Overtraining can produce injuries to the knee that keep runners sidelined with pain. Runner's knee is a common knee injury that causes pain in and around the kneecap. Problems typically occur with going down stairs, running downhill, or getting up from a chair. If you feel pain with running or with these activities, then you could benefit from a knee strap for running.
Need help finding a knee strap or band for running? See our brace descriptions or ask our knee brace experts for help finding a brace for your next run.
HOW DOES A STRAP PROVIDE RELIEF?
Straps and bands have been used effectively by sports medicine professionals to treat patella knee pain in runners for years. A common knee injury like patellofemoral pain syndrome can be treated using a quality knee strap.
Knee straps apply focussed compression over the patella tendon to reduce strain and relieve pain. They work by shortening the length of the patellar tendon lever arm to provide relief while walking or running.
The iliotibial band on the side of the knee joint is another structure that can become inflamed and painful from running. Repeated bending and straightening of the knee causes a friction syndrome and pain that makes it difficult to run and amount of distance without feeling discomfort. Knee braces and supports have been less than effective when it comes to relieving IT band syndrome because they provide knee support when what this running injury requires is focussed compression to feel relief.
A knee band for running, like an IT band strap, is a one size fits most strap that directs pressure over the far end of the tendon closest to where it attaches by the knee. These types of knee straps have been shown to relieve runner’s symptoms, as well as when using a supportive knee sleeve for warmth and compression.
The best way to treat runner’s knee and Iliotibial syndromes is to use a top-rated knee strap for running. These supportive devices can provide effective relief along with active rest, ice, and stretching. Need more help? Talk to one of our experts for assistance finding the best knee strap to use this running season.
