does anyone use supports of any kind for the knees?

nickynysmon08

I am having trouble doing anything like w`alking, and the thought has come to me, after reading the excellent NHS direct website, about using some kind of knee supports. I had thought of asking one of the GP's about this then thought I may be better asking the members of this forum, who doubtless have experience of these things.
I was wondering if, something like a support bandage around the patella, if this would help strengthen the joint, and make walking less painful.
I am resting now and worry the knee is on a perpetual downward spiral. can you suggest or recommend anything?
I may still see the GP, but will listen to you people first,

many thanks,

Nick

vonski

Hi Nick

I use a knee support with magnets which I find very good. Also have a sports one, only thing with this one is that if your knee is very swollen it might not fasten. Both seem to work well though

Love
Vonski x

joanlawson

Hi Nick
I have OA in my knees, one worse than the other. I have bought knee supports in Boots etc. but haven't found one which was very good. I asked my doctor about them because some are quite expensive,and ones advertised in the press promise great results which I am doubtful about.

To my surprise, the doctor said not to buy one because he could refer me to the Occupational therapy dept at the hospital. I was referred to the splint-making workshop (sounds a bit daunting) I went two days ago, and saw a very helpful therapist. She tried two knee supports, both of which were good in different ways.

One is a lighterweight one and the other has hidden hinges at the sides and is a little more supportive if I wanted to walk a bit further. I haven't seen one like this before. They are both great, and the therapist gave them both to me because they will both be useful in different ways.

She did say that I must not wear them all the time round the house etc. because it would weaken my muscles. But they will be useful for when I go out.

I wondered why the doctor had not mentioned this service previously because I've been diagnosed with OA in my knees for two years now. I have wasted money on supports which were not very good in this time.I never realised they were available on the NHS.

Joan

nickynysmon08

joanlawson wrote:

Hi Nick
I have OA in my knees, one worse than the other. I have bought knee supports in Boots etc. but haven't found one which was very good. I asked my doctor about them because some are quite expensive,and ones advertised in the press promise great results which I am doubtful about.

To my surprise, the doctor said not to buy one because he could refer me to the Occupational therapy dept at the hospital. I was referred to the splint-making workshop (sounds a bit daunting) I went two days ago, and saw a very helpful therapist. She tried two knee supports, both of which were good in different ways.

One is a lighterweight one and the other has hidden hinges at the sides and is a little more supportive if I wanted to walk a bit further. I haven't seen one like this before. They are both great, and the therapist gave them both to me because they will both be useful in different ways.

She did say that I must not wear them all the time round the house etc. because it would weaken my muscles. But they will be useful for when I go out.

I wondered why the doctor had not mentioned this service previously because I've been diagnosed with OA in my knees for two years now. I have wasted money on supports which were not very good in this time.I never realised they were available on the NHS.

Joan

reply

I have osteo in both knees and both hips, but the right side is worse, my right knee is very bad. I would say, Joan, this is most useful, and I am wondering about seeing the doctor, for information on this. I am thinking along the lines of taking the strain off the joint, in order for it to heal a bit. as things stand, my walking is severely limited now, , until the aching goes.
I had thought about rugby players as an example, how they use support bandages, I assume for weakened knees.

many thanks,

Nick

elnafinn

Hi Nick

That must be right! My son plays a lot of footie and he always wears an ankle support which he finds of great help. He has had trouble with the same ankle on and off for some years now - all down to the love of football

Elna x

joanlawson

Hi Nick
The lighterweight one I've been given is called a NEO G closed knee support made by a firm called homecraft Roylan. The other one is called a Camp Elcross wrap-around knee cage with stop hinges! It isn't like a cage,but is more supportive than the other one.They are both made of breathable fabric, and fasten with velcro straps.

I have found that the pull-on elasticated ones I have bought in the past work their way down my leg after a while. Either that, or they are too tight because my knee is swollen.

On the leaflets in the boxes of my new ones, it shows lots of different types, so I think if you could get a referral like me, they would be able to give you ones which are appropriate for you. I would ask your doctor about it. Also, they are free on the NHS.

Joan

nickynysmon08

joanlawson wrote:

Hi Nick
The lighterweight one I've been given is called a NEO G closed knee support made by a firm called homecraft Roylan. The other one is called a Camp Elcross wrap-around knee cage with stop hinges! It isn't like a cage,but is more supportive than the other one.They are both made of breathable fabric, and fasten with velcro straps.

I have found that the pull-on elasticated ones I have bought in the past work their way down my leg after a while. Either that, or they are too tight because my knee is swollen.

On the leaflets in the boxes of my new ones, it shows lots of different types, so I think if you could get a referral like me, they would be able to give you ones which are appropriate for you. I would ask your doctor about it. Also, they are free on the NHS.

Joan

after reading these thoughtful replies, I have done some small research this morning, and come across this link. I do not recommend any of the products, but simply state it for your information. it may or may not apply for arthritis but I hope it is of some use

best wishes,

Nick

http://physiosupplies.com/acatalog/Knee_Supports.html

gloria028

nickynysmon08 wrote:

joanlawson wrote:

Hi Nick
The lighterweight one I've been given is called a NEO G closed knee support made by a firm called homecraft Roylan. The other one is called a Camp Elcross wrap-around knee cage with stop hinges! It isn't like a cage,but is more supportive than the other one.They are both made of breathable fabric, and fasten with velcro straps.

I have found that the pull-on elasticated ones I have bought in the past work their way down my leg after a while. Either that, or they are too tight because my knee is swollen.

On the leaflets in the boxes of my new ones, it shows lots of different types, so I think if you could get a referral like me, they would be able to give you ones which are appropriate for you. I would ask your doctor about it. Also, they are free on the NHS.

Joan

after reading these thoughtful replies, I have done some small research this morning, and come across this link. I do not recommend any of the products, but simply state it for your information. it may or may not apply for arthritis but I hope it is of some use

best wishes,

Nick

http://physiosupplies.com/acatalog/Knee_Supports.html

Hi everyone
Thank you for some very helpful tips
I have developed a pain in my R knee only when going up /down stairs and it hurts driving too.I have pretty generalized OA especially in the spine
I wonder if this knee pain IS arthritis since it is not an ache like i get in other areas ,but a very acute pain at a certain point in bending the knee and weight bearing at the same tme
I am hoping it will go away as i have had it before but not as bad as this
Do you find arthritis cmes and goes in different joints?
I wonder would some support help- I may try
Cheers
Gloria

lindalegs

gloria028 wrote:

[..........
Hi everyone
Thank you for some very helpful tips
I have developed a pain in my R knee only when going up /down stairs and it hurts driving too.I have pretty generalized OA especially in the spine
I wonder if this knee pain IS arthritis since it is not an ache like i get in other areas ,but a very acute pain at a certain point in bending the knee and weight bearing at the same tme
I am hoping it will go away as i have had it before but not as bad as this
Do you find arthritis cmes and goes in different joints?
I wonder would some support help- I may try
Cheers
Gloria

Hi Gloria and all,

Yes arthritis does float about from joint to joint, I find, especially in the beginning before it settles down. My knee support gives me confidence and comfort but I try not to wear it all the time - I bought mine from the local chemist. I didn't want one that you pull on over your foot so I've invested in a wrap around one, flesh coloured, that fastens with velcro - so if you knee is swollen you adjust it to suit.

Luv Legs

joanlawson

Hi Gloria
When I first became aware that I had arthritis in my knees, it was as I was walking downstairs, and then one day my knee suddenly gave way with a pain which took my breath away. I had to sit on the stairs for ages before I could move an inch. Luckily my husband was there to help me, as I'm not sure how I would have moved if I had been alone.

After that, the pain was very concentrated on the inside of my knee, and it was almost as if someone was sticking a knife in it. I have recently had arthroscopy, which seems to have eased the pain, but I have been told that I will need a knee replacement.

Sadly, I think that your knee pain could be arthritis, but you need to see a consultant about it.

I have looked at the link to knee supports, and you can see from that how many different types there are. I would advise anyone to ask for a referral as I did, to make sure that you get the correct one for you. Otherwise, you could do more harm than good.

Joan

nickynysmon08

joanlawson wrote:

Hi Gloria
When I first became aware that I had arthritis in my knees, it was as I was walking downstairs, and then one day my knee suddenly gave way with a pain which took my breath away. I had to sit on the stairs for ages before I could move an inch. Luckily my husband was there to help me, as I'm not sure how I would have moved if I had been alone.

After that, the pain was very concentrated on the inside of my knee, and it was almost as if someone was sticking a knife in it. I have recently had arthroscopy, which seems to have eased the pain, but I have been told that I will need a knee replacement.

Sadly, I think that your knee pain could be arthritis, but you need to see a consultant about it.

I have looked at the link to knee supports, and you can see from that how many different types there are. I would advise anyone to ask for a referral as I did, to make sure that you get the correct one for you. Otherwise, you could do more harm than good.

Joan

reply

as for a referral, i took the advice given by people here and phoned the doctor this morning. I found the website using the information Joan gave, but asked the GP first, for advice. sadly, and respecting his honesty, he said he has no knowledge of these supports, and not a great deal about arthritus. but he was quite clear, simply try these supports, of which I have ordered two, types, but he suggested I inform him later to see how I get on with them.

i have oesteo in both hips and knees, but my right knee is very problematic. so, having taken the plunge, I will be writing him a letter later to let him know how the supports helps my arthritis.!! whilst I have excellent GP's their knowledge goes only so far. I would suggest that people read the information on the website and make their own judgment, and see what works for them . this is the conclusion I have reached. I hope to see a physiotherapist later and get another opinion, maybe and orthopedic surgeon if things get worse, but not for surgery I hope.

best wishes,

Nick

gloria028

joanlawson wrote:

Hi Gloria
When I first became aware that I had arthritis in my knees, it was as I was walking downstairs, and then one day my knee suddenly gave way with a pain which took my breath away. I had to sit on the stairs for ages before I could move an inch. Luckily my husband was there to help me, as I'm not sure how I would have moved if I had been alone.

After that, the pain was very concentrated on the inside of my knee, and it was almost as if someone was sticking a knife in it. I have recently had arthroscopy, which seems to have eased the pain, but I have been told that I will need a knee replacement.

Sadly, I think that your knee pain could be arthritis, but you need to see a consultant about it.

I have looked at the link to knee supports, and you can see from that how many different types there are. I would advise anyone to ask for a referral as I did, to make sure that you get the correct one for you. Otherwise, you could do more harm than good.

Joan

Thank you lovlegs and Joan
I think you have convinced me it IS just another manifestation of OA which is disappointing
I am waiting to see a spinal surgeon as my cat scan shows a lot wrong with my lower spine and i get a lot of sciatica
O dear - I cant have surgery on everything ,besides it takes sooo long to get seen by a consultant and then there are the waiting lists on the NHS
I had a sucessful surgery on my R shoulder 8 years ago - a decompression ,but boy it was sore and took 6 months to recover from
I wonder if a cortisone injection would help?
I had 3 of those into the R shoulder before i finally had surgery
then I had one into my L shoulder last summer and it settled the L one down and i have had no trouble since
It really is a problem deciding which joint is the worst and which you need to get seen
When my back plays me up I think I must do something to hurry the appointment ,now my knee and i am starting to think I must see someone about that(it is amazing how many stairs you need to climb in the course of a day)We dont have a bungalow
Why do they divide us up into bits ,and one surgeon does your hip another your knee - It is soo time consumming trying to see these different doctors
Thanks for listening to my complaints -or should i say reading them
And thanks a million for sharing your own experiences -it helps to know you are not alone
Gloria

lindalegs

Hi again Gloria,

I know you were probably joking about having surgeons at the same time working on different parts of your body but it does happen :shock: When I had both my knees replaced at the same operation I had a surgeon for each leg - this was probably to 'cut' (sorry about the pun ) down on theatre time or maybe one was learning from my lady - I do have one leg slightly shorter than the other now but that could have happened anyway :roll:

I'd be interested to know how your knee supports go. I did loan mine to my friend recently because she had a flare-up in one knee and with sesnsible use of it (not relying on it all the time) the pain has settled down again - she's gone and bought her own in case it happens again.

Luv Legs

gloria028

lindalegs wrote:

Hi again Gloria,

I know you were probably joking about having surgeons at the same time working on different parts of your body but it does happen :shock: When I had both my knees replaced at the same operation I had a surgeon for each leg - this was probably to 'cut' (sorry about the pun ) down on theatre time or maybe one was learning from my lady - I do have one leg slightly shorter than the other now but that could have happened anyway :roll:

I'd be interested to know how your knee supports go. I did loan mine to my friend recently because she had a flare-up in one knee and with sesnsible use of it (not relying on it all the time) the pain has settled down again - she's gone and bought her own in case it happens again.

Luv Legs

Hi again Luvlegs
That must have been rough on you having both knees done at once??Did you take long to recover?

Pain in my knee has started to ease thank God
I have started on yet another weight
reduction diet
I am not obese or anything just maybe a couple of stones over my ideal weight
Has anyone found reducing weight helps their knees?
It is supposed to
I am sure it helps arthritis from the waist down, but of course not the neck or shoulders
It's hard going is'nt it - even the pleasure of nice food is denied us

lindalegs

gloria028 wrote:

Hi again Luvlegs
That must have been rough on you having both knees done at once??Did you take long to recover?

Pain in my knee has started to ease thank God
I have started on yet another weight
reduction diet
I am not obese or anything just maybe a couple of stones over my ideal weight
Has anyone found reducing weight helps their knees?
It is supposed to
I am sure it helps arthritis from the waist down, but of course not the neck or shoulders
It's hard going is'nt it - even the pleasure of nice food is denied us

Hi G28

I don't think my recovery was longer having them both done together - the worst bit was weightbearing straight afterwards. I used my morphine button quite alot - in fact I was the only one on the ward who's morphone ran out and had to have a refill :shock: (think that was down to the fact it made me feel heady as though I'd had a glass of wine rather than the pain :shock: :shock: - naughty me )

Logically you'd think the lighter you are the less stress is on your joints. I'm lucky because my 'well' weight is 9.5 stones and I'm 5'6" - when my RA is active I shed weight but this isn't good because it usually means I'm losing healthy muscle tissue due to lack of movement and that is so hard to regain.

Glad your knee pain is easing long may it continue.

Luv Legs

gloria028

lindalegs wrote:

gloria028 wrote:

Hi again Luvlegs
That must have been rough on you having both knees done at once??Did you take long to recover?

Pain in my knee has started to ease thank God
I have started on yet another weight
reduction diet
I am not obese or anything just maybe a couple of stones over my ideal weight
Has anyone found reducing weight helps their knees?
It is supposed to
I am sure it helps arthritis from the waist down, but of course not the neck or shoulders
It's hard going is'nt it - even the pleasure of nice food is denied us

Hi G28

I don't think my recovery was longer having them both done together - the worst bit was weightbearing straight afterwards. I used my morphine button quite alot - in fact I was the only one on the ward who's morphone ran out and had to have a refill :shock: (think that was down to the fact it made me feel heady as though I'd had a glass of wine rather than the pain :shock: :shock: - naughty me )

Logically you'd think the lighter you are the less stress is on your joints. I'm lucky because my 'well' weight is 9.5 stones and I'm 5'6" - when my RA is active I shed weight but this isn't good because it usually means I'm losing healthy muscle tissue due to lack of movement and that is so hard to regain.

Glad your knee pain is easing long may it continue.

Luv Legs

I'm full of admiration for you Lovlegs - you sound very brave :!: