Running is currently very popular among people of all ages. However, unfortunately, it is not uncommon for both beginners and seasoned runners to experience injuries, primarily of the knee joint.
In this article, we will talk about how to avoid this by using knee pads for running, as well as what types of such knee pads are.
Why do you need running knee pads?
Very often, knee pain can occur during or after a running session. Because of them, you have to suspend the training itself, in addition, in everyday life you can experience discomfort.
The structure of the knee joint in the human body is quite complex, therefore, when a person moves, the joint receives a very heavy load.
And during running trainings, the load on the knee joint increases even more - tens of times. To prevent the appearance of pain in such cases, you should use knee pads for running.
Why do joints hurt after running?
As a rule, pain after a running workout is felt by inexperienced athletes who have not mastered the correct running technique, or use improperly selected shoes, or excessively waste energy in training, overestimating their physical capabilities.
However, at times painful sensations can appear in professional athletes, especially those who have previously encountered a knee injury.
Here's what can cause pain in the knee joint:
- Dislocation of the patella (patella). This can happen with regular running. The dislocation can lead to stretching of the articular ligaments, and also cause the formation of instability of the knee joint. Also, as a result, you can get the destruction of the patella, resulting in constant pain in the legs and reduced joint mobility - the so-called "runner's knee".
- Sprained or ruptured articular ligaments. It can occur due to excessive physical activity during running training. As a rule, there is a sharp pain, edema appears.
- Meniscus injury. The meniscus is the cartilage inside the knee joint. He can be injured by an unsuccessful movement, turning, squatting, and so on. There is edema that is painful, and motor activity is eventually impaired.
- Vascular pathology. It usually occurs in young athletes, as well as in older athletes as a result of atherosclerosis. This pathology is characterized by pain and swelling of the legs;
- Inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the knee joint.
These include, for example:
- artyrt,
- bursitis,
- tendinitis,
- periarthritis,
- rheumatism,
- arthrosis.
These diseases can progress after strenuous physical activity during running training, resulting in pain.
Also, after running, people with flat feet may feel uncomfortable. Or runners after training on uneven terrain, especially if the training was not preceded by a full warm-up.
Problems with the knee joint, and even more so, the pain that has appeared, cannot be ignored in any case, because in the future the disease can progress and complications appear.
Description of sports knee pads
Sports knee pads for running are used for both prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. They can be used not only by professional athletes, but also by ordinary runners.
Knee pads are great for:
- maintaining physical fitness,
- weight loss,
- strengthening the body, including the cardiovascular system.
As a rule, knee pads can be of different shapes, attachment in different ways and, depending on how you use them, have additional parts.
Functions of sports knee pads
Here's what you should use sports knee pads for running:
- For the prevention of various injuries, for example: meniscus, joint capsule, ligaments.
- For the prevention of exacerbation of knee diseases in the case of sports.
- During the rehabilitation period after injuries and sprains.
- With knee instability.
- When preparing for and participating in competitions or during outdoor activities.
- With exacerbation of vascular diseases of the legs.
Difference from medical knee pads
When choosing a knee pad for running, it is important not to confuse a sports knee pad with a medical one. The functions of the latter include immobilizing the injured knee. Metal knitting needles or hinges are sewn into medical knee pads,
But the function of sports knee pads, first of all, is to prevent knees from injuries and sprains.
It should fit the runner, although sometimes the knee pad is difficult to pick up due to the relief muscles on the legs: it is individual, and during training the muscle strains and the relief changes.
Types of sports knee pads
Sports knee pads can be divided into several types. Each of them is used depending on how strong the pain is and the developed pathology.
- In the form of a belt. Such a knee pad consists of several (or one) reinforced tapes.
When a single strap is applied under the knee, and it evenly presses on the hamstring. Thus, the pain is reduced, the mobility of the joint increases.
If your knees have previously been injured, a double strap is excellent support. It will help relieve tension, relieve pain, and also serve as a preventive measure. - In the form of a bandage. This device is quite convenient and easy to use. It is an elastic bandage made of durable material with strong Velcro fasteners - thanks to them, it is possible to regulate the pressure on the knee. Inside the given bandage is cotton.
- With clamps. Thus, knee pads are made of neoprene - a very durable material. The product contains belts that can be used to adjust the fixation of the knee pad on the knee.
How to choose a knee pad for running?
Sports knee pads for running are selected with the assistance of a doctor. It should be the condition of your knee, injuries and sprains (if any), as well as the intensity with which you train.
Also, the doctor will give recommendations on the selection of the correct size of the knee pad, tell you how to put it on, fix it, remove it.
Knee pads should never cause discomfort, for example, rub the skin. It should easily take the desired shape, fix the knee well and quickly pull up in size.
Top Models
In this section, we'll look at the best running knee pads.
Variteks 884
According to professionals, this neoprene orthosis is one of the best models. It will perfectly fix your muscle on the leg, which will allow you to engage in outdoor activities, including running.
In addition to jogging, you can also swim, ski and surf. This model is not afraid of moisture.
Variteks 885
The Variteks 885 knee pad is similar to the previous model. The difference is that it has a kneecap support function. It will be effective if the runner has previously trained for a long time, but has not used knee pads.
Indeed, in the absence of fixation under conditions of intense stress, the patella can become mobile, which can lead to the destruction of the joint. To avoid this problem, a support orthosis should be used.
PSB 83
The PSB 83 knee pad has a much more complex design. This product has additional inserts and is suitable for professional athletes, as well as those with a history of a knee injury.
Such a knee pad perfectly fixes the kneecap, and does not hinder movement. You can use the Velcro to make the item fit your foot. In addition, the knee pad has silicone pads. Thanks to them, the orthosis fits snugly to the body and does not move during running workouts.
Orlett MKN-103
Dannvy knee pad Orlett MKN-103 is easily fixed, while running it performs the function of cooling the muscles and at the same time warms the knee.
These bandages do not have Velcro, therefore they cannot be exactly fitted to a certain size, therefore, if you decide to purchase this model, choose the size very carefully.
There is also one more feature: to put on knee pads of this series, you need to take off your shoes before that.
401 PHARMACELS Compression Knee Support Closed Patella Pharmacels
This lightweight knee pad is made of 3-layer neoprene. It fits snugly and is specially designed for long, comfortable wear. The knee pad retains natural heat, improves blood circulation to the ligamentous apparatus of the knee joint, and also creates precise compression.
This product can be used for sports, with an increase in physical activity, during the treatment of injuries and pathologies, as well as in the process of recovery from operations. The size range is quite large - it can be worn even by a child aged 6 years.
McDavid 410
This knee pad is perfect for athletes who often experience knee injuries. This is a real find for athletes.
The knee pad provides a secure and rigid fixation of the knee, as well as a compression effect. This protects the knee from possible injury.
The basis of the knee pad is a neoprene bandage. It supports and fixes the knee joint and has a warming effect.
Moreover, the material from which these knee pads are made allows the skin to breathe, absorbs moisture. It does not constrain movement, so the runner can freely bend and unbend the leg at the knee.
In addition, this product can be used for knee rehabilitation after injuries. The size range is quite extensive, so an athlete of any age and build can choose a retainer.
Rehband 7751
Protective sports knee pad Rehband 7751 provides comfort, secure knee fixation, warms, maintaining physiological range of motion and reducing pain.
These knee pads are made of 5mm high quality thermoprene,
In addition, the anatomically precise cut of this product helps to securely fix on the leg, does not allow it to fall and twist.
Manufacturers recommend using knee pads, including for running, as well as for sports in the gym. The size range of knee pads is wide - from XS to XXL sizes.
Prices
Prices for knee pads range from 1000 rubles and more, depending on the point of sale.
Where can one buy?
Running knee pads can be purchased at the pharmacy chain or ordered from specialized sports stores.