Regular runners have to deal with several injuries and painful conditions, which can prevent them from reaching their full athletic potential. Every ounce of body weight puts ten times as much pressure on the knees. Needless to say, the knees are under heavy stress during exercise. Your cartilage can get damaged, your ligaments might get torn. The best knee braces help minimise the risk of knee injuries and can improve your condition considerably. Knee braces are one of the best forms of knee support for runners.
I will also recommend several knee braces for running. These are:
Neo G Medical Grade VCS Advanced Hinged Open Patella Knee Brace
Mueller Patella Stabilizer Knee Brace
McDavid Reversible Neoprene Knee Support
TuffBrace Athletics Knee Brace and Support
Advantages of the Best Knee Braces for Runners
There are several undoubted advantages to wearing knee braces. All athletes who run a lot on the pitch should consider wearing knee braces. They can even help a lot for hikers.
Although some people consider them goofy, and unnecessary, there are several knee braces that can greatly minimise the injuries related to hiking. So how do running knee braces work? What are their benefits?
The best knee braces for runners are compression knee braces. They encourage blood flow. The extra blood circulation helps the inflamed knee heal quicker.
Compression helps a lot with arthritis too. The compression reduces pain, and the impact of your steps on the joints. The knee brace reduces friction between the bones, which dramatically lessens arthritic pain.
In case of swelling the compression helps the excess fluid enter the blood stream, and thus the swelling can reduce.
The extra structure the knee brace gives you reduces the range of motion for the knee. With this the risk of injury significantly reduces, thus it is less likely that you will need physical therapy.
A common problem for runners is the dislocation of the patella. The best knee braces for runners secure the patella, so the injury doesn’t get any worse.
Meniscus injuries are also common among runners. The cartilage in your knee tears. For such injuries knee braces reduce pain and swelling.
In cases of ACL, PCL or MCL injuries the best running knee braces are absolutely essential. They allow athletes to run free, without re-injuring themselves.
All in all, the following statement is true for all running injuries: The best knee braces for running are essential for preventing runners from making the injury worse. The braces are also crucial for preventing these injuries. If you have a history of any knee pain, or knee injuries, you should wear knee braces to improve your condition and prevent future injuries from occurring.
The Features of the Best Knee Braces for Running
There are many things to take into consideration when choosing the best knee braces for running. There is no one model that can be labelled the best knee brace for running. Everybody’s needs are somewhat different. Here are a few things to take into consideration when choosing the best knee braces for running:
Construction
This is an excellent place to start. Seamless knee braces are the best for preventing chafing, skin burn and other skin related injuries. The running knee brace you choose should be durable, lightweight and breathable at the same time. This brings me to…
Breathability
You will be sweating while running in your knee brace. It is important to find a knee brace that provides maximum breathability while running. Lightweight and perforated knee braces are the best to ensure that the air can dry your skin.
Breathable knee braces are more hygienic. Sweat is a growing ground for bacteria. The best knee braces prevent bacterial growth by letting the sweat evaporate from your skin.
Support and firmness
If you have a long history with knee injuries, you need knee braces that give more support to your knees and hold them firmly. If you have no prior injuries, a simple light knee brace will likely be enough.
Compression
If you suffer from swelling or inflammation, stronger compression is advised. Some knee braces have adjustable compression levels, which means you can lower the compression once the injury subsides. Adjustable compression knee braces for running give you the most freedom to adjust the compression levels based on your soreness.
Mobility and range of motion
The range of motion available with your knee braces will depend on the extent of your knee injury. In the event of a more severe injury or arthritis a knee brace that stops your knee from moving completely might be in order. If you can allow more mobility, an open patella knee brace might be the best. These braces don’t restrict your movement at all. Knee bands and tapes allow for almost full mobility.
Amazon reviews
The product page of any knee brace on Amazon can give you additional information about the construction and quality of knee braces. Many braces look good based on the copy of the advertiser, but the experience of costumers can inform you about the true quality of the running knee brace.
Pricing
This is always an issue. Some knee braces cost as little as ten dollars, but there are high end, sophisticated models available for up to a hundred dollars. Specialised knee braces cost more than general knee braces. In my experience it is worth spending more for quality. Choose the best knee brace for running that still fits your budget.
Different Types of Knee Braces Best for Running
There are many different types of knee braces on the market. Each of them has their own functions, settings, pros and cons. Let’s go through each type.
Hinged knee braces
Hinged knee braces are advised for those who suffer from severe knee injuries. These braces offer a lot of support, but they give you no mobility. If you need more knee stabilisation, these models will stop the movement of your legs. If you are after a surgery, you suffer from patella injury, and ACL, PCL or MCL, then these knee braces are for you. These braces are big, bulky, and they are quite uncomfortable. They are recommended only in cases of severe injuries.
The Best Hinged Knee Brace for Running: Neo G Medical Grade VCS Advanced Hinged Open Patella Knee Brace
The hinge system takes out a large chunk of the range of motion from your steps. This way your knees can’t perform sudden movements that would normally cause stains and tears.
Made of neoprene, it absorbs heat and keeps your joint warm during cold weather runs. It provides soothing warmth to your muscles.
The brace can fit both knees. Designed excellently, and with comfort and durability in mind.
Click here to check further reviews and pricing options on Amazon
Patella knee braces
As the name indicates, these braces are best for stabilising your patella. It holds the patella in place while you run, and it reduces pain and swelling while preventing further injury. By pushing the patella tendon, and compressing it, these knee braces also help reduce tendon pain.
Best Patella Knee Brace for Runners: Mueller Patella Stabilizer Knee Brace
- Ideal for treating dislocated patella syndrome.
- Can help deal with arthritis and runner’s knee as well as dislocated patella syndrome.
- Excellent value for a relatively small price.
- Made of breathable, sweat absorbing fabric.
- Cushioned design to prevent skin damage and to ensure maximum comfort.
- Seamless design prevents chaffing.
- Adjustable velcro straps help you adjust the level of compression.
Click here for further reviews and pricing options on Amazon
Neoprene braces
The biggest positive to neoprene braces is that they keep your joints and muscles warm while running in cold weather. They provide heat, while preventing swelling and pain. Neoprene is a an elastic material that adjusts to the shape of your leg while applying pressure to the problem area. Neoprene braces are excellent for minor skin injuries, general pain or swelling. You might wear them even if you have no problems just to keep your knees warm during the winter months.
Best Neoprene Knee Support Brace: McDavid Reversible Neoprene Knee Support
- Seamless design to prevent chaffing and skin damage.
- The cheapest of the best running knee braces, it is a durable, comfortable and effective solution for a cut price.
- Gives your knees warmth, compression and support.
- Prevents runner’s knee.
- The compression helps with swelling and knees arthritis as well as inflammation.
Click here for further reviews and pricing options on Amazon
Arthritic knee braces for runners
Arthritis affect a significant portion of the population in developing countries. It is an especially nasty injury affecting the knees of runners. The matter between the bones degenerates over time, which leads to the bones rubbing together. Arthritic knee braces for runners stop this process by reducing the range of motion in your knees, thus stopping the bones from rubbing together. The best arthritic knee braces for runners also apply compression to the knee joints, thus reducing the swelling that often comes with the condition.
Best Multifunctional Knee Brace for Runners: TuffBrace Athletics Knee Brace and Support
- Low price, multi-purpose knee brace.
- Made of breathable neoprene, breathable and comfortable.
- Adjustable Velcro straps to adjust the compression levels to fit your needs.
- Thanks to these straps, you can adjust sizing, so the braces will fit your legs perfectly.
- The compression prevents swelling and stops arthritis and runner’s knee.
- Allows full range of motion thanks to the open patella design.
Click here for further reviews and pricing options on Amazon
Knee tapes
These are the most simplistic of all the options out there. They are home-applied solutions, they give a little bit of support to your knees to prevent strain and soreness. If you don’t really have any knee pain yet, and you want to give a little support to your knees, these are the ideal solution.
The Best Knee Strap for Runners: Mueller Jumper’s Knee Strap
- Easy to wear, lightweight. Barely noticeable.
- Excellent for reducing patella tendon injuries.
- Doesn’t compromise your knee’s range of motion at all.
- Excellent for treating patellar tendonitis, chondromalacia and Osgood-Schlatter’s disease.
- Best for preventing future running injuries, for severe cases of runner’s knee running braces are better.
Conclusion About the Best Knee Braces for Running
While running each step puts large amount of pressure on your legs. These can lead to knee problems and injuries later on. Many runners develop arthritis, patella problems or swelling. Some type of knee brace is essential to continue running. The best knee support braces help prevent swelling, soreness and knee pain. The best running knee braces prevent injuries, but also help you get back to your best self after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. If you have a history with running injuries, then the support of a running knee brace can prove priceless.