Knee and ankle supports for old legs

[citytosurf]

Hi guys, I am preparing to set out for my very first run on the Couch to 5k and I was wondering if anyone had any advice about knee supports please? I have very skinny legs and have had problems in the past when attempting sports, so I thought prevention is better than cure and that I might invest in some knee supports - any advice?

[LeeU Graduate]

I used to use some Nike ankle supports, worked quite well for me. A lot like these ones but they go a little further up the shin:

amazon.co.uk/Football-Baske...

[citytosurf in reply to LeeU]

Thanks for that, I have been looking online and this is the type of thing I've been looking at, always had weak ankles so I reckon prevention is better than cure

[islandrunner Graduate]

Not sure about supports, but I think on your non-running days you should do some squats to strengthen your legs. They will pay off, plus it helps strengthen the muscles around the knees, helping to protect them.

there's a strength and flex programme you could do

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/s...

or Knee exercises ... (which includes squats)

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/k...

If nothing else, do the squats on non running days, 3 sets of 10, or 3 sets of 5 then build up to 3 sets of 10.

Good luck on your journey !!!!

[citytosurf in reply to islandrunner]

Thank you for that, will start with the sitting exercises and hopefully work up to being able to do a squat once my leg muscles have strengthened