Last Updated on 17/03/2025 by admin
The Best Knee Support for Running and Walking
OPPO Health offers an extensive range of high-quality orthopaedic supports for a wide range of conditions. Whether it is to prevent injury, provide support and alleviate pain, and to enable daily life and activity to continue, OPPO will have the right solution.
Springtime is on the way and, as we all come out of hibernation, people are ready to get moving in the great outdoors. Keeping active by running and brisk walking offers numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, stress reduction, stronger bones, and better mental well-being, all contributing to a healthier and happier life.
Running and fast walking injuries can affect anyone, from the experienced to beginners whose muscles are not used to this type or level of activity. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort when exercising, you should consider activity modification, increased strength work, reduced mileage, and possibly using a knee support. If pain persists, you should rest and only start again when you have recovered sufficiently. We recommend consulting a medical professional such as a physiotherapist or GP who can suggest the best course of action for your specific condition.
Knee support braces and knee support sleeves can help stabilise and support a knee that feels weak or unstable. They can also apply compression to the knee joint to help reduce swelling. It’s important to understand the different types of knee braces available, as well as the factors to consider when choosing a knee support for running. In this article we will share all of that and more in this guide to knee braces for running.
Things to Consider
Material
Breathable Neoprene is a popular material for knee supports as it is durable, and flexible for a fit-to-form feel while moving, provides good levels of compression and helps regulate body heat to optimum temperature and provide warmth to muscles which in turn can accelerate healing.
Elastic and nylon materials are lightweight but may not offer as much compression as neoprene. 4-way stretch knit offers an extra level of comfort and ease due to its outstanding stretchability helping to conform to different body shapes and activities without losing shape.
Open or Closed Patella Design
Open patella knee braces have hole at the kneecap, providing targeted support while relieving pressure, and allowing better ventilation to reduce sweating and increase comfort. It can help stabilise the kneecap and prevent moving out of alignment. Closed patella knee braces cover the entire kneecap providing uniformed compression offering more general support and overall knee stability. They can provide increased warmth and compression, which may help with joint pain and stiffness.
Size and Fit
It is important to measure your knee circumference to ensure a proper fit. Most knee braces come in different sizes and have adjustable straps or closures to provide a customised fit. A properly fitting brace should not slip or move around during exercise.
Type of Brace
Knee Sleeves
Knee sleeves are a popular choice as they provide support and compression to the knee joint, they are suitable for strains, weakness and instability, provide pain relief and reduce swelling and inflammation. Sleeves are suitable for physical activity and during recovery.
Our Agility Knee Sleeve RK200 provides support for injuries, sprains and instability, and relieves resulting pain. Constructed from breathable four-way stretch material for extra comfort and flexibility, reducing moisture build-up keeping the body dry and comfortable during wear.
Knee Straps
Knee straps are the most minimal supports being a small, cushioned strap that’s worn around or just below the kneecap.Knee straps are most often used to help with patellar tendonitis or “Runner’s Knee” pain. The cushioned strap helps relieve pressure on the patellar tendon, which decreases pain.
If you’re looking for a knee strap our Agility Patella Knee Strap RK100 is the perfect option. It is suitable for tendon injury and reduces aches and pains to maintain function. It stabilises the patella during activity. It’s ideal for Patellar Tendon injuries, Patellar Tendinitis, Osgood-Schlatter’s syndrome and Knee Pain.
Stabilising and Hinged Knee Braces
If you have a more serious injury or condition, a stabilising or hinged brace may be more appropriate as they offer more support and stability to the knee. Stabilising braces allow for a range of movement, but have lateral support stays and adjustable compression straps to help with kneecap stability and alignment so they may feel more constraining. Oppo’s Agility Knee Support with Side Stabiliser RK102 is ideal for instability and weakness, ligament injury and for pain relief. Made from breathable neoprene for compression and heat retention for quicker recovery, and helping to avoid further injury.
Hinged knee braces offer a higher degree of support and help to prevent side to side movement. This brace is typically not needed unless you’re suffering from a severe knee injury such as torn meniscus or ligament, osteoarthritis, or severe rheumatoid arthritis.
The OPPO Hinged knee support 1031 provides support, protection and stabilisation especially for the medial and lateral ligaments with bilateral hinged stays. It relieves pain from tendinitis and reduces swelling. A circular patella pad provides protection and stabilisation to prevent dislocation. Made from breathable neoprene for a superior fit, comfort, support, and protection the support Retains body heat to warm knee joint and increases blood circulation promoting healing.
