Getting regular physical activity is essential for achieving and maintaining good health, and that?s why we encourage all of our patients to get enough exercise every week.? One of the best possible ways to stay active is by running, which requires little more than a good pair of running shoes, some outdoor routes to follow?or a treadmill?and the motivation to get moving.? For these and many of its other attractive qualities, running has become one of the most popular forms of exercise in the U.S.? But unfortunately, common running injuries tend to prevent would-be runners from getting started and may also hold back experienced runners from returning.

Recent statistics estimate that more than 40 million Americans claim to be regular runners.? The reasons for this massive number of people being drawn to running may be different for everyone, but the wide array of health benefits associated with running is likely to be a major factor.? Of the seemingly countless benefits that have been identified by research, running on a regular basis has been found to:

Reduce high blood pressure
Improve sleeping habits
Lower the risk for cardiovascular disease
Boost brain performance
Improve mood by reducing stress and anxiety
Help people better control weight and maintain good overall health

Along with its many benefits, though, running also comes with a moderate risk for injury.? The constant impact of forces on the legs that?s part of running, as well as imbalances in the body like muscle weakness or progressing too aggressively are all factors that can cause an injury, and they may be more common than you think:

It?s estimated that up to 79% of runners are injured at least once each year
Most injuries are the result of repetitive activity that adds up over time rather than a single traumatic incident
Injuries range in seriousness from mild pain to severe issues like ligament tears that can sideline a runner for a long time
Though injuries are common for all runners, those that are more experienced generally have fewer injuries since they are more conditioned and can better listen to their bodies

Some may see this as a reason to not get involved in running in the first place, while others who have injured themselves from running fear another injury and stop altogether.? The truth is, most running injuries can be effectively treated conservatively (non-surgically) with physical therapy, rest, and in many cases, a brace.? Below are some of the most common knee injuries for runners?which account for about 40% of all running injuries?how they can be treated, and which braces we recommend to help runners return pain-free:

Runner?s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, or chondromalacia patella, typically referred to as runner?s knee, is the most common running injury, accounting for between 16-25% of all running injuries.? The kneecap (patella) is important for absorbing large amounts of force, and is subjected to great impact during running.? When runner?s knee occurs, the patella rubs against the groove of the upper leg bone (femur), which causes a dull pain that?s felt behind or around the patella.? This pain is often aggravated from running, squatting, climbing stairs or sitting, and may also be accompanied by swelling or a ?popping? of the patella when bending the knee.

Jumper?s knee (patellar tendinopathy)

Patellar tendinopathy, patellar tendinitis and patellar tendinosis are all used to describe an injury to the same area, so for simplicity?s sake, the term jumper?s knee is often used.? The patellar tendon attaches the bottom of the patella to the top of the shinbone (tibia) and is responsible for absorbing forces from the large quadriceps muscles in the front of the thigh.? Jumper?s knee is caused by repetitive strain to the patellar tendon, and accounts for about 5% of all running injuries.? Patients with jumper?s knee usually experience pain and stiffness at the front or below their patella and/or in the quadriceps, as well as an aching sensation that?s usually brought on after exercise.

Patellar instability

Patellar instability is a general term used to describe intermittent pain that comes with the feeling of the patella moving excessively or being unstable.? This pain can be felt under, around, or most commonly, in front of the patella, and may also occur with swelling or a locking sensation.? Patellar instability is the result of the patella sliding out of place, and if left untreated, can lead to further injuries like a knee dislocation or runner?s knee.? About 50% of patients who dislocate their knee once will do it again in the future, which makes proper treatment incredibly important.

THE ROLE OF KNEE BRACES

Braces come in a variety of sizes and styles, and they are each designed for a specific function, but knee braces for runners generally help by providing stability and absorbing shock.? We recommend the following braces from BetterBraces for the running knee injuries discussed in this article:

DonJoy Performance Webtech Knee Strap: relieves pain from jumper?s knee

DonJoy Reaction WEB Knee Brace: ideal for runner?s knee, jumper?s knee and patellar instability

DonJoy Performer Patella Knee Support: provides support and compression for patients with patellar instability

DonJoy Performance Webtech Short Knee Brace: effective for runner?s knee, jumper?s knee and patellar instability

By Carl Gargiulo, DPT for BetterBraces.com