“Is it advisable to wear knee pads while running?”
In our running training group, they have advised us to wear knee pads while running, however, I find it hard to run with them. Is it really that necessary?
11 Answers
If there is not a problem being treated, knee pads are not indicated. In fact, they may be harmful by weakening muscles. Unclear on knee pads for running as well. Do you mean knee sleeves? Knee pads are more indicated for those on their knees a lot, which I believe rarely happens with running unless a trip and fall happens a lot.
Knee pads are of no value when running unless you fall a lot.
No they are not necessary, some people find comfort in them because they apply pressure.
My advice is, if they hurt more than help, get rid of them!
No it is not. Unless you are running on your knees. Makes no sense at all.
Knee pads not necessary unless you are falling frequently.
The only reasons knee pads might be worn while running is if you have a neurological condition that might make you prone to falling or you are running on some sort of irregular outdoor course where you are at risk for falling.
If the purpose of the "pads" is to align the joint motion, specifically to keep the kneecap sliding vertically within a groove as it should, there is questionable value. If the purpose is to prevent injury when you fall down and strike the front of your knee against the ground, there is probably little or no value. Otherwise there is absolutely no purpose to wearing anything around your knees when running.
Knee pads are only if one would be kneeling or otherwise putting direct pressure upon the knees. By far, the best thing for knees in runners is a very stable, balanced shoe. If one's foot "wobbles" around, it causes the knee to twist side to side. Knees do not like twisting side to side.
There is no great reason I can think of to wear knee pads while running. Sure, they might help if you were to trip and fall, but given how infrequent this is, and how annoying it feels to run with kneepads on, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Sincerely,
Ian Duncan, MD
Sincerely,
Ian Duncan, MD
Depends on what the knee pads are for. If they are for "runner's knee" or patellofemoral syndrome and they help keep your knee cap somewhat "quiet" and stable during running then it should be fine. If you have no symptoms at all, and you never have and the knee braces offer no support or pain relief, then you should be fine without the braces.
