What do runners use to help stabilize the knee, keep it tracking properly, when running a warmer (predicted 70F) marathon?
What is comfy, not hot, stays put?
An ST search turned up an older thread mentioning the cho-pat strap, with the question as to whether anything better was available.
Is that what is still used, or is there something that stays on better for long runs?
I am interested in this too. My wife is having issues with one knee. Her shoes are from a solid running store that has never done me wrong. I recenlt started her on Evolution Running in hopes that form and efficiency correction would work, but np major progress yet. If these bands actually work, that may be the route she will have to go.
I like the Pro-Tec products. The typical “strap” did not provide sufficient stabilization for me when I was having issues, so I really like this one - http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/PRO209/crosssellpage/
It is pretty low profile and comfortable without being too hot IMO.
Jon
I use a very basic runner’s knee strap (from McDavid?). I got it from a regular sporting goods box store for $12. Whenever one of my knees acts up, I wear it for a few runs, and it seems to help. I have done a marathon with it on too. It is a cheap and easy thing to try at least.
You mentioned patela tracking. Are you experiencing PFS/Runners Knee or something else? I had runners knee about 5 years ago, and I am getting over it again since I restarted running after a major layoff from running. I don’t know if a strap wold help, but would it make sense to see a doctor and get a diagnosis / treatment so that the problem is eliminated vs using a strap to mask an underlying problem?
For me, I found I was too tight. I worked on quad, hamstring, calf, and itb flexibility. Also on leg extensions to even out the quad. That has seemed to work the first time 5 years agao and again now. There can be a lot of causes for something like PFS so you might have different issues, but fixing the cause may work out better in the long run than using a strap.
Kineso Tape
Thanks, all, for the suggestions. I tried a neoprene brace with the hole, found it uncomfortable to my knee (and hot). I then picked up some $13 basic single knee straps (similar to cho-pat) and ran with them today for 10miles. Wow, huge improvement. Still have some issue particularly going up hills, so I slowed, but the pain is an order of magnitude less. I don’t have a longer run until my race this Sunday, unless a miracle happens I’ll get a chance to test them more thoroughly then. I also picked up some KT tape, will read the instructions tonight and give it a go tomorrow.
I don’t know if a strap wold help, but would it make sense to see a doctor and get a diagnosis / treatment so that the problem is eliminated vs using a strap to mask an underlying problem?
I didn’t have any issues until mile 20 of my long run when I had an unfortunate encounter with a lab. It was playing with another dog and fell against the outside of my knee, wrong place wrong time. There hasn’t been significant swelling, and with a race this Sunday I’m just trying to make it through that. Then some rest, which is no doubt what the doc would advise anyway. If it doesn’t improve in a few weeks, though, I will see a doc. Currently I’m using Doc WebMD for a tentative diagnosis and corrective exercises :). Thanks for the advice.
What corrective exercises have you come across?
look up spider tech taping…its amazing
What corrective exercises have you come across?
Click the “How do I do exercises for patellar tracking disorder?” question at http://www.webmd.com/...ar-tracking-disorder
I’ve been doing the first two; they have been helping.
Good luck!
Edit: For the random searcher, see post below where Dr Cubos advises against the 2nd exercise.
I’ve been wearing knee straps for years, mainly as a preventive measure. I’ve tried several brands. The best, in my opinion, is the Nike knee strap. http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?cp=USNS_KW_0611081620&l=shop,home&ef_id=9flNXoR-NmsAAEt-:20110218143855:s#l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-321658
May I humbly suggest that you shy away from the 2nd exercise (squeezing the ball between the legs).
This exercise was intended to target the VMO (inner quadriceps group) but this was based on theories from over 10 years ago. Because we now know that it is the femur that tracks with respect to the patella (vs the patella tracking on the femur), the goal is now to minimize inward movement of the thigh. This can be achieved by focusing on ankle mobility, hip control (i.e. eccentric strength) and core exercise.
Please see the following post:
http://www.jeffcubos.com/2010/11/04/frontal-plane-instability/
May I humbly suggest that you shy away from the 2nd exercise (squeezing the ball between the legs).
This exercise was intended to target the VMO (inner quadriceps group) but this was based on theories from over 10 years ago. Because we now know that it is the femur that tracks with respect to the patella (vs the patella tracking on the femur), the goal is now to minimize inward movement of the thigh. This can be achieved by focusing on ankle mobility, hip control (i.e. eccentric strength) and core exercise.
Please see the following post:
http://www.jeffcubos.com/...l-plane-instability/
My apologies, Dr. Cubos. I thought you were suffering with a similar issue; I see from your website you are an expert in the field. Consider the 2nd exercise dropped, and thank you for the advice. Very interesting website, by the way.
Cheers,
Cathy
Absolutely no apologies necessary. And Jeff is fine.
My objective was simply to make sure hard working triathletes are getting the appropriate guidance they need. I respect that everyone has their physio, MD, massage therapist, chiro, etc…but a second opinion never hurts.
Hope you have a great weekend!
On the page on your website that you refer us to, are you recommending that we do the two exercises featured on the first video – the knee bend with the band and the deep knee bends with the ball between the knees?
There are a few different styles of knee brace. There are some that supports the whole knee, and some that supports the upper and lower, or just the lower part of the knee. It claims to improve patellar tracking and elevation with the pressure.
Found this article which talks about the top knee brace for running:
http://deviceraters.com/top-3-knee-braces-for-running/
I have severe arthritis and need a knee replacement soon. The only way I can run is using a “J Brace” the holds the patella up and in. Then I wrap it with an ace bandage. I can get it all on under 1 minute in transition. It’s definitely hot, but it is beter than not running at all.
I have severe arthritis and need a knee replacement soon. The only way I can run is using a “J Brace” the holds the patella up and in. Then I wrap it with an ace bandage. I can get it all on under 1 minute in transition. It’s definitely hot, but it is beter than not running at all.
This thread is 2 years old …
but I guess for those who use search it is useful to include more data.
Thanks, kquantum.
What do runners use to help stabilize the knee, keep it tracking properly, when running a warmer (predicted 70F) marathon?
What is comfy, not hot, stays put?
An ST search turned up an older thread mentioning the cho-pat strap, with the question as to whether anything better was available.
Is that what is still used, or is there something that stays on better for long runs?
Old thread, but I figure some still care.
Buying knee straps and braces for endurance running are awful gimmicky tricks. I laugh when I see people with those little black knee bands right underneath their patella.
Instead, one needs to look at why their knees are actually hurting. Most of the time it has to do with other parts of your body and not your knee (probably the IT band or a very tight butt). Foam rolling, stretches, and time will be your friend.
If you have had surgery or some other type of actual ailment to your knee, I really don’t think endurance running is the best option. Instead, focus on walking and causal jogging.
What corrective exercises have you come across?
Click the “How do I do exercises for patellar tracking disorder?” question at http://www.webmd.com/...ar-tracking-disorder
I’ve been doing the first two; they have been helping.
Good luck!
Edit: For the random searcher, see post below where Dr Cubos advises against the 2nd exercise.
Interesting…I’ve been going to physical therapy for patellar tracking disorder and have not done any of these exercises except for leg press. Where are the glute and hamstring strengthening exercises?