Runners, we know your pain. No, really, we do: According to the Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, about 20% to 40% of all knee problems occur at the joint, specifically the kneecap, which experiences a great deal of the wear and tear that’s associated with high intensity running for long periods of time. So how does wearing a knee brace while running help?
Knee pain is one of the most common issues that runners experience, and that pain can sideline your running for weeks or even months at a time. However, there is some good news; wearing a knee brace can help prevent knee pain and injuries, and allow you to keep running pain-free for years to come.
Whether or not you’ve had a knee injury in the past, in most cases it is ideal to use running knee support. The primary reason being – while you’re running, your knees absorb a lot of the impact, which can lead to damage over time. In runners who do not take precautions, the damage to your knees over time will compound and can eventually lead to knee issues that can prevent you from running altogether. Later in life this can present itself as making basic movement difficult when you’re a senior.
Therefore, it is safe to say that a knee brace should be worn by most runners, as it can help to protect your knees from damage and keep you running for longer. The benefits immensely outweigh the negatives.