible, breathable, and durable to withstand both the test of time and your activity level. Price is another important consideration when choosing a thigh support as they range in cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Determine My Size?
If you want size-specific supports, you must measure your thigh. To do this, you must use a tape measure and measure the circumference of your mid-thigh. It may be helpful to do this more than once for an accurate reading.
When Is the Best Time to Use a Thigh Support?
Anytime can be a great time to use a thigh support. Depending on your situation and the type of thigh support, it can be used before, during, or after activity.
Can I Use a Thigh Support to Treat an Existing Injury?
You can use a support to treat an existing injury, or you can use it in a preventative capacity to prevent future issues.