Knee braces are worn by people who are injured. However, many sportsmen and athletes also wear knee braces during competitions and workouts. Knee braces are worn to provide those with unsteady knees some stability and to also protect the knees from injuries. There are many athletes who have said that they find running more sustainable and easier whenever they have their knee braces on.
Watch a video for a recommended knee brace for running first:
Click here for more information and reviews: Pro-Tec Athletics IT Band Compression Wrap
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Tec-Athletics-Band-Compression-Wrap/dp/B005B00J5K
Even though knee braces are great for decreasing pain and providing support, they can never replace proper rehabilitation for injuries or proper strengthening. Rather, you should view braces as aid and not as the solution to your knee pain when running. Stretches are great way to relieve runner’s knee.
Watch a video for runner's knee stretches:
How to Select the Best Knee Brace for Running
1. Knee support
This is amongst the most important things to consider when choosing knee braces. If you have a knee strain, sprain or any other minor knee injury, go for the lightweight brace, which offers moderate or even low support. If you suffer from knee dislocation, ligament or tendon tear or some serious injury go for heavyweight knee braces, which offer better support. Even though you can get knee braces (lightweight) from the local sports stores, it is advisable that you see a physical therapist or doctor to advise you on the appropriate knee brace if you have a tendon or ligament tear.
2. Size
After deciding the kind of knee support you need, the next step is to determine the size of the running knee brace you need. The best way to determine this is to try the braces. Ideally, the most suitable brace should snugly fit against the knee all around. Also, ensure that the brace can be adjusted easily. For you to achieve the optimal results, closely follow the advice from the physical therapist or doctor. You should also strictly follow the instructions on the knee brace packaging.
3. Moisture-wicking
It is also very important to ensure that the knee brace you choose has moisture-wicking abilities. This simply means that the knee brace has the capability of drawing moisture from the skin and thereby preventing painful blisters, which are most of the time caused by the rubbing of fabric on moisture. Wick moisture knee braces are most important for runners who live in areas that have high humidity and temperatures.
4. Price
Lastly, go for the knee brace that fits your budget/price range. Even though knee braces are given by physical therapists, athletic trainers or doctors, they are typically covered by insurance. However, you have to pay for knee braces that you purchase from the sports store. While price is not as important as getting your knee back to its healthy state, you should have a certain price range when making the final decision. Shop around to find the most suitable knee brace in your price range.
Knee Brace for Running
Knee braces for running come in different types and they are all available in stores. The brace a runner wears will determine just how much they enjoy running and how long they can run. The brace type to use is dependent on individual runners considering how much they run each day, the terrain and pre-existing knee injuries.
1. Patellar stabilizing brace
Patellar tracking pain or injuries come about when the knee cap (patella) does not track properly in the thighbone or femur’s groove. This leads to friction and pain. The patellar stabilizing brace has been designed to help in providing the runner with optimal tracking of the patellar. Typically, the braces have a block or strap, which keep the patellar in place whenever your knee moves with the motion range.
2. Neoprene braces
Neoprene is a stretchy material designed to insulate the joint. Neoprene braces vary and they also serve various purposes. There are neoprene braces that are just sleeves, which retain heat and provide compression. There are those that incorporate patellar stabilizers or incorporate hinges. Determining the most suitable neoprene brace depends on the kind of injury that is being treated.
3. Hinged knee braces
Knee braces that are hinged are normally bigger compared to neoprene braces and therefore give more support. These braces are more rigid and offer more stability. They can also be customized in order to fit the individual, and they are mostly worn after one has undergone knee surgery. There are hinged braces that have been designed in a manner that limits a variety of motion and at different degrees. There are those that are adjustable whereas there are those that are standard.