10 Best Runners Knee Brace
Anatomy of the Knee Joint
Runners Knee Brace: Pain usually occurs under or around the front of the kneecap (patella) where it attaches with the lower end of the thighbone (femur). The patella, also called the kneecap, is a small flat triangular bone located at the front of the knee joint. The kneecap or patella is a sesamoid bone that is embedded in a tendon that connects the muscles of the thigh to the shinbone (tibia). The function of the patella is to protect the front part of the knee.
What is the condition we call Runner’s Knee?
Runner’s knee, also called patellofemoral pain syndrome refers to pain under and around your kneecap. Runner’s knee includes several medical conditions such as anterior knee pain syndrome, patellofemoral malalignment, and chondromalacia patella. That causes pain around the front of the knee. As the name suggests, a runner’s knee is a common complaint among runners, jumpers, and other athletes such as skiers, cyclists, and soccer players.
Some of the Causes of Runner’s Knee
Runner’s knee can result from poor alignment of the kneecap, complete or partial dislocation. Overuse, tight or weak thigh muscles, flat feet, direct trauma to the knee. Patellofemoral pain often comes from strained tendons and irritation or softening of the cartilage that lines the underside of the kneecap. Pain in the knee may be referred from other parts of the body, such as the back or hip.
A few Symptoms of Runner’s Knee
The most common symptom of a runner’s knee is a dull aching pain underneath the kneecap while walking up or down stairs, squatting, kneeling, and sitting with your knees bent for a long period.
How Doctors Diagnose Runner’s Knee
To diagnose the runner’s knee, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, any sports participation, and activities that aggravate your knee pain. Your doctor will perform a physical examination of your knee. Diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and blood tests may be ordered to check if your pain is due to damage to the structure of the knee or because of the tissues that attach to it.
Some common Treatments for Runner’s Knee
The first treatment step is to avoid activities such as running and jumping, that cause pain. Treatment options include both non-surgical and surgical methods. Nonsurgical treatment consists of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol); all assist in controlling pain and swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce pain.
Exercises
Your doctor may recommend an exercise program to improve the flexibility and strength of thigh muscles. Cross-training exercises to stretch the lower extremities may also be recommended by your doctor.
Other non-surgical treatments include:
- Knee taping: An adhesive tape is applied over the patella, to alter the kneecap alignment and movement. Taping of the patella may reduce pain.
- runners Knee brace: A special brace for the knee may be used during sports participation which may help reduce pain.
- Orthotics: Special shoe inserts may be prescribed for those with flat feet that may help relieve the pain.
In some cases, you may need surgery that includes arthroscopy and realignment. During arthroscopy, damaged fragments are removed from the kneecap, while realignment moves the kneecap back to its alignment. Thus reducing the abnormal pressure on cartilage and supporting structures around the front of the knee.
What can prevent Runner’s Knee
- If you are overweight, you may need to control your weight to avoid overstressing your knees.
- Gradually increase the intensity of your workout.
- If you have flat feet or other foot problems, use shoe inserts.
- Avoid running on hard surfaces.
- Wear properly fitting good quality running shoes with good shock absorption.
- Avoid running straight down hills; instead, walk down them or run in a zigzag pattern.
- Warm up for 5 minutes before starting any exercise. Also, stretch after exercising.
- wearing a runners knee brace
BENEFITS OF A KNEE BRACE WHILE RUNNING
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 experiences a great deal of wear and tear that’s associated with high-intensity running for long periods. 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 RUNNER’S 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 is – 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.
Our 10 best runners knee brace
1. Freetoo
This one is a simpler option that features 3D weave and silicone materials for a perfect fit. This particular material also makes it non-slip and super comfortable. The reinforced spring retaining strap design may be firmer than some runners want but it’s also a great option for those who wish to target support.
The spring retaining straps give you some room to control the tightness of this knee brace. The area around the knee is lightly padded to reinforce the support and help with tracking and motion.
Style
it’s made of silicone and it helps to minimize the swelling and pain while running. Chafing won’t be a problem here, and the material is also good quality so you shouldn’t have issues with an unpleasant odor.
2. Neo G
For those who need some high-grade support and stabilization, look no further than the Neo G Advanced Hinged Brace. This option is specially designed to provide optimum support and stabilization to the knee. It can be a great aid for arthritis or a simple fallback for a runner’s knee. The hinge system ensures your leg stays in a relatively consistent range of motion and this greatly reduces the odds of pulling or tearing something.
Support
This brace is medical grade, providing reliable and quality compression and potentially making it. The first choice for those who need rehabilitation and orthopedic relief. The neoprene material is perfect to provide a bit of heat for sore joints and best of all, this brace can be worn on either knee.
Style
The side hinge keeps this brace snug without restricting movement in the back of your knee. It is only available in blue and the sizing is one-size-fits-all but it does have Velcro closures that allow you to get a close fit.
3. Tech Ware Pro
The Tech Ware Pro is a great choice for beginner runners and seasoned pros alike. It offers helpful padding and great protection, as well as durable support for your entire knee. This brace is made for active runners and allows for a greater range of mobility and flexibility while still offering alignment support.
Support
you get a great deal of support with the Tech Ware Pro, and your entire knee will feel the supportive pressure and stability. It is a good choice for runners’ knee brace who want excellent support without giving up a lot of their mobility.
Style
This brace is an all-in-one design with two long wrap-around straps and goes above and below the knee. This allows for a custom fit and adjustable support as you go through your runs. Users rave about the simple yet effective design of this knee brace.
4. Berter
What we love most about this design from Berter is that it is super lightweight, and isn’t as large. As some of the other designs out there on the market. This option falls just above and below your knee, making it one of the lightweight options. It has an open patella design for easy motions, and gel padding for extra comfort and support.
Support
The very first thing that we noticed is its size. It boasts a slightly smaller frame that sits just above and below your knee to keep things light and easy. It can be affixed to your leg with a pair of Velcro straps. That makes this design super easy to take on and off as needed.
Style
What really makes this option stand out from the crowd is the additional gel padding in key places. To help add a little bit of compression as well as comfort without hindering your full range of motion. It even boasts a pair of springs along the side of the runner’s knee brace that removes pressure from your joints so you can train without pain.
5. Zamst ZK-7
This design from Zamst may look simple, but it is packed with advanced features that provide your knee with ultimate protection and support. It boasts a unique construction with proprietary lightweight materials that offer ultimate support. For a wide variety of injuries without limiting your full range of motion too much.
Support
This exterior shell provides your knee with four points of protection and support. Which is far superior to other designs that simply offer two areas of added support along the side of the knee. The four points of protection make this design ideal not only for running but for cross-training and sports as well.
Style
We also love that it is composed of Flyweight tech that helps lift hot air up. Away from your knee for a cool and comfortable fit that you can wear all day long. It also boasts something called ROM-Tech, which is a pre-curved design that contours easily to the gentle curve of your knee for a more comfortable (and less stiff) fit.
6. McDavid runners knee brace
This design from McDavid is slightly more expensive than some of the other models we have seen. But we feel that it is well worth the extra cost! It is composed of premium materials that help to support it. soothe tired knees to keep you out there on the trails. While it is slightly bulkier than other designs. It is packed with supportive features that really help to ease pain and aid in healing while you push yourself to your limits!
Support
The very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it boasts Bi-lateral geared polycentric hinges. These hinges help to stabilize your knee joint to shift pressure off of your joints as well as guide your knee for an even and supportive stride.
Style
Users love this design because it really stays in place as you move. The open patella design helps to aid in a full range of motion, which means that it won’t feel as stiff and cumbersome as some heavy-duty designs. It is also composed of latex-free neoprene that provides excellent compression where you need it most.
7. MODVEL
Hate the idea of big and bulky gear? If you want to stay light on your feet while keeping your knees protected, you will want to check out this design from MODVEL. What we love most about this option is that it boasts a simple and lightweight frame that protects your knees. Without a lot of easy bulk. The best part? It is one of the most affordable designs out there on the market!
Support
The very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it is much smaller and slimmer than many of the other designs that we have seen. It can be adjusted with a pair of dual Velcro straps to change up the level of compression that you need on your runs.
Style
This design omits bulky hardware, and instead supports your knee with a pair of dual stabilizers along the side of the knee. It boasts an open patella design that provides a full range of motion. Breathable mesh internal materials help keep your knee cool and dry on those long-distance runs on hot days.
8. Dynamic Gear
If you are recovering from a pretty gnarly injury, you may want to check out this design from Dynamic Gear. While it is a lot stiffer than some of the other designs out there on the market. It is packed with incredibly supportive features that allow you to recover from Meniscus Tear. ACL injuries, Strains, or just general wear and tear. Plus, it comes in at a super affordable price point.
Support
The frame of this design is reinforced with aluminum springs that help provide ample support to take the pressure off of your knee while increasing your overall range of motion. These aluminum springs are lightweight, and incredibly durable, which makes this design ideal for running.
Style
What we love most about this design is that it allows the user to adjust the level of compression and protection offered. If you are recovering from a strain, you can adjust the level of compression for ultimate protection, at the risk of flexibility. If you want something that offers lighter compression for a higher range of motion, you can pull it a little less tightly around your knee.
9. EzyFit
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to this design from EzyFit. We love that it is composed of incredibly durable materials that will hold up quite well over the years, and it clocks in at a super reasonable price point. Plus, it boasts an internal frame that holds it in place when worn for long periods.
Support
This lightweight design is free of heavy or awkward internal hardware such as spring for a more comfortable and lightweight fit. To stabilize your knee, it boasts a pair of dual pads along the side of the knee to help take the pressure off of your knee. It also boasts an open patella to boost your range of motion, making it ideal for speed as well as distance.
Style
It is accented with gel cushioning that really grips your skin and stays put, no matter how much you sweat. Users love that the dual Velcro straps are super easy to take on and off and allow you to adjust the compression to accommodate your specific needs.
10. Shock Doctor
You shouldn’t go wrong with this design from Shock Doctor. It is a little heavier and bulkier than some of the other designs out there on the market, but the added bulk means ultimate protection. It provides added heat and compression to soothe joints, and the stiff design supports your knee from anything from running to weight lifting to cross fit.
one of the things that we love most about this design is that it has an open kneecap. To increase your full range of motion. It is reinforced with EVA foam cushioning that provides intense compression to your knee joints to melt away pain and tension.
Style
While it boasts a pretty bulky frame, it is packed with features that help to lift sweat up and away from your knee. The material used is antimicrobial so you can wear it all day long. It even boasts vented panels along the back of the knee for maximum comfort as well as breathability.
Don’t hesitate today to get the care you need ASAP.
