General Discussion Triathlon Talk » "Runner's Knee" brace? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2016-04-06 11:22 AM

User image


127
10025
, Louisiana
Subject: "Runner's Knee" brace?
I am developing a pain behind my knee cap, and I understand there is a brace called a "J" brace, that might help. Not sure what one is. Braces look as if they will rub you raw after several miles on the bike and/or run. Does anyone have some experience with using a brace and which one works best.
Thanks


2016-04-06 12:03 PM
in reply to: 0

User image

Veteran
721
500100100
Naptown, IN
Subject: RE: "Runner's Knee" brace?
Funny you should ask this....

I've been having some issues with my right knee behind the knee cap. I was looking at various braces, but had the same concern you have about it rubbing. I found a brace called a 'Jumpers Knee Strap", and ran in it for the first time yesterday. You've probably seen them before. They look like an elastic strap that goes around your leg just below the knee cap. Basically, they help stabilize the knee cap.

I have only used it for one 5k run, but it seemed to work. I was able to run with basically no issues at a faster pace than I've run in a month (about 20 seconds faster per mile). The braces are pretty cheap (I got mine on Amazon), and so far, seem to work.

ETA: You may want to consult a medical professional before using a brace of any type.

Edited by mobey 2016-04-06 12:15 PM
2016-04-06 12:28 PM
in reply to: mobey

User image

Master
3127
2000100010025
Sunny Southern Cal
Subject: RE: "Runner's Knee" brace?

Originally posted by mobey Funny you should ask this.... I've been having some issues with my right knee behind the knee cap. I was looking at various braces, but had the same concern you have about it rubbing. I found a brace called a 'Jumpers Knee Strap", and ran in it for the first time yesterday. You've probably seen them before. They look like an elastic strap that goes around your leg just below the knee cap. Basically, they help stabilize the knee cap. I have only used it for one 5k run, but it seemed to work. I was able to run with basically no issues at a faster pace than I've run in a month (about 20 seconds faster per mile). The braces are pretty cheap (I got mine on Amazon), and so far, seem to work. ETA: You may want to consult a medical professional before using a brace of any type.

Ran with those jumper knee straps on both legs for or year or two many years back.  They worked great for my patellar tendonitis.  I finally weaned myself from them and haven't had that particular problem since.

2016-04-06 12:30 PM
in reply to: jareed58

User image

Member
78
252525
Pineville, North Carolina
Subject: RE: "Runner's Knee" brace?
I use this strap to help with kneecap pain:

http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Tec-Athletics-Patellar-Tendon-Medium/dp/B...

It has worked well with no chafing. When I found the strap I purchased, I was surprised to find that I bought is over 5 years ago, so I can tell you that it lasts.

Good luck. Hope you find relief...
2016-04-10 10:05 AM
in reply to: roserc

User image


105
100
Subject: RE: "Runner's Knee" brace?
I've tried compression sleeve style braces, KT tape, foam rolling etc... The only thing that worked for my IT band caused runners knee was strengthening exercises. We have to strengthen all the stabilizer muscles that we neglect through our specific training regimens. Stuff like side leg lifts, clamshells, etc.... Plenty of good videos on youtube demonstrate some of those exercises.

Try and do some pistol squats. you should have plenty of strength to do a one legged squat, but you might not have the stability. That indicates the peripheral/stabilizer muscles are not strong enough.

One caveat. It might not help for degenerative issues like arthritis, but my take on it is try the strengthening first. I went from very painful running, to better in less than a couple weeks, and to good in less than a month doing stabilizer strengthening for about 10 min a day 3x per week.
2016-04-10 9:46 PM
in reply to: Mtnwesttri

User image

Member
285
100100252525
Cypress, Texas
Subject: RE: "Runner's Knee" brace?
Originally posted by Mtnwesttri

I've tried compression sleeve style braces, KT tape, foam rolling etc... The only thing that worked for my IT band caused runners knee was strengthening exercises. We have to strengthen all the stabilizer muscles that we neglect through our specific training regimens. Stuff like side leg lifts, clamshells, etc.... Plenty of good videos on youtube demonstrate some of those exercises.

Try and do some pistol squats. you should have plenty of strength to do a one legged squat, but you might not have the stability. That indicates the peripheral/stabilizer muscles are not strong enough.

One caveat. It might not help for degenerative issues like arthritis, but my take on it is try the strengthening first. I went from very painful running, to better in less than a couple weeks, and to good in less than a month doing stabilizer strengthening for about 10 min a day 3x per week.


I have to agree with this. Instead of resorting to a crutch like a knee brace, be in tune with your body and find where the problem is coming from. Also realize that a lot of time the problem isn't where the pain is. I had a slight flare up of a runners knee a few weeks ago. In my case I thought I had overworked my quads and them being tight were pulling on my knee. After seeing my therapist (I go there on a regular basis due to some neurological issues I still deal with) it turned out to be weak glute muscles, gluteus maximus and medius to be precise. After releasing some muscle knots and a few weeks of strengthening my glutes, I'm completely back to normal and I actually improved my running pace as well.

I used a lot of resistance bands for my exercises, but there's plenty of others where you don't need them.


2016-04-11 6:31 AM
in reply to: jareed58

User image


127
10025
, Louisiana
Subject: RE: "Runner's Knee" brace?
Thanks for the advice. I have started working on the strengthening exercises and also a local triathlete guru recommended foam rolling(massaging) the muscles in the legs. Painful at first. But seems to help.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » "Runner's Knee" brace? Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

Runner's knee...

Started by morganjohnson
Views: 855 Posts: 2

2009-02-25 8:15 AM skarl

"runner's knee" and trigger-point acupuncture

Started by kagoscuba
Views: 1095 Posts: 1

2009-02-11 7:09 PM kagoscuba

HELP! I have Runner's Knee

Started by Triathlon Sean
Views: 4546 Posts: 13

2009-01-29 4:13 PM nickster

Runner's Knee

Started by TriRSquared
Views: 1894 Posts: 10

2008-03-03 9:44 AM run_your_run

Runner's knee braces?

Started by Outcast210
Views: 756 Posts: 1

2005-06-06 3:42 PM Outcast210
RELATED ARTICLES
date : February 29, 2016
author : AMSSM
comments : 0
Persistent "Runner's Knee" after Ultra
 
date : February 18, 2014
author : AMSSM
comments : 0
I now find that after sitting for long periods of time during the day for two hours or so my knees are very stiff and weak when I then try to move them. Do I need to take better care of my knees?
date : April 18, 2012
author : AMSSM
comments : 1
Here are several treatment options for runners knee presented from the least invasive to the most invasive.
 
date : September 16, 2011
author : AMSSM
comments : 0
A physician specialists addresses the questions of whether a triathlete complete an Ironman four months after microfracture knee surgery
date : December 28, 2009
author : AMSSM
comments : 0
I have a very annoying pain under my knee cap. It does not hurt when I run or ride. It hurts a lot when I swim and when I walk up or down stairs. The pain is a searing pain. Help!
 
date : February 25, 2008
author : Amy Kuitse
comments : 0
Discussions on runners knee in women, training by distance or time, overdistance training, bricks and strides.
date : February 21, 2007
author : AMSSM
comments : 0
Here’s a review of three common injuries in triathletes and a brief review of what to do if you experience one of these injuries: Runner’s Knee, Achilles Tendonitis and Swimmers Shoulder.
 
date : February 21, 2007
author : AMSSM
comments : 1
While stability can be obtained through external supports such as casting and bracing, the best brace is your own muscles, ligaments and tendons. Achieve this stability by training with instability.