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Compression Knee System

User Guide

Caution: The information contained in this guide is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified physician for your specific needs and diagnosis.

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Contents

DASHSPORT COMPRESSION KNEE SYSTEM: OVERVIEW ......................................................................................... 3

KNEE OVERUSE INJURIES: BACKGROUND INFORMATION ..................................................................................... 4

JUMPER’S KNEE ............................................................................................................................................................. 4

RUNNER’S KNEE ............................................................................................................................................................. 5

OSGOOD-SCHLATTER CONDITION ...................................................................................................................................... 6

CHONDROMALACIA PATELLA (CMP) .................................................................................................................................. 7

ILIOTIBIAL BAND SYNDROME (ITBS) .................................................................................................................................. 8

OVERUSE INJURY SELF-TREATMENT ....................................................................................................................... 9

COMPRESSION SLEEVE USE INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................................................... 10

COMPRESSION SLEEVE PLACEMENT AND USE ............................................................................................................... 10

KNEE BAND USE INSTRUCTIONS........................................................................................................................... 12

KNEE BAND PLACEMENT AND USE ............................................................................................................................. 13

FITTING CHART .................................................................................................................................................... 14

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ......................................................................................................................... 15

JOIN THE DASHSPORT LAUNCH TEAM! ................................................................................................................ 17

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DashSport Compression Knee System: Overview

Welcome to DashSport! You’ve made the right choice in caring for your knee injury.

Complete Solution

The DashSport Compression Knee System is the clear choice for knee support and relief. Our system incorporates a premium quality compression sleeve and premium knee band designed to work together to give you as much support and relief as possible. DashSport is the only system on the market offering a total solution. The two components can be used together or separately, on either leg.

Targeted Compression

Our Knee System cannot be compared to other brands—we stand alone in offering targeted compression. For real relief, you need targeted compression on the areas that require the most attention. Our fully adjustable knee band is designed with exactly that in mind. You will get the support you require, right where you need it. This proven effective method relieves pain and stress from Jumper’s Knee and other overuse conditions.

Comfortable Compression

Our 200 GSM Copper Nylon Compression Knee Sleeve offers comfortable, all-day, distributed compression that is designed for sore muscle relief, increased blood flow, and general support. Our system is used by elite athletes in basketball, baseball, tennis, and other sports. It can also be used by anyone with knee injury or discomfort.

Premium Materials

Our Copper Nylon Compression Knee Sleeve gives all the benefits of copper: it is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and odor resistant. The Targeted Compression Band provides high quality support with strong fasteners and a wide gel pad to give you maximum support for any areas that need more attention.

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Knee Overuse Injuries: Background Information

The DashSport Compression Knee system is particularly designed to assist active individuals who have sustained typical knee overuse injuries associated with athletics. (Non-athletes with overuse injuries can also benefit.) Some of these common conditions are described below.

Jumper’s Knee

Jumper’s Knee or Patellar Tendonitis is marked by pain, injury, or inflammation in various tendons that connect the kneecap to surrounding leg muscles and bones—most commonly the tendon that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia).

Jumper’s Knee is generally diagnosed as an overuse injury caused by repetitive strain. Often—as the name implies—the condition is brought on by the functional stress overload caused by jumping, in sports such as basketball or volleyball. However, non-athletes may also experience the condition.

Susceptible Persons

Athletes (particularly in jumping sports)

Typical Symptoms

Pain at bottom front of kneecap

Tenderness at bottom of kneecap when pressure applied

Aching, stiffness, and pain during or after exercise (particularly jumping motions)

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Pain while using quadriceps (acute cases)

Visual swelling of affected tendon

Stages of Injury

Stage 1: Pain only after training, no impaired performance

Stage 2: Pain before and after training, but eases after warm-up, with no impaired performance

Stage 3: Pain during and after training, with impaired performance

Stage 4: Pain during everyday activities (typically complete tendon tear)

Resources

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/knee-pain/jumpers-knee

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/jumpers_knee

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patellar-tendinitis/basics/definition/con-20024441

Runner’s Knee

Runner’s Knee or Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) describes pain at the front of the knee and around the knee cap. The syndrome may be caused by overuse, such as from running or jumping sports that subject the knee to repetitive stress. Other causes may include kneecap injury, excess weight, misaligned kneecap, or changes beneath the kneecap.

Other names for this malady include Chondromalacia Patellae, Anterior Knee Pain, and Patellofemoral Joint Syndrome.

Susceptible Persons

Active athletes (especially sports that involve running and jumping)

Manual laborers

Adolescents (especially female)

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Typical Symptoms

Dull aching pain in knee joint (increases when sitting with bent knees, squatting, jumping, or climbing stairs/hills)

Tenderness and swelling along inside border of kneecap

Clicking, cracking, popping, or grinding sound or sensation when knee bends

Occasional knee buckling

Tight muscles around knee joint

Wasting of quadriceps (if old injury)

Resources

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/knee-pain/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/tc/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome-topic-overview

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome/symptoms-causes/dxc-20169025

Osgood-Schlatter Condition

Osgood-Schlatter Condition (formerly called Osgood Schlatter’s Disease) is another overuse injury that causes knee pain in children of age 10 to 15. It is more common in boys. The condition occurs in young people because their bones are growing more quickly than surrounding muscles and tendons, which causes the patella tendon to pull at the top of the shin, resulting in microfractures. This typically occurs during a growth spurt, combined with a high amount of sports activities, such as running and jumping.

Susceptible Persons

Adolescents (10 to 15), especially males

Typical Symptoms

Pain, swelling, or inflammation of the bony section at the top of the shin (tibial tubercle)

Tenderness and pain, worse after exercise

Pain when contracting quadriceps or squatting (athletes)

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References

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/knee-pain/osgood-schlatters-disease

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/osgood-schlatter-condition

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osgood-schlatter-disease/basics/definition/con-20021911

Chondromalacia Patella (CMP)

Chondromalacia Patella (CMP) is a condition that involves softening and damage to the cartilage under the kneecap (patella). It can cause knee pain, swelling, and clicking or grinding noises in the knee. The condition typically occurs among young athletes—particularly females. It is often confused with Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, PFPS). Causes of the condition include overuse, acute injury, muscle imbalance, kneecap misalignment, and flat feet.

Susceptible Persons

Young athletes

More common in females because of higher “Q angle” (angle between quadriceps and patella tendon)

Those with previous knee injuries

Typical Symptoms

(similar to those of Runner’s Knee)

Achy front knee pain, swelling, or tenderness (over and around kneecap)

Pain while climbing, or after prolonged sitting

Grating grinding sensation when bending and straightening

References

http://www.knee-pain-explained.com/chondromalaciapatella.html

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/knee-pain/chondromalacia-patella

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Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) causes pain on the outer side of the knee, which radiates up the thigh. The iliotibial band (ITB) is a band of tissue that runs down the outside of the thigh, from the pelvis to the knee, providing stability to the knee and hip.

ITBS results when the ITB becomes irritated and inflamed from rubbing against nearby bony material. This can occur from overuse, as with prolonged walking or running. Often misdiagnosed as Runner’s Knee, this syndrome frequently affects long distance runners. Additional complicating factors may include muscle tightness or weakness, flat feet, hill running, sudden increased activity, leg length discrepancy, and bow legs.

This condition is also called Iliotibial Friction Syndrome.

Susceptible Persons

Long distance runners

Cyclists

Typical Symptoms

Lateral knee pain (outside of knee and hip), especially when heel strikes ground, when running or taking stairs, or when straightening the leg

Swelling, inflammation, or discomfort at site

Pain that disappears as ITB is stretched and pain that improves with rest

Popping/snapping sensation when bending knee

Snapping hip pain

References

http://www.knee-pain-explained.com/iliotibial-band-syndrome.html

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/tc/iliotibial-band-syndrome-topic-overview

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Overuse Injury Self-Treatment

To help soothe and promote healing of an overuse injury, you may try these general self-treatment techniques.

Note: For any injury or chronic overuse condition, please consult a physician or sports medicine specialist for complete care and treatment.

Self-Treatment Techniques

Rest the affected area or adapt activities to reduce impact on affected area.

Apply ice or cold therapy regularly—particularly after intense activity.

Perform targeted stretching or physical therapy exercises. (Consult a sports injury professional for guidance.)

Use a knee support device, such as the DashSport Compression Knee System.

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Compression Sleeve Use Instructions

A compression sleeve is a garment used to help reduce the symptoms of sore muscles, help increase blood flow, and provide general support. The DashSport Compression Knee Sleeve is snug and offers gentle compression suitable for all day support and recovery.

Compression Sleeve Placement and Use

Slide the sleeve up the leg to just above the kneecap. The bottom of the sleeve should be at the top of the calf muscle.

Wear your sleeve during:

Exercise or physical activity

Gardening or yard work

Housework that requires a lot of effort (such as vacuuming or sweeping)

Any repetitive motion activity

Air travel

Do not wear your sleeve:

If it could become wet (The sleeve may irritate your skin if worn while wet.)

While you are sleeping (The sleeve works best when muscles are active.)

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Remove sleeve and contact your doctor if you notice these symptoms:

Red, irritated skin on your leg

Toes or feet that feel cold or have a blue color

Helpful hints:

The sleeve should be snug, but not too tight.

It should fit from the bottom of the quadriceps to the top of the calf muscle.

The sleeve’s seam should be toward the back of the leg.

You may sprinkle powder on the skin to help the sleeve slide on more easily.

Washing instructions:

Sleeve

Machine wash cold.

Use delicate cycle with like colors.

Tumble dry low.

Do not iron.

Do not bleach.

Strap

Hand wash with mild soap.

Air dry.

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Knee Band Use Instructions

A knee band, also known as a counterforce brace, is a simple device that is wrapped around the foreleg just beneath the knee. The band includes a support pad to increase comfort and effectiveness.

This system works by compressing the upper foreleg and absorbing the forces that are transmitted through the soft tissues to the point of pain on the outside of the knee. It also changes the angle at which the tendon works at the knee. This in turn changes the forces that are applied to the tendon attachment, allowing the injured area time to recover.

The band is fully adjustable and provides anywhere from light to very strong, targeted support as needed or directed.

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Knee Band Placement and Use

Slide the compression band on with the “bump” toward the tendon that’s causing pain. Center the red compression pad (beneath the DS logo) on top of your foreleg as shown in the image above. This will help reduce inflammation and pain. Tighten with the Velcro strips. Be sure to adjust the Velcro on both sides of the band—not just one side.

Wear your band during:

Exercise or physical activity

Gardening or yard work

Housework that requires a lot of effort (such as vacuuming or sweeping)

Any repetitive motion activity

Air travel

Do not wear your band:

While you are sleeping

Remove band and contact your doctor if you notice these symptoms:

Red, irritated skin on your leg

Toes or feet that feel cold or have a blue color

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Fitting Chart

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve selected the correct size, but my band does not seem to fit.

Note that our knee band is adjustable with Velcro on both sides. If your band does not seem to fit correctly, be sure you are adjusting the Velcro on each side—not just one.

Can you play sports while wearing the brace and compression sleeve?

Yes! You can absolutely play sports while wearing the brace and sleeve. You can also wear them either individually or together, depending on your needs. Our system was designed to be light and allow full range of motion, while giving support where needed most and increasing blood flow to the area. You have most likely noticed professional athletes wearing compression and support devices while playing, and our product is no different!

Help: My compression sleeve keeps falling down!

First, ensure that you’re using the correct size. Double-check your measurements. Also note that your particular measurements may not match the sizing chart exactly. Some people simply have more slender thighs or softer skin around the knees (which may cause the sleeve to more easily slip). You may need to go smaller on one measurement to achieve the best overall fit. You may also need to recheck your measurements over time, if you have gained or lost weight, or if your legs are more or less swollen than at the first sizing.

Be sure to wash the sleeve after each use. Washing will remove dirt, sweat, dead skin, and bodily oils, and help restore elasticity to the material. Every week or two, perform additional cleaning with rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball.

Finally, we also recommend trying a simple body adhesive to help keep the sleeve in place. Many customers have reported success with this simple fix.

What is the copper content of your sleeve?

Our compression sleeves are 85% copper nylon and 15% lycra/spandex.

When brands advertise the “copper content,” what they are referring to is the mix of copper-infused nylon with other materials. So, it’s not 80+ % copper, as some marketing implies—that would be a metal sleeve! DashSport uses a mix of 85% copper-infused nylon and 15% lycra/spandex. Any more copper nylon and the material would need to get very thin, and would also begin losing its compression because not enough compression material (lycra/spandex) would be present.

We have found 85% to be the sweet spot for maximum copper benefits and a good thick, comfortable, high-performance material that you cannot see through. It also gives the

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perfect amount of compression without wearing out. Premium brands use this percentage, while others opt for more nylon to market higher “copper content.” The result is thinner material with less compression.

What does 2o0 GSM mean?

GSM is short for grams per square meter. All fabrics have a weight, and the standard measurement for the weight and quality of fabrics is GSM. This measurement refers to the density of the fabric.

Our copper sleeves are made of 200 GSM fabric. This is important because some competitors with cheaper products use very thin material that is see-through, almost like women’s nylons. Ours is a more dense, but comfortable, high-performance fabric. A heavier material means more compression, more durability, more copper-infused nylon, and more performance.

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Join the DashSport Launch Team!

We’d love to hear from you. Let us know how you’re enjoying our products, and join our review team to qualify for promotions, discounts, and participation in new product launches.

For more information, visit

http://www.godashsport.com/pages/join-the-team