Is it helpful to strap the joint?

Dragonfly

I've developed arthritis in my knee and I am taking part in the 'Race for Life' on Sunday.
At the moment my knee is behaving itself but I dread that pain returning. Would it help to strap my knee? Or if anyone has any other advice, please let me know before Sunday.
Joan

stickywicket

We're not docs or physios, Joan, and I think you'd be safer to ask one.

For what it's worth, I've strapped various joints, including knees, from time to time but only briefly (ie 2-3 hours) when putting them under extra pressure or when they're really bad. The strapping will support them but will also encourage muscles to be lazy so not really what you want.

I do think it'd be best to seek professional advice on this one.

julie47

No advice but good luck with the race and I hope the knee doesn't give you grief afterwards.

Juliepf x

dreamdaisy

I think it would probably be more helpful in the long-term not to do the race. Pounding pavements or whatever is the last thing any arthritic knee or joint needs, so yes, I think you need professional guidance on this. I wish you well. DD

hileena111

Hi,
Yes check with a shysio or GP but as DD says high impact eercise isnt ideal for damaged hips and joints

Love
Hileena

Dragonfly

Oh dear, I think I have given you the wrong impression. I will not be 'pounding the streets.' In 'Race for Life' you can walk the route and that will be me! It is only 5k (3mls)
I have never done it before but I had cancer 7 yrs. ago and each year I have promised myself that I would do it and I never have. I will be 69 this year and so I thought if I don't do it now, I never will. Besides I've collected quite a lot of sponsorship and so I have got to do it.
My GP said the best thing for arthritis is to keep using it and so I swim regularly and I line dance every Wednesday. The only pain that gives me is if I stamp my left foot to hard. Ouch!

dreamdaisy

Ah, I see! I had visions of you sprinting for the line to record your best time! In that case yes, a little support will definitely help, maybe even take a stick along with you to use on the opposite side to the affected joint. I wish you the very best - I was unaware of your age or your intention to walk it, so I apologise if I sounded a little brusque. Your GP is quite right, one can help oneself with OA with a mixture of exercise and rest, and it's good to hear that you can swim and line dance. I clatter about on crutches and can only walk for about five minute before a nice sit-down is required so I am rather envious of your endeavour. Good luck and I hope the weather co-operates too! DD

tkachev

Good luck Dragonfly with your ambition to finish the walk. I can't help on advice on the knee or whether to strap it. However if your knee does start hurting badly don't push yourself to finish. You have to look after your health too.


Good luck
Elizabeth

stickywicket

Hey, good for you, Dragonfly.

Yes, strap it by all means, I would think, for a relatively short walk. (Though much longer than I could do.) I would be inclined to unstrap it asap afterwards tho' fo rreasons I outlined before.

Good luck!

elnafinn

Hi Joan

Good for you for taking part. I am sure you will have fun and as you say you can walk it at your own pace. I do not know about strapping the knee as I never did that, before I had 2 TKR's but I did sometimes use a tubigrip which can help a little and does not hinder you using the leg/knee muscles. My son is doing the London to Brighton cycle ride on Sunday so I shall think of you doing the walk. We are going to pick him up and his bike (which is his dad's :roll:) when he has finished.

Good luck and enjoy. Let's hope the weather is fair on sunday for anyone doing these charity walks, runs, bikes.

Elna x

dreamdaisy

How about a sedan chair? Would that work?