Compression Knee Brace For Running: Choosing A Running Brace
Contents
Whatever sport you do, a little support can’t hurt. For running, protection of your legs, feet, and joints is key to keeping in good shape.
Did you know that the knee is the largest joint in the body? It’s made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid, and it is key to mobility.
Some runners with knee pain find a knee brace or strap makes running more comfortable.
The evidence is mixed, though. Researchers note that support for patellar braces is limited because many studies are low quality, and there is no good proof that braces prevent injuries.
In one trial, a brace added to an exercise program helped with kneecap pain over 12 weeks, but the benefit mostly faded by one year. Strengthening exercises remain the core treatment.
However, finding the best running knee brace on your own can be stressful.
We’re here with not only our pick for the best knee protector for running, but also the criteria that you should look for when choosing a brace.
Criteria
So, what makes a running brace the best on the market?
Well, the first thing you should check is support. When it comes down to it, the most basic job of a knee brace for running support is the ability to support your knee. Without that, it isn’t a worthwhile knee brace at all.
This means that it should feel stable and secure when you run. The best knee brace should also fit comfortably while doing its job.
While a knee brace should be reasonably snug to offer the support it needs to, it shouldn’t limit your mobility in the way it fits.
After all, if you can’t move your knee thanks to your brace, then you definitely won’t be able to run.
Ideally, your brace should also be comfortable. Since you’ll be wearing it frequently – every time you run – it’s important that it doesn’t cut into your skin or chafe.
In addition, if you’re a competition runner, an uncomfortable brace can mean you don’t perform at your best.
Product Overview
Ipow Knee Pain Relief and Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap Brace
The best compression knee brace for running that we found is the Ipow Knee Pain Relief and Patella Stabilizer Knee Strap Brace.
This brace is rather small compared to traditional braces.
It is a simple strap that you wear just below your knee, applying pressure below the patella (kneecap).
It also has a segmented fixed design so that it allows many different users to wear it without discomfort.
It is adjustable, so it fits a wide range of leg sizes; check the listing for measurements.
The slim design is also extremely comfortable.
It is made out quality fabric that is not only soft but breathable as well. Some users say it stays in place well during sweaty workouts.
Once you are done with your workout, this running brace is easy to wash as well.
Pros And Cons
This product boasts a huge amount of benefits to its wearer. First and foremost, many users say it eases kneecap discomfort while running. It is also small in design, so it won’t impair your mobility at all, which is especially important for runners.
Since it is also absorptive and easy to wash, so you won’t have to worry about it starting to smell or being dirty. Some customers say it helps with knee pain, though results vary.
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect, and there are cons to everything. The biggest complaint that customers of this product have is that the material does have a tendency to stretch out. This is a problem, of course, because it’s important that this product fits tightly.
Another problem with this product is that it gets uncomfortable when worn for a long period of time. This may not affect you if you are only running short distances, but runners that run longer races will probably be uncomfortable with this product.
Conclusion
Running with a knee brace is a fantastic way to protect your knees while you run and workout. This knee strap is a simple, low-profile choice for runners with mild kneecap discomfort.
If knee pain is sharp, causes swelling, makes the knee give way or lasts more than a couple of weeks, stop running and see a doctor or physical therapist.
Sources
- Evaluating the potential synergistic benefit of a realignment brace on patients receiving exercise therapy for patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized clinical trial, Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery (PMC)
- Knee Injuries and Disorders, MedlinePlus
