Looking for experience of a knee brace. Don Joy or Ossur. Any advice please.
Posted , 2 users are following.
Hi I had a partial knee replacement last June 2017 on my right knee and this put too much strain on my left knee. It is now sticking and locking as well as giving way and causes me a great deal of pain even at rest but especially walking.
?I have had x-rays and as it isn't bone on bone just reduced cartilage the surgeon is reluctant to do a knee replacement at this time. The x-rays have shown that I am bow legged and he has recommended an unloader knee brace to shift the weight from my inner (medial) knee to the outside.
These are expensive £600 and I need to know of anyone's experiences.
?Do they hurt? They look very cumbersome. Do they actually work or am I wasting my time and money just putting off the inevitable knee replacement?
?I have tried many off the shelf knee supports but they actually hurt when holding the knee almost like a toothache being poked!
?Also I am very chubby above the knee and much slimmer below so find the supports just roll down.
?I know these expensive ones are made to measure so would hope they fit but I find it hard to believe they will stop the Osteoarthritis from hurting.
Sorry for the ramble just looking for some guidance. Thank you
1 like, 4 replies
CHICO_MARX tricia1954
Posted
I played hockey for 45+ years. Now I have metal in my hip, knee and back. However, I'd LOVE to do some light, recreational skating...no more hockey. Called Donjoy who directed me to my local rep. Told her I wanted a brace for my TKR knee that would absolutely prevent the knee from twisting (remember: torquing or pounding the knee are forbidden). Told me that their Defiance brace does exactly that. They come in versions from off the shelf to fully customized for $900. Saving my pennies.
NOTE: Remember that you have to rebuild the strength in your quads, glutes and core plus do balancing exercises before doing anything that would require the brace.
tricia1954 CHICO_MARX
Posted
Thanks for the reply Chico. I'm not surprised after 45 years of Hockey you needed a new knee! My vice has been Badminton but I think much to my disappointment those days may be gone and I'm only 63.
?My new partial knee is doing ok but of course it has not been put to the test as my other knee is now hopeless. The good thing is it hurts a lot less than my non operated leg!
?The brace isn't for sporting activities but apparently to alleviate the arthritis pain. I would love to be able to do some sport again but will settle for walking at the moment.
?I exercise every day strengthening quads and glutes both for the new knee and to help the old knee.
?I am finding it very hard to understand how a brace can stop the pain when I am walking. I walked just over one mile today and have suffered ever since all around the knee and even down the shin.
?Like everyone on here I am willing to give most things a try to help with the pain but wondered if anyone had direct experience.
?The manufacturers websites of course have very favourable reviews but these will not be impartial.
?Thanks again for your input. Much appreciated.
CHICO_MARX tricia1954
Posted
tricia1954 CHICO_MARX
Posted