View source for Knee pad

{{Short description|Protective gear worn on knees}}
{{for|the African development program|NEPAD}}
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 {{lead extra info|date=September 2022}}
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[[File:Defense.gov photo essay 120707-A-8536E-269.jpg|right|thumb|US soldiers wearing knee pads]]
[[File:Vert (sport) (181091710).jpg|thumb|Knee pads for skateboarding]]
[[File:Typical Inline Skating Gear.jpg|thumb|right|Typical In-line skating protective gear includes helmet, elbow pads, wrist guards, and knee pads.]]
[[File:Mtb knee pads and elbow pads.jpg|thumb|Mountain biking knee pads with attached shin guards (left), and elbow pads with attached forearm guards (right).]]

'''Knee pads''' or '''kneepads''' are [[protective gear]] worn on [[knee]]s to protect them against impact [[injury]] from falling to the ground or hitting an obstacle, or to provide padding for extended [[kneeling]].Their primary purpose is to shield this [[Joint|vulnerable joint]] from potential impact injuries that may occur due to [[accident]]al falls, collisions with objects, or striking obstacles. By providing a cushioning barrier between the knees and the ground or other hard surfaces, knee pads help minimize the risk of severe damage or trauma.

==Use==
===Sports===
[[File:Polo kneepad.jpg|right|thumb|Knee pads are standard [[personal protective equipment|PPE]] for [[polo]] players]]
Knee pads are worn in many recreational and sporting activities such as [[cycling]], [[rollerskating]], [[skateboarding]], [[cricket]], [[volleyball]], [[Team handball|handball]], [[basketball]], [[gridiron football]], [[polo]], [[dancing]], etc. In [[polo]], knee pads serve primarily to protect the rider's knee when "riding off" an opponent.{{clarify|date=September 2022}}

=== Work ===
Work that requires frequent or constant kneeling, including carpet installation, [[plumbing]], [[Tile|tilling]], and [[mechanic]] work will normally require hard, rugged knee pads with hard shells. If work requires less or occasional kneeling, then a lighter, softer and more flexible knee pad can be used to increase comfort.

====Trades and military use====
Knee pads are also used in various trades such as for the home [[handyman]], for the [[police]] [[SWAT team]]s, and they are also incorporated into [[military uniform]]s such as the [[Army Combat Uniform]] and the [[Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform]]. These knee pads are generally designed differently{{clarify|date=June 2018}} than the general all round high impact knee pads made for sports.

=== Babies ===
The padding of the baby knee pads should be soft because the baby knee is the soft part of the body. The padding foam should be soft and ultra-durable. Knee pads should be in proper fitting according to baby knees.

==See also==
* [[Elbow pad]]
* [[Gaiters]]
* [[Poleyn]]
* [[Shoulder pad (sport)]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{commons category|Knee pads}}

[[Category:Rider apparel]]
[[Category:Protective gear]]
[[Category:Knee clothing|Pad]]
[[Category:Bandy equipment]]
[[Category:Ice hockey equipment]]
[[Category:Skateboarding equipment]]


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