Running knee pain is undoubtedly one of the most common running ailments. It causes minor to major discomfort while running and may be what is getting in your way of a brand new personal best. Here are 3 tips that can help you with your knee problems. Try them, and you will be running pain-free in no time!
#1 Strengthening
A weak hip and core region is one of the main causes of knee pain. If your core is weak, your joints do not line up correctly in perfect motion when you run. This puts an additional stress on your ligaments, hence causing your knee pain. A good way to help alleviate this problem is to work on strengthening your hips and your core.
Great examples of core strengthening exercises are the plank, situps, and leg raises. The more important but often neglected aspect is actually hip strengthening. It is a wonder how simple clamshell exercises can help with your knee pain. Clamshells are simply lying down on your side with both legs together but with your knees bent at 45 degrees. Lift one knee up and down to open and close the clamshell. This is the secret! Other hip strengthening exercises include side leg lifts and glute bridges.
#2 Knee Support
Knee support can help you deal with your knee pain. Knee support helps stabilize the knee and control knee motion, alleviating the strain placed on your ligaments. With the knee support technology these days, you can keep moving with compression, strength, and support.
The 3M™ FUTURO Sport Adjustable Knee Support may be just what you need. If you’re going to be running with knee support, comfort is one of the most important considerations. This knee support has adjustable straps to give you a customizable fit and a side ventilation for breathability purposes. Also, it gives you the support you need to help you deal with current problems, and prevent future knee issues. Note that this knee support is different, it has an open knee-cap designed to provide you additional support.
You can catch FUTURO at the Score Run happening on the 5th May 2018 (night edition) and 22nd July 2018 (day edition).
#3 Running Drills
Heel-striking (landing on your heel) and over-striding both have been linked to increased stress on your knee and strain on your ligaments. Adjust your running form such that you are landing forefoot or midfoot instead of your heels. Running drills can help you adjust your running form. Examples of running drills are butt kicks, high knees, bounding, and A-skips.
