Knee support

broads
broads Member Posts: 15
edited 17. Feb 2011, 07:53 in Living with Arthritis archive
I have just been diagnosed with slight arthritis in my knee. The pain is on the inside of my right knee, the rest of it is fine. I also have diabetes type which I control with exercise and diet. The exercise I do is walking so my knees are really important to me, if you know what I mean?
I was wondering if a knee support would help and if so what type of support, or is it not a very good idea?
Any advice please would be most appreciated.

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    What sort of 'slight' arthritis? Are we talking OA or RA? (My guess is the former.) Knee supports are useful, you can buy cheap neoprene ones from your local chemist and they are effective, but if over-used your muscles will become lazy and stop supporting the joint as they should. I would recommend that you walk on without resorting to them just yet, but perhaps walk a little less far or a little less often. If it is only 'slight' then the exercise should be beneficial and the discomfort manageable. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Broads,

    Welcome to the forums and well it sounds like you have early onset oa? i am sorry but this place is a good place for help, support and care.

    I think at this stage a knee support may be the wrong thing to do for more than a very short time. You might get some benefit while walking but really there are so many different ones you could do with a bit of physio advice as to which one to get....

    You can get full ones and I think that's not a good idea at this stage... The problem is that the muscles get lazy with the supports and be honest its the muscle that holds it all together and the stronger they are the less the knee will hurt.

    Use it for short time but also get some advice as to which one to go for. In the mean time try using double wrapped tubigrips as they help but are better at keeping the muscles working...

    Hey nice to meet you and my thinking is from an old back brace that allowed my muscles to go... took me years to get them this strong and well go careful with the supports. Cris x
  • broads
    broads Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you both so much for your advice. I shall refrain from getting a support for now. I am completely new to 'all this' and really value your help.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    We're not new at this at all! I used to use supports but am now on crutches so they are redundant. Got some spares if you need 'em! (supports, not crutches!) Hold off for as long as you can but the tubigrip is a good idea, it is not as supportive but will give some extra help to the joint. Make sure you are properly measured for it as it comes in a range of sizes. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Borads,

    have you got access to a walk in physio? We have here and you can self refer and well maybe its a good idea to get some real professional advice about exercises and things you could do to prolong the knee?

    I know I was lucky they took my cartilages out and although frowned on now a days I know it did me a favour. i also know the muscle tone is reasonable...... used to be good but that also helps to reduce the pain it gives and also holds it all together well.

    If you don;t have a walk in physio ask your gp about being referred.... i think some real advice would be beneficial to you just now.

    Its not as bad as you think it will be Broads and it does get easier. The more you know the better it is to understand and there are some useful bits on the AC site if you look at the top of the page and go to the About Arthritis it might help? from there they link to exercises etc but can't remember if it covers knees.... have a look and just remember it really does get easier. Cris x
  • broads
    broads Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Many thanks once again for all your comments. I don't know whether we have a walk in physio or not. I shall look into it. All food for thought. Thank you. I only saw the doctor this morning so need to get my head round things. I had great support from a forum for diabetics three years ago so thought I'd try the Arthritis one. So far I am very impressed.
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Broads
    I do know that knee support are used alot in America...the ones that I heard about have a harder piece that goes under the knee to keep the patella in place when walking, but if I were you I would buy a really good pair of walking shoes, the ones that cushion your feet, and take all the stress off your knees.
    Barbara x
    Love
    Barbara
  • broads
    broads Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for reply Barbara. Can anyone recommend some comfy, cushioned walking shoes?
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    No, not really as we are all different in what we like. I think you should go to a specialist shop and try on different kinds of footwear and see what feels the best. Your feet are different to anyone elses and only you will know when you find the right thing. I have a fabulous pair of walking boots that my husband bought me years ago, they were made by Hawkeshead. I knew as soon as I put them on that they were the ones for me. They are still as good as new as walking is a thing of the past now, but I do wear them in bad weather as they grip well and are waterproof. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben

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