Best Knee Support For Running
Knee supports for running come in a range of styles and support levels. But what is the best knee support for running? Well that depends on how much support you need and whether you have any specific injuries you are recovering from, or wish to prevent.
In general a knee support for running should provide a moderate level of support, yet still allow a good range of motion at the knee. There is always a trade off between range of movement and support level. So what do we recommend?
General running knee support
If you have no particular injuries and just want that bit of extra support or confidence then the Compression Knee Support is ideal. It is made of elastic material and supports your knee through compression.
This is one of the best knee supporst for running because it is comfortable to run in and will not restrict your movement significantly. Ideal for easing general knee pain associated with mild arthritis or tendon injuries.
Wraparound Neoprene Knee Support
If you prefer something with a little more support, or perform better when your knee is kept warm, then go for the Neoprene Knee Support. Neoprene is thicker than elastic compression and retains far more of the body's natural heat. As a result, the joint is kept warmer. Tendons (join muscle to bone) work much better and hurt less when they are warm.
Heavy runners knee support
The best knee support for runners that are a bit heavier and not particularly speed merchants but do need that little bit of extra support.
Advanced Compression Knee Support
The Advanced Compression Knee Support provides a higher level of support for the joint due to the additional adjustable elastic straps which wrap around the sides.
Iliotibial band friction syndrome
This is inflammation of the iliotibial band on the outside of your knee. It is a very common running injury.
The iliotibial band strap is an excellent knee support for runners with ITB syndrome. It is worn above the knee and applies pressure to the tendon. As a result, the strain on the tendon reduces, relieving symptoms.
Patella tendon injuries
The most common of these are Patella tendinopathy and Osgood Schlatter disease. They are injuries resulting in pain at the front of the knee. The patella tendon joins the patella to the front of your tibia (shin bone).
The best knee supports for running if you have patella tendon injuries are Patella tendon straps. This wraps around the knee, applying pressure over the tendon, just below the patella.
Patellofemoral pain
Patellofemoral pain (also known as Runner's knee) occurs when your patella (kneecap) rubs against the femur bone underneath. The patella sits in a groove and moves up and down over the front of the femur. If it is out of alignment for any reason then this results in irritation and damage to the cartilage underneath.
The Runners Knee Strap aims to help control the position of your patella and encourage it to track normally. This versatile support also applies pressure to the iliotibial band on the outside of the knee and the patella tendon.
So whether you are recovering from a specific injury, or just want a little bit more support and confidence when running, we have the right support for you.
