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The Paleo Running Momma

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Bio Skin Review – Standard Knee Skin

Hello on a Sunday for once!   Today I want to chat about 2 things – the tendonitis in my knee since the Philadelphia Marathon and provide some information about how I dealt with it along with a review of the Bio Skin Standard Knee Skin.

A representative from Bio Skin  contacted me right around the time of the marathon asking if I was interested in trying one of their products and becoming an ambassador.  With the tendonitis still lingering in my knee, (patellar tendonitis) I jumped at the chance to try something a bit different than I had prior to the marathon.   I had been using a patellar strap under my kneecap and was not loving the way it felt during runs, so after checking out the Bio Skin site I asked to try out the Bio Skin Standard Knee Skin, which provides lightweight support and compression to the knee.

 

Before I get into the review, let’s backtrack a bit.  While my knee miraculously didn’t hurt during the marathon, (I was feeling pain the week leading up to the race) I was feeling it during the following week, mainly while walking down stairs or if I lunged back with my left leg.  It was a mild pain, but nothing to take too lightly as I’ve learned!  Even mild pain, or pain that you feel AFTER running, needs to be considered and managed to avoid creating real injury.  I had iced and heated the area (at this point the heat was key) and rested for several days before running at all.

My first run post-marathon was a very easy 3 miles, and I started to feel a twinge in the knee towards the end.  By the following week, I wasn’t feeling any pain while running, but, still noticed a “clicking” or popping-like sensation when bending it as in a one-legged squat or lunge.  When I received the Bio Skin Standard Knee Skin, I figured I’d try it for my next run.

My Concerns

Since I’m good at worrying, I’ll talk first about the concerns I had.  First, I had tried a patellar strap and really didn’t like it, although it was supposed to be the best thing for what I was dealing with.  It had felt too tight to me and caused some cramping in my calf.  So I was worried the brace would feel too compressive and uncomfortable.

My second concern was if it would fit easily under my running tights.  A knee brace that cannot easily fit under tights would be no use for me in the winter, since I do nearly all my running outside.

Can't see it! It's on my left knee
Can’t see it! It’s on my left knee

My Reactions – The Good

-It easily fit under my medium-compressive winter running tights.  No issue there at all.  Since the material of the brace is so silky, it actually made my tights go on with more ease than usual.

-My knee felt very supported during my run in a good way.  Surprisingly good!  My right knee was a little jealous of the compression the left side was getting, not joking.  I even decided to change up my route during the run to include a decent hill because I felt really “light.”  Good stuff there!

-Since I wasn’t having a lot of pain prior to trying this, I’m can’t predict how it would be if I’d used it when the pain was worse.  BUT I did not have even a tweak  in my patellar tendon during the 3 runs I did with the brace.   The level of compression was perfect for what I needed, and did not feel too tight.

A minor problem during the second run

During my second run with the Standard Knee Skin, I did notice a small amount of chafing behind my knee.  I believe it was caused by 2 things – not placing it as carefully on my leg as I did during the first run, and my running tights possibly pulling on it a bit.  I wore a different pair of tights during the second run that were more compressive than the first day, and I’m thinking the fabrics rubbing against each other caused the brace to rub my skin.  It’s also possible that I just didn’t place it exactly as it should be.

Overall:

The material was comfortably lightweight yet thick, stretchy, supportive and breathable.  It also had a nice “silky” feeling to it that added to the comfort.

I went with a size small, as was recommended based on my measurements, and if you are between sizes you should definitely go bigger.  Like any type of compression product, it required some time to put on properly and you need to stretch the material a bit before the first use.

While running, it felt very comfortable for the most part, with the exception of a small degree of slipping/rubbing during the second run, which might have been caused by not placing it correctly on my knee, but I’m not certain.  I also wore pretty compressive running tights over it without a problem since it is really sleek, and, lives up to it’s name as a second “skin.”

After feeling that great lightweight support on my knee, I really want to try the Bio Skin Calf Skin Sleeve too!  For now, I’ll continue to wear the knee skin until my knee is feeling 100%.  It is SO close, but not quite there!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone!  Any questions about, or experiences with Bio Skin products?

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Reader Reviews & Comments

  1. Very interesting- I’ve heard of Bio Skin but haven’t read a review about it. Sounds like a good product for certain injuries- or for areas that are on that border of injury. I have also found that when I have little twinges that KT tape helps a lot. While I don’t like relying on that stuff too much I definitely think it can be helpful with returning from injury or preventing something minor from getting worse. Glad that your knee is feeling better!

    Reply

    • With various nagging pains I feel like I’ve spent way too much time in the the sports injury area of my drug store! I think the material for Bio Skin stood out after trying a bunch of standard drugstore products. You can feel the quality. And yes, agree it’s never something you want to rely on, and I’ve also learned from my past that you simply can’t rely on that stuff if you’re really hurt. But I agree, for mild “hot spots” it can be really helpful.

      Reply

    • The compression in this was great and comfortable considering the support. Knees are definitely an issue for so many athletes, no matter what you’re doing really. Luckily mine has really calmed down.

      Reply

  4. That’s so great that you found something to help! Sounds like an awesome product!
    I remember years ago when I had patella femoral syndrome (no idea how to spell it), but after 3 months of physical therapy and this ugly massive knee brace, knee problems still give me nightmares!

    Reply

    • It’s a great compressive material, luckily my knee turned out not to be nearly what I was worrying it was, but this product was probably perfect for the support it needed. Glad your knee is better now, sounds like it was serious! Injuries just suck overall so I start worrying with every pain!

      Reply

  5. Do you have a post about your compression socks? Do you wear it on short runs, too (3 miles)? Brand you like?

    YOU have inspired me to hit the road with my headlamp at 5:30a before work! It’s pure torture getting up but a pure high when I’m done.

    Oh, favorite headlamp?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • I didn’t wear compression socks regularly for a long time, and now I wear them only for long runs or tough runs (hills or speed) and find I don’t need them for an average easy run. I really like Pro Compression and many bloggers offer discounts which is great, because they can be expensive! I feel the same way about those early runs, the feeling when you get back is priceless! I use a Petzl Tikkina headlamp. I’ve had it for over 2 years and it’s still going strong!

      Reply

    • Yup, they have a few different products for the foot and ankle depending on what the problem is. You can go the the website and actually shop based on what type of injury you’re dealing with (they make it so easy!) You can visit the Bio Skin website by clicking a link in the post or on the sidebar. Hope it’s going a bit better with your tendonitis?

      Reply

  7. Love the comments and people finding things that work well for them!

    One thing you mention that triggered me is taking longer to get ready in the winter … so true! Between compression socks and tights and layers and hats and gloves and added reflective gear and headlamps … ugh. Putting on the knee thing would definitely strain my patience 🙂

    Reply

    • Yup! I forgot how long it takes to put on those layers. Anything “compression” seem to need more time than I predict. By the time you get to the hat and headlamp it’s been 20 minutes, it feels like!

      Reply

  8. I keep hearing about Bio Skin, and it’s really sounding like something I could benefit from. I have issues with my left knee on and off, and this might be helpful. It’s nice to read a review!

    Reply

    • I would try it out because it’s definitely a step up in comfort from other products I’ve tried. You can also shop on the website based on injury type which is really helpful! The knee skin was perfect for a minor issue that needs some good support.

      Reply

  9. I also have gotten to review Bio Skin. My first reaction was the high quality of the compression. It really puts the squeeze on! I reviewed the thigh sleeve because I was having hamstring issues. I want to get a pair of the calf sleeves too! I have some from another brand, but they don’t have nearly the squeeze that I’m sure Bio Skin would have. Perhaps that’ll be a Christmas present? =)

    Reply

  10. compression calf sleeves have saved me every run! i love all my pairs but i’ll have to try these out when it gets to be that time again, the ‘let’s spend money and buy #allthethingsonrunningstuffcuzthat’sok time, lol 🙂 glad your knee held up!

    Reply

    • I tend to buy running gear all at once too and then nothing for a while. Thankfully my knee seems to be nothing major. I think I will have to try those calf sleeves but will hold off until my next marathon cycle, which won’t be until summer I’m thinking 🙂

      Reply

  12. I haven;t heard about Bio Skin products but I want to try them now. Thank you for the review!
    I believe it;s very important to put it on right. Otherwise it will cause more pain.

    Reply

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