Running is a term for those who are dedicated to endurance running, an activity that involves exertion and training of the feet and legs. Compression knee sleeves were also developed for these people. This garment is suitable both for sports practice and as a therapeutic element for knee injuries and their healing.
The following article will help you better understand when to use a knee brace, under what conditions to use them, what types of knee support there are and what benefits they offer, how to choose the right size, what is the standard price and how to use them properly.
What is the best knee brace for running injuries?
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Breathable
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed
- Various sizes
- Good fit and compression
- No material specified
- Only one per order
Stimulation of blood circulation is easily generated because the length of this bandage keeps the quadriceps and calf muscles firm, which keeps the joint aligned and supported against sports overloads! You can also use it for surgical recovery or to prevent wear and tear in case of arthritis. In some patients the maximum flexibility of the knee is not obtained.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL
- Colors: 6 Options
- Material: Nylon, Lycra
- No. of Products: 2 Pack
- Type: Closed
- Various colors
- 2 By order
- Low level Compression
The lightweight and comfortable fabric of the Modvel knee brace is available in all sizes and, thanks to its design, the muscles will remain stable, without having a high compression. Every time you use it during training or when you go for a walk, this support will generate enough temperature to get the therapeutic benefits of warmth. And don't worry about perspiration, because the material wicks away sweat. In some cases, the knee brace may be of little use for walking and may only be suitable for sitting.
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: Black
- Material: Elastic
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Open with straps and Velcro
- Adjustable straps with Velcro
- Good compression
- Breathable
- Quality finishes
- One size only
- Delicate wash
- Only one per order
It is designed to combat the symptoms of muscle sprains and strains thanks to its adjustable straps with Velcro closure and the ability to retain body heat to improve blood circulation. This knee brace comes in one size fits all for men and women, making it easy to fit anyone. Consider that this compressive knee brace, in some users, can easily fall out of place.
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: 3 Options: White, Gray, Pink
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Open with straps and Velcro
- Various models
- Good fit and compression
- One size only
- Only one per order
The adjustable neoprene sleeve keeps the skin dry because it evaporates perspiration when you are wearing. It is also noteworthy that, to prevent injuries and reduce stress on the joint there are three straps with Velcro closure that achieve the right compression to improve the stability of the knee. Pay attention because, in some cases of sliding patella, the one size of this compressive garment may be insufficient.
- Sizes: XS-S-M-L-XL-2XL
- Colors: 3 Options: Black, Blue, Pink
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed with silicone pad
- Various sizes
- Silicone pad
- Only one per order
The medical grade compression sleeve provides the necessary fit due to its size, which keeps the knee slightly bent to avoid overloading and stress on the joint. The different sizes available provide relief and stimulate blood circulation to decrease toxins in the affected soft tissues. In some situations, the stabilizer is insufficient to keep the joint protected, but this will depend on each case.
- Sizes: M-L-XL-2XL-3XL
- Colors: Black and Green
- Material: Nylon
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Closed with straps and Velcro
- Strap for optimum fit
- Breathable
- Large sizes
- Only one per order
The adjustable straps offer the necessary compression to maintain the balance of the joint, so you can choose any of the available sizes, but be careful because your decision may affect the grip and comfort when you use it. The breathable material adjusts 360°, creating a unique sense of security. Please note, the fabric may be insufficient to evaporate sweat for some users.
- Sizes: M-L
- Colors: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Velcro strap
- 2 sizes
- High compression
- Only one per order
Any of its available sizes can be used on both knees to always keep the joint protected and with the necessary compression to avoid injuries. By being able to adjust the ergonomic size, it is possible to stimulate blood circulation faster to improve irrigation in the soft tissues of the area. It is important to know that, in muscle tears, this product may not be very useful.
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: Black
- Material: Breathable
- No. of Products: Single
- Type: Strap with silicone pad
- Optimal adjustment
- Good compression
- Silicone pad
- Machine washable
- One size only
- No material specified
- Only one per order
The control of the patella is achieved by adjusting its black strap with Velcro closure. In this way you will avoid slipping and maintain the stability of the meniscus when walking, hats or jumping. It is also suitable for use at home or under clothing when you're working. It improves blood circulation and relieves joint pain. In some cases, this elastic knee brace may slip and cause discomfort in use.
Video: Knee joint anatomy
Types of knee braces you should know about
What are the most common knee injuries while running?
Many people have been forced to stop their activities due to discomfort or because they have suffered an incident and cannot bear the pain, but this garment can be the solution. It should be noted that the injury is not always caused directly by running, but by overloading the knees or poor training, and even by the surface on which the athlete performed the activity.
The most common injuries are:
Runner's knee
Also known as chondromalacia of the kneecap. It is described as discomfort in the lower part of the kneecap. It is a pathological condition of the cartilage at the back of the kneecap that causes severe pain throughout the knee, instability, and a rubbing sensation that is aggravated by walking on uneven ground, climbing stairs, and bending the knee.
It is a wear and tear of the cartilage that causes friction between the kneecap and the muscle. The result is severe pain and outward displacement of the kneecap. Depending on the severity, surgery may be required. It is usually caused by weakness of the quadriceps muscle at the front of the thigh, the shape of the knee, or the position of the foot.
The kneecap can be defined as a small triangular bone. In other words, the ligaments, muscles and bones of the leg make up the knee joint. We mention this because it is the area that is subjected to the most stress. This is because the kneecap rubs against the femur or thigh bone as the knee moves. This syndrome can also be caused by displacement of the kneecap.
Patellar tendinopathy
Called "jumper's knee", is an inflammation of the patellar tendon that allows extension movements of this part of the leg. It can be caused by runners who train on a very hard surface or when the amount of training is increased. It can be treated with physiotherapy to improve the position of the kneecap.
Patellar tendonitis
This is a shooting pain in the tendon that is considered one of the most difficult injuries to treat. The discomfort is noticeable even when sitting and especially when climbing stairs, so it is important to rest. It can be caused by lack of movement during the run and lack of stretching exercises to warm up the body before the workout. Patience and close adherence to treatment are the best allies of sufferers who need to stop exercising and rest to recover.
Iliotibial band syndrome
It causes constant pain on the lateral outer side of the knee and worsens when running downhill or at a very slow pace. It is an inflammatory, non-traumatic injury caused by overuse of the area. You need to get as much rest as possible to ensure that recovery is truly effective and that symptoms do not worsen or require surgery; if they do, you will need to suspend running for an extended period of time while the knee heals. The injury is usually felt on the outside of the joint, and the main symptom is pain between the hip and knee, which can be aggravated by very strenuous physical activity.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best knee brace for runners
Choosing a sports knee brace sounds like an easy task, but it is not. Starting with the fact that running is not just an activity, but requires strength, endurance, good nutrition and hydration to achieve its goals.
When choosing the best running clothes, you need to look at things like:
Depending on the function
- Knee braces for pain relief: the sports knee brace works and provides compression so that the area can rest and recover. This is beneficial for the entire race, as the excessive stress to which the knee is subjected leads to constant discomfort, which can be avoided and reduced by using these garments.
- Knee sleeves to reduce swelling: Swelling is an inevitable situation associated with the athlete, it happens to everyone. The knee support is designed to provide the necessary compression to achieve the opposite effect. It is important to remember that in this situation the garment can be accompanied by heat and cold therapies to achieve optimal recovery.
- Knee braces to improve comfort: the most important thing is to be comfortable. The compression garment does not cause discomfort during training or recovery from an injury. Sports knee sleeves provide good support and temperature in the joint, which makes physical activity and running easier.
- Breathable knee braces: sweat is an element that accompanies every athlete, regardless of the activity performed. It is important to choose a lightweight, breathable knee brace to avoid accidents, skin irritation or even discomfort during exercise. The problem with sweating is that it is a natural process that is more or less pronounced in everyone, which is why ventilation is so important.
Material
When it comes to materials, it is important to evaluate the quality of the product. These parts are made of breathable and elastic materials such as nylon, neoprene, elastane, latex and fabrics strong enough not to disintegrate, although they are available in different thicknesses.
Type of support
Knee braces are the quintessential compression garment, but it should be noted and taken into account that each type of injury requires a different level of pressure. Another important point is that the garment is always kept in the same place and irregularities can occur during the run, so support materials are also used to provide this support.
The most recommended for this discipline are:
- Knee braces with Velcro: This type of fastening is ideal for runners, since they do not feel the material directly and can apply the necessary pressure. There are many models with this system on the market, so it is not difficult to acquire them.
- Knee supports with hinges: This is a type of fastening that allows you to have much more stability and support. This material is mainly used in clothing that gives more stability to the knee. So if you have an injury, this is just what you need.
- Neoprene knee sleeves: Most of these garments are made of this material because it easily adheres to the skin. For training or physical activities, you can use it alone, but when running, it is advisable to use an additional material such as Velcro for extra support.
Size
The size of the knee brace is also important, because if it is not the right size, it can fall down and not have the desired effect, or on the contrary, it can be so tight against the skin that it does not allow mobility and even restricts blood circulation. There are a number of models that are adjustable, but there are also those that require sizing. To find out which model you have, you need to measure the contour of the knee with a tape measure and compare the results with the chart provided by the manufacturer.
Design
Design is a subjective matter because everyone has different tastes and styles. What matters with the knee brace is that it performs its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and compressive function, but ideally it is anatomically designed to adapt to the body's movements.
But if you still want to feel fashionable and stylish, you can do that with this garment. It comes in all colors and shapes, so you can choose the one you like the most. So not only will you feel comfortable and protected on the inside, but you will also show it on the outside.
Price
From a certain amount, you will have to evaluate all the above features to determine the garment you need to purchase according to your needs, since it is a product that will change the way you train and do your runs, allowing you to do them in a safer and optimal way.
The prices of compression sports knee braces vary, with the most expensive models offering the best quality and durability and guaranteeing good performance. If you have a healthy knee and want to continue running, you need to take this into consideration.
Do compression knee sleeves really work for running?
Although injuries should ideally not be a part of a runner's life, they are common, especially in the knees since they are constantly being used. Protecting them should be a priority for any runner if they want to continue their sport, and the best solution is to use these compression garments.
The knee braces for running serve their purpose in every way: they improve blood circulation and performance, relieve pain, protect the affected area and even allow a quick recovery by simply placing them on the knee.
There is no doubt about how dangerous and easy it is to get injured while running. So, it's best to prevent and use sports compression knee sleeves when possible to live a healthier and safer sports life.