Best Knee Supports For Walking
With such a large range of knee supports on sale, which is the best knee support for walking? Well this really depends on whether you have any specific knee injures, or whether you just want a bit of extra confidence for weak or unstable knees.
In general a walking knee support should provide a good level of support, yet still allow enough range of motion so you can walk as you normally would. There is usually a trade off between range of movement and support level. So getting the right knee support for you is important.
General knee support for walking
If you do not have a specific injury as such but want that bit of extra support and confidence then the Compression Knee Support is ideal. Made of elastic material, it supports your knee by compression.
Elastic means it is comfortable to walk in and wear for extended periods. It will not restrict your movement and is ideal for easing general knee pain associated with mild arthritis or tendon injuries.
If you prefer something with a little more support then go for the Elastic knee stabiliser. This has steel springs down the sides to provide additional lateral (sideways) support.
What about Neoprene knee supports? Neoprene is a rubber based material and is thicker than elastic compression. It retains far more of the body's natural heat. As a result, the joint is kept warmer.
Tendons (which join muscle to bone) work much better and hurt less when they are warm. However, the disadvantage of neoprene is that it is probably not as comfortable to wear as elastic over long periods.
Walking knee supports for injuries
We recommend the following for specific injuries:
Knee ligament injuries
If you have sustained a knee ligament injury such as lateral or medial knee ligament sprain then you may want to go for a walking knee support with more joint protection.
The Advanced Compression Knee Support provides a higher level of support for the joint due to the additional adjustable elastic straps which wrap around the sides.
For maximum support we recommend the Ultimate Compression Hinged Knee Support. This has all the benefits of elastic compression but with solid metal stays down the sides to restrict unwanted sideways movement. The metal stays are joined with a hinge to allow a good range of movement needed for walking.
Iliotibial band friction syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITB) causes gradual onset pain on the outside of the knee. Symptoms tend to come on at a specific point during a walk and get progressively worse. The ITB strap is worn above the knee and applies pressure to the tendon. As a result, the strain on the tendon reduces, relieving symptoms.
Patella tendon injuries
The most common of these are Patella tendinopathy and Osgood Schlatter disease (which affects adolescents). Symptoms cause pain at the front of the knee at the origin or insertion of the patella tendon which joins the patella to the tibia (shin bone).
The best walking knee support for patella tendon injuries is the Patella tendon strap. This wraps around the knee, applying pressure over the tendon, just below the patella. As a result forces transmitted through the tendon are changed and symptoms reduced.
Walking knee support for Patellofemoral pain
Patellofemoral pain (also known as Runner's knee) occurs when your patella (kneecap) rubs against the femur bone underneath.
The Runners Knee Strap aims to help control the position of your patella and encourage it to track normally. This versatile support also applies pressure to the iliotibial band on the outside of the knee and the patella tendon.
So whether you are recovering from a specific injury, or just want a little bit more support and confidence when running, we have the right support for you.