Knee Brace Needed...

arguablysamson
arguablysamson Posts: 1,706 Member
So, I'm needing a knee brace if I'm going to stay in the running game and hope to see any sort of reasonable recovery. As much as I haven't wanted to admit it, I do need a good brace. I guy recommended this brace...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PA4XCBU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=A3FBXRCQM2YOFH

Any ideas or recommendations?

Replies

  • M_Foote
    M_Foote Posts: 148 Member
    How bad is it? If you truly need support, you have to remove some loading from the knee it self. As such, some loading must transfer from upper leg to lower, bypassing the joint. The only way to do this is with a brace that has attachment points above and below the knee. There are different styles for different stability needs: Torsion, rotation, extension, etc. . .

    I will say good ones are not cheap. . .
  • arguablysamson
    arguablysamson Posts: 1,706 Member
    Well, it's gotten to the point where a good 3-mile run can put me in pain for about a week, which is very common, I'm told. Most say a simple brace will do the trick. I bought and tried on last night a $40 pair with above and below support, but it didn't apply enough pressure to the bottom of the kneecap to secure the tendon, which made it only a little better than nothing and a lot uncomfortable. I'm sending them back. This one came recommended (the one linked to). Still considering options.
  • M_Foote
    M_Foote Posts: 148 Member
    Unfortunately, my experience was trial and error as well. I had a severe dislocation in high school and probably bought 6 different braces before I found one that was just right. Had to wear that sucker for six months, three with a cane. Good luck finding a good match, when you get the right one, it makes a world of difference!
  • blambo61
    blambo61 Posts: 4,372 Member
    What's the matter with your knee?
  • arguablysamson
    arguablysamson Posts: 1,706 Member
    edited February 2016
    It's patellar tendonitis or some other condition, but bracing does help in both knees, particularly the left one, which is the bad one (same one dad had trouble at when he was my age--genetics?) I'm making an appointment with a specialist to find out more.
  • Lipka1le
    Lipka1le Posts: 163 Member
    Your best bet is to get one with patellar cutouts to avoid compression across the tendon, one with metal side supports would be best to increase stability (longer the brace style better the stability as well). Donjoy makes good braces however they can be expensive.
  • arguablysamson
    arguablysamson Posts: 1,706 Member
    I had one pair with side metal braces, but it is annoying. I'm going to do some more research on the matter. Thanks, everyone.
  • blambo61
    blambo61 Posts: 4,372 Member
    I've seen rubber band type things that just go around the knee at the patellar tendon level. That might help.
  • blambo61
    blambo61 Posts: 4,372 Member
    Look up patellar tendon straps/bands for running.
  • arguablysamson
    arguablysamson Posts: 1,706 Member
    They are the ones I have my eye on. Thanks.
  • vrojapu
    vrojapu Posts: 268 Member
    Physical therapists have wonderful tricks up their sleeve(s) with "taping" the knee before running. Hope this helps.
  • blambo61
    blambo61 Posts: 4,372 Member
    I had to tape my arch for awhile in college and learned some tricks there. Really helps. Good luck
  • KarlaYP
    KarlaYP Posts: 4,439 Member
    Finding a good, effective knee brace can be a challenge! Most will migrate to the calf, leading to constantly having to pull it up! Very frustrating! Hope you find something that helps! Wish I had more to offer! :smiley: