I have a bad knee that has given me problems since I was 11. I'm 46 and started back exercising. I'm overweight and need to lose, I know that, but when exercising this past week I've injured my old "football" knee. (I've previously dislocated it twice and was dx'd with chondromalacia a long time ago). I just basically avoid stairs and don't put a lot of strain on it, avoid sitting in one position where it will lock up on me. What type of knee brace would be best? There are a LOT of different types. Any one brand better than another?
2006-09-30 09:05:58 · 3 answers · asked by momofericha 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
it may take trying a few different ones until you find the one that works best. Yes, there are several different ones out there. Start out with a simple elastic wrap brace. You can find them at the drug store. Normally they have a hole where the kneecap is supposed to go. Wear it for a while, adjust it until it feels comfortable, and try to do your normal daily routine. If that doesn't work, then it may be time to step up to the next type. http://www.kneeshop.com/ has many different types of braces to choose from in all price ranges. Hinge braces will actually give you a lot of support, but you will not be able to bend the entire way. They have elastic magnetic knee bands out there now that have helped me with my knee pain. Just depends on how much you are willing to spend.
2006-09-30 14:50:08 · answer #1 · answered by kinndee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to go get checked out again by a physical therapist. There are so many different kinds of braces on the market that you could spend between $10-$600 per brace and the ones that don't help could actually worsen your condition. Instead of bracing your knee I would advise you go join an aqua-aerobics class first. Its so much better for your joints than running and since it doesn't hurt you can exercise longer than you can run. You will burn at least as many calories as you would running, I've had patients drop 10-20 pounds in the first month going 3-4 times a week for an hour each session. Many of them have had total hip replacements, knee replacements, post operational orthopedic surgery. If you can't find or afford the classes I'd still say go to the pool and swim laps until you start losing weight before running. If you get a brace you like then lose weight the brace will start slipping and then its back to the wallet for another one.
2006-10-01 11:30:08 · answer #2 · answered by lostokieboy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
any kind as long as it helps out your knees
2006-09-30 16:13:23 · answer #3 · answered by evilflip187 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋