Looking for knee brace for parents yo stabilize weak knee and ease pain (no injury).
Knee Brace Recommendation
anonymoususer on 05/09/2015 - 23:42
Last edited 15/09/2015 - 17:09 by 1 other user
Last edited 15/09/2015 - 17:09 by 1 other user
Comments
I am a physio but musculoskeletal physio is not my area of expertise.
The sort of "brace" you need depends on why their knee is weak and sore.
I am going to assume osteoarthritis because of implied age and no injury.
Best available research evidence recommend strength training to the lower limb muscles (i.e. quads, hamstrings) in a weight bearing position (i.e squats). If their OA is bad they should start in a non-fully weight bearing position (in a pool or with their back against a wall). This is because as the muscles get stronger provide support to the joint (like a brace) and reduce pain.
When they get a flare up of pain they can try a soft brace like the cotton/elastane stuff you can get at the chemist. Would stay away from any rigid braces if there is no injury as the muscles will become dependent on its support and get even weaker (which means more pain long term).
I'm a physio who specialises in musculoskeletal conditions and I agree with the above poster about not needing a rigid knee brace. First thing I would say is unless you're in quite a lot of pain doing basic things like walking, standing, I wouldn't quite opt for a brace just yet mainly because:
1) braces do not address your actual problem
2) you're more likely to become weaker if you are relying on a brace to stabilise your knee rather than using your muscles
3) braces are not a one type fits all type of thing - everyone has knee pain for different reasonsOf course if you are really struggling you can just get a basic elastic brace as people often find the feeling of compression helps to relieve their pain, but definitely go visit a physio and get it sorted so hopefully you won't actually need a brace. I actually find taping to be much more effective than bracing as it is a lot more specific to each individual but that would require someone to show you how to tape and re-taping once it comes off.
Good luck and hope you manage to get it sorted :)
Thanks :)
Any specific recommendation on basic elastic brace? Appreciate any link ebay or so.Something similar to this would dohttp://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/71606/Dick-Wicks-Knee-Support-Extra-Large
It has magnets in it which you don't need, so you can just get one without it it you wanna save a bit of cash
Thanks :)
Do you recommend any other similar cheaper option on ebay? Happy to wait sometime to receive/shipping.@electricbluee: something basic like thishttp://m.ebay.com.au/itm/KNEE-SUPPORT-PROTECTION-ELASTIC-BRACE-GUARD-INJURY-STABILIZER-/171919550955?nav=SEARCH
Thanks spaceangelz.
While looking for similar things on ebay, I came across this seller - who has 2 pieces - at similar price from your above link (who is selling only 1 piece). Please check below link and let me know if its good to go with?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-Pair-Knee-Support-Protection-In…
Opal are solid at Chemist Warehouse. Good quality and regularly on sale.
ive bought expensive ones from sports store, and $15 one from ebay, i use the ebay one daily
its like a bamboo cloth or something, but its almost full leg length, and doesnt look elasticity so it stays nice and tight all day
I tore my ACL and had surgery a few years ago and have periodic pain/instability and after all the braces I have tried I only use this one now:
http://www.elastoplastsport.com.au/Products/ProductDetail.as…
It's just elastic/fabric, around $15-20 at pharmacies and is great for everyday wear (none of those irritating metal strips).
Only problem is it only comes in skin colour and gets grubby pretty quick, so I buy a new one whenever I have special occasions to attend and need to wear one.
cotton/elastane with metal bracings down each side. Typically found at decent pharmacies or whatever.