knee support and medium distance walking

paulh05

Hi All
I have mod arthritis in my right knee for at least the last 10 years. pain and stiffness fairly constant but it not unusual for it worsen a bit when I am out walking at the weekends on average about 7-9 miles which I normally control with some meds . But 2 months ago the knee got really sore and painful although I have not been walking or done anything to aggravate or Injure the knee, But now when I go walking the after about 3- 4 miles even with meds the knee gets really sore with pain in the side of the hip and in the front of my ankle at that point I have to stop.The question? is will a knee support help and if so is there any info on them as I am waiting to get an appointment with the physio dept I can then ask them the right questions.
all information however small will be most grateful.
best regards
Paul

stickywicket

I can only tell you what I'd do in your situation, Paul, though I confess I can't remember when I last walked one entire mile let alone 3-4 :roll: I think you're right to ask the physio as they know these things. Personally, I use a knee support for exactly the kind of situation you're writing about ie when I know I'm going to be doing more than my knees are comfortable with. I'd put it on just for the walk and take it off straight afterwards and, time and opportunity permitting, I'd then do a few quad exercises. If it helps, carry on. If not, don't.

You can buy reasonable knee supports at any decent pharmacy. I can't manage the pull-on ones and, in any case, I think those fastening with velcro are better.

If you buy one, take it with you to your physio appt and then your physio can decide whether it's the best option for you. I hope you find it helpful.

DebbieT

Hi Paul,

Is it OA you have?

I congratulate on ure ability to have kept up with such distances for so long

My concern would be that you've got more extensive damage to ure knee joint. I'd, personally, want to see my Rheumy team for an assessment of it b4 possibly making matters any worse!!

Of course I'm erring on the side of caution but with our joints I think it's best too.

Best of luck & take care. I'm sure someone with far more experience will have much better advice soon.x

paulh05

Hi Debbi
No Its reactive arthritis I originally had an infection to a cut on the side of the wrist which started it all off in the right hand about 15 years ago. I then twisted the right knee 10 years ago getting out of the car and tore the lining in the knee joint giving me my present condition but who to say it may also be OA now as well, but at the time is was diagnosed as reactive by a specialist at the hospital. oh how is wish I never moved away from my old doctors in Worthing to here in Gosport? as the level off care is no where near as good. moan over I don't know how long it will take to get an appointment to see the physio????.

paulh05

stickywicket wrote:

I can only tell you what I'd do in your situation, Paul, though I confess I can't remember when I last walked one entire mile let alone 3-4 :roll: I think you're right to ask the physio as they know these things. Personally, I use a knee support for exactly the kind of situation you're writing about ie when I know I'm going to be doing more than my knees are comfortable with. I'd put it on just for the walk and take it off straight afterwards and, time and opportunity permitting, I'd then do a few quad exercises. If it helps, carry on. If not, don't.

You can buy reasonable knee supports at any decent pharmacy. I can't manage the pull-on ones and, in any case, I think those fastening with velcro are better.

If you buy one, take it with you to your physio appt and then your physio can decide whether it's the best option for you. I hope you find it helpful.

Hi Stickywicket
I can only do the miles with help from the meds and no stairs but I am going to hold off buying a knee support until I have seen the physio as I do not want to spend out on one only to get the wrong one as some off them are quite expensive

dreamdaisy

If you do have OA in your knee then walking such distances will only aggravate matters and acelerate further joint damage. As well as seeing a physio you could also visit your GP and ask for an Xray so that what is going on in there can be better determined. In the meantime make sure you are wearing good footwear and use a walking pole (held on the opposite side to the hurty knee) as that will help to absorb some of the impact. Knee supports do not have to be expensive - I found the neoprene ones from my local chemist perfectly good but I don't bother with them now as walking any distance is a thing of the past. DD

marty11

I think I am in nearly the same boat though I have tried a number of knee support but non seem to be working for me... are there such things as custom knee supports? Anyway i have been thinking of trying some shock absorbing insoles too.. is that a good idea?

stickywicket

Hello marrty11 and welcome to the forum. You don't say how bad your arthritis is. If you're just trying to support fairly sound joints then I doubt it matters very much what you try If your joints are bad, though, then why not ask to be referred to a podiatrist for some orthotic insoles. When necessary, I use a standard fabric knee support which fastens with 3 velcro straps. Bought from the chemist, I think.

AmandaJones

Hi Paul,

I fear, joint damage has been aggravated which may need further care than just pain meds. Knee braces can be worn to help stabilise the knee and reduce the pressure going through the knee joint. They are really good if the knee is feeling weak and wobbly.

Sorry I can’t guide anymore, on knee braces as I have not worn any yet. But I have started using orthotic shoes inserts, which is making difference. You may find it silly, but which shoes are you using? Flip-flops and sneakers with flexible soles go easy on knees. Cushioned soles can also help reduce the forces going through the knee by acting as shock absorbers.

Hope you get right advice in your physio appointment.

Amanda.

dreamdaisy

Hello marty11, welcome aboard! I no longer walk very far because I cannot but, when I could, I found that the neoprene supports were enough for me. Knee supports don't 'cure' the essential trouble, plus continued use of them weakens the muscles which should be supporting the joints, thus making everything worse. I use orthotic insoles (they make my knees face the front rather than turning in) but they don't ease the pain of walking. Walking is a high-impact form of exercise so ensure you always wear supportive footwear which is designed to support the whole foot, wear thick socks to further cushion the impact and good luck! DD

johnsouthwales

talking of walking, how far is acceptable for someone to walk and be declared fit for work? say with hop problem, foot problem, osteoarthritis etc.. anything that will put pressure on a condition 500m? 1km? 200m? 20m?

what is the difference between a fit person with no pain and someone with a condition who endures pain or simply grits their teeth and puts up with it because they have to get to the shop, or the gp, or the pharmacy because that's the only way to get their prescription.

All too often the pharmacy at the gp may not have the item in stock and the person has to trek to another pharmacy in the hope they have it in stock

tjt6768

Some good advice already. All I can add is be careful not to become dependant on the supports. I always used the Velcro ones with the hole for the patella.
I became very dependant on them and regret that now. Getting the strength back in the thigh is especially hard for me as movement is limited.

Wishing you the best of luck.