Training can be very much associated with some pains and injuries that may be experienced by the trainers. As there is a massive amount of online resources, running plans and schedules it becomes rather difficult to distinguish between regular soreness, a small knee pain issue, and genuine knee issues that require special treatment. Knee braces are a great solution, as they reduce pain and let the runners train and compete while using them.

However, seeing that there are so many types of braces out there, all in the market to serve the purpose of helping support knee movement, not all braces are the same. In this article, we will provide some recommendations on how to deal with knee pain and help you decide on the type of footwear as well as advice on knee braces depending on your requirements.

Plan Your Exit Strategy Well in Advance

As much as we consider pains and sometimes injuries a part of training, then it is equally important to look at the long-term goals for recovery. Knee braces do help to relieve pain but they are not an equivalent of physical therapy and exercises. Mind how you run, move around during non-running days, and strength train since they contribute to your recovery process from a running-related injury.

Address Weakness and Running Form Resume From:

Yes, exercising your hips and glutes is essential because the problems with those muscles usually cause knee issues. If the runners have a weak hip then their knees will drop inward and hence they will feel some pain. With the right training concentration on hip stability, these problems will be eliminated and knee braces eliminated in the long run.

Talk To Your Doctor

Sometimes you may be suffering from chronic knee pain or a knee injury and therefore, should seek medical advice before you start using a knee brace. Your doctor can suggest the proper kind of brace that you have to wear based on the nature of your disability, if you need a special kind of brace for support, or if you need one for compression.

Know Your Needs

If you’re not under a doctor’s care but believe a knee brace could help, research your options to understand which type of brace would be most beneficial. Knowing whether you need support for specific knee issues, like patellar tracking or general compression, will guide you in choosing the best brace.

Types of Knee Braces for Runners

Let’s explore the types of knee braces available and which ones are best for specific issues.

1. Knee Strap

A knee strap is a small support that holds the strap at the knee cap or just below it. It’s particularly effective for problems for which traditional bandages don’t suffice such as Runner’s Knee and Osgood Schlatter’s disease. The strap is so designed with a cushion like strap that reduces the pressure that is usually exerted on the patellar tendon thus easing the pain. To increase the comfort and stability of the knee for jogging you can use Patellar Tendon Knee Support Double Strap for Running.

Knee straps are compact and can be worn underneath most running wear or over the clothing, if necessary.

2. Knee Sleeve

The next on the scale is a knee sleeve, which wraps around the whole knee and alleviates minor pain and swelling. Knee sleeves are also thin, flexible garments whose functionality allows runners to wear them under clothing to facilitate flexibility. In this category, the best Compression Knee Bandage Support is lightweight and designed to support compressive force that reduces pain and keeps the knee mobile.

Knee sleeves should be worn by runners who have slight discomfort during the run as they are not as supportive as other orthotic devices.

3. Patellar Tracking Brace

Knee pain affects most runners and is largely attributed to poor Patellar tracking referring to the inside movement of the knees during a run. This is most often caused by weak hips. This clothing referred to as a patellar tracking brace assists in keeping the knee in the correct position during the run.

Alternatives for PT of the knee

• Dual-Action Knee Strap: This strap which goes around the thigh also has an extra band above the knee to enhance stability and slight pressure to help in correcting patellar tracking.
• Patellar Tracking Brace: A broader brace that circles the kneecap, affords extra support beneficial when dealing with higher levels of discomfort in the knee.

For even better tracking of the kneecap, one may opt for the Adjustable Neoprene Knee Support & Brace for Pain Relief which combines both aspects of giving the needed compression as well as stability to ease out any discomfort caused by training.

4. Wraparound Brace

One type of brace is the wraparound brace for runners; it gives moderate support and is preferable to runners who have mild to moderate knee pain. It is like a knee sleeve but provides extra cushion for better pressure on a knee and beyond. Finally, wraparound braces are also characterized by adjustable compression meaning they can fit any pain level size.

Depending on the design some come as open patella which helps in easy movement of the patella while others come as closed patella for overall knee support. If you use a wraparound brace for a few weeks, consider revisiting your doctor to get some treatment done for these tissues.

5. Hinged Knee Brace

The best type of knee brace namely a hinged knee brace is used where the injury is severe or after surgery. These braces immobilise the knee somewhat to permit proper eld and are not likely to be used while running. To ensure maximum support the Hinged Knee Brace Support for Swollen ACL comes with the ability to effectively stabilize the knee making it appropriate after injury.

Conclusion

Knee braces are wonderful aids that can be very helpful for runners who have problems with their knees. Picking the correct brace on pain progression and activity level is critical to staying active and handling the pain effectively. But do not forget that braces are only temporary – they should not be a permanent fix. Attend to your running style, weight training, and flexibility so you do not have to deal with pain when running next time.

However, for chronic or severe pain it is advisable to consult your doctor and consider your knee brace as additional aid in your knee therapy program.