Old age often brings with it a number of health issues including knee problems. As we age, our joints experience more and more wear and tear, and that can lead to problems like osteoarthritis of the knee as well as kneecap pain and other joint-related issues. Such issues can make it harder for seniors to walk, but this is something that can be negated with regular exercise.
Running and weightlifting can be really good for elderly knees, maintaining flexibility and building muscle density, but seniors must be careful to look after their knees while exercising. Using a supportive knee brace will help to reduce knee pain and help seniors to exercise in comfort and safety.
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Choosing the best knee support for running and weightlifting for seniors
To avoid further pain and ensure the knee is supported, seniors must choose the best knee supports for their chosen activities. With so many knee braces on the market, this can be touch, which is why we’ve put together this list of the best knee supports for seniors who run and/or lift weights:
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SB SOX Compression Knee Brace
The SB SOX Compression Knee Brace is one of the most comfortable knee supports currently on the market for senior fitness. Providing an excellent fit it is the ideal solution to enable powerlifting for seniors, not least because it’s unique design helps to stimulate blood flow to the affected knee.
The SB Sox is also ideal for runners due to the fact it is constructed from lightweight nylon and spandex, which allow for greater freedom of movement, while simultaneously offering a high level of support, for a full range of movement, and ensuring that the knee support does not ride up or roll down at any time.
One of the best things about this knee support is the silicone grip gel, which keeps friction to a minimum, which combined with its moisture-wicking fabric design makes it the most comfortable option out there when it comes to running for seniors.
Pros ✅
- Smooth fit
- Compression support
- Non-slip top and bottom cuffs
Cons ❌
- Small sizes
Senior ICare Elastic Cotton Knee Sleeve
Seniors often feel the cold more keenly than younger people, and cold conditions can worsen joint pains and conditions such as arthritis, which is why seniors who exercise outdoors might want to invest in the Senior ICare Elastic Cotton Knee Sleeve. As well as providing a high level of support, this particular knee support also acts as a thermal knee warmer to keep joints warm and flexible.
Using Binchotan charcoal from Japan, this knitted knee support is ideal for improving blood flow to the knee. In fact, the binchotan charcoal included in its design emits infrared rays that boost circulation, as well as releasing negative ions which can be excellent for the health. Not only that, but it is able to absorb moisture for a more comfortable workout too.
In terms of fit, the Senior ICare is snug, but not tight. It does not roll down and offers a great level of warmth and support, making it ideal for use in winter.
Pros ✅
- Keeps Knees warm without overheating
- Emits infrared rays for boosted blood circulation
- Binchotan charcoal provides deodorizing properties
- Comfy knitted cotton fabric
Cons ❌
- Hand-wash only
Vive Hinged Knee Brace
This deceptively simple hinged knee brace is ideal for use with a number of conditions including ACL, torn ligaments and arthritis. Made from lightweight neoprene, it is breathable enough that it can be used all day, and because it features a practical hinged design, it is also perfect for running and weightlifting too.
Featuring two velcro straps and aluminum hinges, if you’re looking for something that will give you the ultimate level of support, you need to look no further than the Vive Hinged Knee Brace. Easy to put on and take off, if you struggle with your dexterity, you won’t have a problem with this simple but very effective support.
Pros ✅
- Hinged braces for extra support
- Breathable construction for added comfort
- Easy to apply
- Metal inserts provide additional support
Cons❌
- Minimal padding on hinges
TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support
The Techware Pro Knee Brace Support is ideal for senior fitness, including senior weightlifting. Made from breathable neoprene, it’s lightweight and anti-slip. Thanks to its adjustable closures it is able to stabilize the knee effectively and with ease.
Unlike many knee supports, it does not close at the sides, which means that it can really keep the patella in place whether you’re running a mile, lifting heavy or simply taking a walk. If comfort and support are what’s important to you most as a senior, you could do much worse than to choose this open patella support.
Pros ✅
- Bidirectional support for comfort and flexibility
- Breathable neoprene design
- Open patella design for improved compression
Cons ❌
- Lack of stiff side support
4well Knee Patella Support Brace
If you’re looking for a knee brace that will stand the test of time, you could do far worse than the 4well Knee Patella Support Brace. Extremely adjustable, thanks to its no less than 3 sturdy velcro straps, this knee support offers a strong and comfortable fit.
Its ring-shaped knee cap ensures that your patella is always in the safest and most optimum position for activity and it’s medically engineered design ensures that any pain you feel is kept to a minimum, making it the perfect choice for seniors with osteoarthritis.
Pros ✅
- Knee stabilizer patella ring to maintain optimum position
- Medically engineered to relieve pain
- High level of adjustability
Cons ❌
- Small sizing
Hinged Knee Brace with 4 Straps & 4 Springs
This adjustable open patella support is perfect for seniors who are looking to run in comfort. Not only does it’s open design ensure that your knee won’t be in danger of moving dangerously, but its neoprene design, which includes lots of breathable holes ensures that you feel comfortable at all times during exercise.
Not only that, but it features no less than four straps to ensure that it stays in place and keeps your joints protected no matter how hard you hit the gym. Although this is the ideal solution for runners, it is not suitable for weightlifting, so if you do both, you may need to look for a slightly more supportive option.
Pros ✅
- Soft, eco-friendly design
- Side metal stabilizers
- 4 straps to prevent slippage
Cons ❌
- Bulky fit
Conclusion
The knee supports you see above are ideal for supporting senior fitness, allowing them to keep fit after retirement. These braces can effectively support the knee, prevent further issues and ensure senior weightlifting or running is as safe as it can be.
They may even prevent the need for surgery at a later date, which means investing in them could be one of the best moves active seniors ever make.