Do knee supports work?

[Helen999888]

I'm on week nine (yay- couldn't run 5 feet never mind 5k a few weeks ago!!) and all the way though C25K I've had very achy knees sometimes it's painful to walk upstairs. Does anyone know if wearing knee supports when jogging will help this?

[90ldfinch Graduate]

Hi Helen, they do work- I used to use them when I played rugby (ages ago).

But... it's a quick fix- you want to be careful you're not causing further damage to your knees- maybe see a GP or physio rather than trying to carry on regardless.

Anyway, well done on your running progress- very impressive.

[Helen999888 Graduate in reply to 90ldfinch]

Thanks for the advice. I think it's my age and lack of exercise for last 3 years......ha ha.

I'll do both though thanks. Worth checking it out I guess after this long.

[moleymoleymoley Graduate]

I've been wearing a pair made by Mueller. No pain. I can thoroughly recommend them.

[Helen999888 Graduate in reply to moleymoleymoley]

Cheers. Thanks for replying. Need all the help I can get

[PaulieD]

Good shoes and heel inserts helped me. 

[Helen999888 Graduate in reply to PaulieD]

Thanks I invested in both a couple of weeks ago but think I need more. I'll be a running advert for sports direct soon.......

[B0bP Graduate]

I would suggest you go and see a sports physio and see what they say.

They will probably give you some exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee to give natural support.

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Ouch you, sorry to hear that.  I have had niggly knees from time to time.  I have found that daily flex and strength exercises have helped tremendously.  The other thing I recommend is running more on soft found, this is less impacting on shins and knees and reduces injury.  Knee supports are not something I would try, my concern would be that I would get to rely on them and that finding other ways to build strength would be more useful, interesting question though, wonder what people will say 😀

[moleymoleymoley Graduate in reply to JoolieB1]

Yes, I try to run on grass when I can - really helps.

[useitorloseit Graduate]

I used the tubigrip style ones from Sports Direct when I started running and my knees weren't strong enough.  It just takes a while for the muscles which support all the stuff that goes on in your knees to get used to the exercise.  I found running on grass (following advice from a proper athletics chum) and using the supports got me through the first six weeks, and then I was fine for running on roads with bare knees.  I haven't had any trouble since.  You will probably be able to tell whether what you're suffering from is an actual injury or just knees complaining that that haven't been used for a while.

[Big-Andy Graduate]

Could be worth having some proper gait analysis done. I was getting knee and hip pain. Gait analysis and decent shoes sorted it.

[AncientMum Graduate]

I ran most of the programme using tubigrip-type knee supports because of knee pain and wish I hadn't. I ended up on the IC with knee trouble for 2 months not long after graduating. Cannot stress enough the importance of quad strengthening exercises to support your knees.

[Mysticalmaid Graduate]

I used to have painful knees, shins and calves up until I had my running assessed at a running store and bought the right running shoes, I was always picking up little injuries before those trainers, but never have since, mine are neutral-cushioned, they were chosen for me to support my weight better.

Maybe cushioned running shoes will help yours?

[Helen999888 Graduate in reply to Mysticalmaid]

I didn't know you could do that. I'll look into it. Thanks.