Do Knee Braces Prevent Running Injuries? Truth Revealed
Running has many benefits, but hurting your knees is a big problem.
Many runners suffer from knee pain for a long time. Even if you master the correct running posture, wear professional running shoes, and carefully do warm-up and stretching, knee problems will not disappear immediately.
The key problem of “running knee” is often not in running itself, but in the basic conditions of the body. If your leg muscles are not strong enough, you will not be able to withstand the stress of running – even if others can handle it easily.
In addition to proper running technique, two basic principles must be kept in mind: Gradual increase of exercise + Living within one’s means.
Generic ways to prevent sports injuries include:
Warming up and other preparatory activities
Wearing appropriate sports equipment
Maintaining a standard running posture
Strength and flexibility training
When knees are already injured or uncomfortable, many people think of using knee pads. Does this equipment really help?
The normal knee joint relies on muscle ligaments to maintain stability. When movement is too great or outside the normal range, it can damage the muscles, ligaments and joints. Knee pads are the equivalent of adding a layer of “artificial ligaments” to the outside to provide protection by limiting the range of motion of the joint.
There are four main types of modern knee pads:
Protective knee pads
Used in high-intensity opposition sports (e.g. soccer, basketball) to protect athletes’ knees from external impacts.
Supportive knee pads
Suitable for knees that have been injured and help with daily activities through external support.
Rehabilitation knee pads
Used for rehabilitation after surgery or serious injuries, with forced immobilization of the joint.
Decompression knee pads
Designed for arthritis sufferers to reduce pressure on the joints by means of a special structure.
Special note: Healthy people should not wear knee pads on a daily basis.
Prolonged wear can lead to a decrease in muscle strength, which in turn increases the risk of injury. Knee pads are a temporary solution for injuries, such as when athletes play with injuries or when joints become unstable during rehabilitation.
The choice of a knee brace depends on the specific injury.
① Pressurized immobilization straps (Straps)
Indications: patellar tendonitis, chondromalacia patella, patellofemoral pain syndrome, iliotibial bundle syndrome
Below the knee immobilization: disperses the pressure on the patellar tendon
Immobilization above the knee: relieves friction in the iliotibial bundle
Enhance neuromuscular control through pressure stimulation
② Knee Sleeves
Suitable for: mild edema/arthritis/sprains
Fully wrapped design promotes blood circulation through compression, accelerates swelling and enhances joint sensation.
③ Patella Brace
Central opening design specifically for:
Chondromalacia patella
Patellar displacement
Relieves pain by limiting abnormal displacement while reducing the pressure of the brace on the patella.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)