Runners, we know your pain. No, really, we do: According to the Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, about 20-40% of all knee problems occur at the joint, specifically the kneecap, which experiences a great deal of the wear and tear that’s associated with high intensity running for long periods of time. So how does wearing a knee brace while running help?
Knee pain is one of the most common issues that runners experience, and that pain can sideline your running for weeks or even months at a time. However, there is some good news; wearing a knee brace can help prevent knee pain and injuries, and allow you to keep running pain-free for years to come.
Should I Wear a Knee Brace While Running?
Whether or not you’ve had a knee injury in the past, in most cases it is ideal to use a knee brace while running. The primary reason being – while you’re running, your knees absorb a lot of the impact, which can lead to damage over time. In runners who do not take precautions, the damage to your knees over time will compound and can eventually lead to knee issues that can prevent you from running altogether. Later in life this can present itself as making basic movement difficult when you’re a senior.
Therefore, it is safe to say that a knee brace should be worn by most runners, as it can help to protect your knees from damage and keep you running for longer. The benefits immensely outweigh the negatives.
What Kind of Knee Brace Do I Need?
There are multiple different types of knee braces for a range of purposes. While some knee braces are meant to protect the knee from further injury, others are meant to help with the recovery process.
The ideal knee brace for you depends on you and your individual needs. If you have experienced a previous knee injury, you may need a brace that offers more support than a traditional sleeve. If you are looking for a brace to help support you and your everyday activities, you’ll have no trouble finding one.
Your doctor or physiotherapist can help you determine which type of knee brace is best for you, but it’s worth noting that if you’re dealing with a high degree of knee pain caused by sports or other strenuous activities, you should look for a medial, hinged, or patellar knee brace to offer maximum support and protection.
A quality knee brace has a lot to offer, but where do you begin in deciding which one is for you? Identifying the features of some of the most popular knee braces will help you narrow down your options and find what works.
Be on the lookout for knee braces that offer:
- Adjustable athletic support
- An open patella design
- Breathable neoprene construction
- Flexible side stabilizers
- Anatomically correct contouring
A popular choice among our clients at Icarus Medical is the Ascender Knee Brace.
What Are My Options?
Compression Sleeves: These are the simplest type of knee brace and are most often used to relieve pain from minor injuries, exhaustion, or arthritis. They offer the least support of all knee braces and are the lightest and most comfortable to wear.
Patellar Stabilizers: These braces are designed to stop the patella from moving out of place. They are often used in the treatment of patellar tendinitis and patellar subluxation. Patellar stabilizers are available in a sleeve or a hinged design.
Hinged Knee Braces: Hinged knee braces are the most supportive type of knee brace, and they are often used to treat serious knee injuries. Hinged knee braces sometimes have metal hinges on the sides that allow you to move your knee while still providing support.
Medial/Lateral Support Braces: These braces provide support to the knee while also helping to prevent the knee from moving to the side. Medial/lateral support braces are often used to treat knee injuries such as meniscus tears, patellar tendonitis, and patellar subluxation.
In Conclusion
In your search for the right knee brace, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the abundance of options available. You can find a knee brace for every knee injury, whether it is a mild sprain or a more serious ligament tear. We recommend doing your own research and consulting with your doctor or physical therapist before coming to a decision.
Are you looking for a brace that not only helps support the joints and lifestyle of active individuals, but also reduces impact and joint pain by taking weight directly off of the knee? Inquire about our Ascender Knee Brace, brought to you by Icarus Medical.
