Knee brace for cartilage problems

[BEL]

Are there knee braces designed specifically for cartilage problems. It seems to me most are designed for a combination of knee problems. A friend is in need. She already has a G2 Paradign which I think was more for the ACL problem she had at one time. And if anyone out there has suggestions on how to prevent "flare-ups". It takes so long to get to see a specialist and something else is needed in the meantime. Thanks for your help. BEL

[horsetrader]

Are there knee braces designed specifically for cartilage problems. It seems to me most are designed for a combination of knee problems. A friend is in need. She already has a G2 Paradign which I think was more for the ACL problem she had at one time. And if anyone out there has suggestions on how to prevent "flare-ups". It takes so long to get to see a specialist and something else is needed in the meantime. Thanks for your help. BEL

Check out GELZONE sports wraps hear they are good and have lots of different applications

[Homesteader]

It's good to get info from users, but talk to the specailists on this one. I would have to say I doubt it, unless the knee is unstable it won't help, but who knows. I where one for acl issues, it don't do jack for all the cartlidge I've had removed. Mines older, and I know they've made improvements, and I'm going in for a new one soon.

[catnthehat]

My brace pushes the cap off the patella, so it minimizes the abrasion.
Cat

[BEL]

Question: what kinds of cartilige problems do you have? cartilage operations? My friend has had reconstructive surgery to replace the ACL and after this recent bout of knee problems it appears the ACL is still good and operational. Does your knee "slip out" because of the cartilage problems? BEL

[ccmckee]

My wife has destroyed all of the cartlidge in her knee, 2 scope surgeries,we bought her a brace that basically wrapped whole leg in foam with metal supports on the sides. This just made her walk with out moving the knee and didn't help any at all. She needs a new knee but she is too young for them to do it, let's not let a person enjoy life when they can, but we'll fix the problem later. She has had 2 injections of Durlane which is a gel that takes the place of the missing cartlidge, $400 a piece and not covered. The first one made a big difference and lasted 8 months which is expected the second not so much.

[bigdaddy37]

There's different types of braces, depending on what you need it for, hard to say here, which is best.

With a previous ACL tear, there was likely some meniscus damage and maybe even some MCL damage as this is common with the twisting injury for ACL tears, so there may be more damage in the knee.

There are a few different types out there and each is specific for the type of injury. My suggestion would be to get an MRI and a referral to an orthopedic surgeon for an assessment. If the knee is catching/locking this would speed up the referral. Or, talk with the gp about a referral to an orthotist for a proper brace for the injury.

[cooter78]

Try Karl Hagar Limb and Brace in Edmonton, they should be able to tell you if there is a brace available that will help. They custom make the braces there from a mold of your leg, very effective but exspensive if you dont have a prescription.

[BEL]

Thanks everyone. BEL

[Homesteader]

Question: what kinds of cartilige problems do you have? cartilage operations? My friend has had reconstructive surgery to replace the ACL and after this recent bout of knee problems it appears the ACL is still good and operational. Does your knee "slip out" because of the cartilage problems? BEL

My cartilige problems are all related to acl injuries, and as such I've had some cartilige removed in 3 different surgeries, 2 of which also included acl replacement(Stupid hurts). First acl surgery was good, knee stayed where it should for close to 20yrs, when I tore it off, in another accident. 2nd one doesn't feel as good, and I notice the lower inside of the knee sometimes feels shall we say more bone on bone. I will likely go in for brace in the next couple months as I feel my leg is likely about as big as it's going to get again.

[BEL]

Does your knee slip out--related to your cartilage problems/with or without your brace? BEL

[Homesteader]

Does your knee slip out--related to your cartilage problems/with or without your brace? BEL

Nope :).

[bigdaddy37]

Does your knee slip out--related to your cartilage problems/with or without your brace? BEL

If you mean your knee cap slipping off to the side and back in (dislocating), that's not usually a cartilage/meniscus issue. Meniscus are half moon shaped pieces that act as cushions between the top of your shin bone and the bottom of your thigh bone. They make little pockets that the end of your thigh bone can sit in.

If your knee cap is disolcating, that tends to be related to patellar tendon, joint capsule (the bag that holds the fluid in the joint), IT band or quad muscle imbalances/weakness. If this is the case, a patella stabilizer brace with physio and strengthening should fix you up. The brace is short term while the muscle imbalances/weakness has been corrected.

But, if you mean your knee joint is sloppy (shin and tigh bones move in ways they shouldn't), that could be meniscus and ligament tear. Typically an ACL or MCL. If this is it, I suggest getting in to see an orthopedic surgeon to get it fixed.

[K44]

Try Karl Hagar Limb and Brace in Edmonton, they should be able to tell you if there is a brace available that will help. They custom make the braces there from a mold of your leg, very effective but exspensive if you dont have a prescription.

X2 I've had 2 knee replacements and 1 ACL and this place does great work

[BEL]

The knee slips out but it is not related to the patella or knee cap. She has had meniscus problems but I can't figure out why it is so instable. We are working on discovering why and I am thinking a better brace would help her until such time she can see specialists--you know how long that takes. She has a G2 paradigm brace at the moment. It works to a point. thanks BEL

[Homesteader]

Of course if your ligaments are gone, or stretched out you will have knee stability issues, ie hyperextension. My physiotherapist said that the best thing you can do for your knees is build up your quads, it is the muscle that has the most impact on knee stabilization. If you have had acl surgery, you should also never do leg extension lifts (the ones where you are seated, and lifting weights up as you straighten your legs), this is a big no no. I was also told when doing any lifting or weight training to never get your knee past the tips of your toes, I guess it makes you more vulnerable to knee related stability. The brace is good insurance, but the quads are likely better.

[BBJTKLE&FISHINGADVENTURES]

Get some pro wrap , I used to wear that when I played football wrapped it around my leg and its might tighter and stable then any brace unless it is specially made for you , which is what i had done . But that wrap worked well . You can get it threw the same places you get the braces , like Karl Hagger Limb and brace . it was i think 50 or 60 dollars for 2 of the wraps .

its in my experince that them braces do nothing unless its a custom made one , the neoprene ones or whatever they are just dont have the support that a custom made one has . All though they are very pricey , they are expensive because they work . The hockey players and football players wear these .

[Kingfisher]

My wife has destroyed all of the cartlidge in her knee, 2 scope surgeries,we bought her a brace that basically wrapped whole leg in foam with metal supports on the sides. This just made her walk with out moving the knee and didn't help any at all. She needs a new knee but she is too young for them to do it, let's not let a person enjoy life when they can, but we'll fix the problem later. She has had 2 injections of Durlane which is a gel that takes the place of the missing cartlidge, $400 a piece and not covered. The first one made a big difference and lasted 8 months which is expected the second not so much.

I feel her pain. I am 49 now but had the remainder of my cartilage removed about 5 years ago in my left knee. The surgery helped relieve the pain which was being caused by the remainder of the cartilage that was floating around in the joint. They will only give you 2 knee replacements. One at 55 and one at 70. In the mean time I suffer with a joint that rubs bone against bone. It is not fun and is painful with each and every step. It is only about the government saving money. Nothing to do with quality of life. They probably figure the person will get one done at 55 then by 70 they won't be strong enough for the second opperation any way.

I have tried several kinds of knee braces and wraps . None have helped.

Tried the injections with about the same results as your wife.

With all the technology around today you would think they could grow cartlidge. Or at the very least put some kind of ceramic or artificial cartilage in there.

Rob

[BEL]

Homesteader, it's interesting you mentioned not to perform the leg extension lift. When I had knee problems (complete rupture of the ACL and of course cartilage tears) 35 years ago I did that exercise and the opposite exercise involving the hamstring 5 days per week for years. Soemtimes I would drop into the gym for those exercisses only if I was short of time or energy. I knew those exercises did me a world of good. I had minor reaccuring problems by nothing serious till I was about 30 when I had knee surgery to remove the cartilage. I continued my wrestling career and played jr and sr lacrosse. No problems. Any idea why it is not advised? I don't fully understand your comment concerning knees and tips of knees.

Kingfisher, recent research/medical advancements involve growing cartilage and replacing the center of the meniscus. The growing cartilage movement is taking place in Europe right now and looks very promising. Good to know, right? BEL

[bigdaddy37]

Homesteader, it's interesting you mentioned not to perform the leg extension lift. When I had knee problems (complete rupture of the ACL and of course cartilage tears) 35 years ago I did that exercise and the opposite exercise involving the hamstring 5 days per week for years. Soemtimes I would drop into the gym for those exercisses only if I was short of time or energy. I knew those exercises did me a world of good. I had minor reaccuring problems by nothing serious till I was about 30 when I had knee surgery to remove the cartilage. I continued my wrestling career and played jr and sr lacrosse. No problems. Any idea why it is not advised? I don't fully understand your comment concerning knees and tips of knees.

Kingfisher, recent research/medical advancements involve growing cartilage and replacing the center of the meniscus. The growing cartilage movement is taking place in Europe right now and looks very promising. Good to know, right? BEL

Current leg extension machines do not match the way the leg moves the mechanics are terrible. With an immobilized thigh, all the resistance placed at the ankle and the force of the muscle placed nearly 18 inches closer to the joint than the resistance causes a huge amount of shear force is placed on the knee joint with constant force applied directly to the ACL.

The ACL, Patellar tendon and meniscus must then stabilize the knee from this force (MCL and LCL aren't typically involved as no lateral force is present). If the ACL has been repaired, this shear force is transmitted directly to where it's been re-attached causing is a huge risk of tearing the repaired ACL or meniscus issues, especially because these two have constant shear forces applied during the movement.

The leg extension is one of the worst exercises for quad strengthening because the machines don't fit, people don't do it properly and the shear force is too risky. The long middle, underneath and outside quads as the primary movers for this, with the inside tear drop shaped quad being engaged in the last 10-20degrees of extension. There is no recruitment of other stabilzers and the tension of the long middle quad eventually leads to increased low back problems. There are much better and safer exercises for both general strengthening and rehab of quads/knee.

Here's a nice article on this (more related to training than rehab but the principles apply): http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_repair/the_truth_about_leg_extensions