Knee Support

[JMDavies]

I'm 44 and have had knee issues for 25 years or so. After a couple of operations in my early 20's, things were good until I hit 40. I've been using the low profile neoprene compression sleeves for a while, but they don't do the trick anymore and they're very hot. Anyone got a new trick for me?

 

[Wapiti1]

My right knee got to that point last fall and it turned out to be an overuse issue. One MRI later and I'm in PT now for it. That has helped a lot. The focus is on lateral stability strengthening so that my calf and thigh hold the knee joint in alignment. It's a long term deal, and I have a regimen of strength training to do every day.

We talked about a brace of some sort, but their take is that is fine to heal an injury, but is not a long term fix. A brace will eventually weaken the joint because the muscles it compensates for get weaker. Once the brace is off, you have to build strength.

I'd see a physical therapist and get some ideas on what to do.

Jeremy

 

[JMDavies]

Good advice. Thanks

 

[Squamch]

Get an MRI, find out what the actual issue is, proceed from there.
Obviously that's a challenge these days, but it's tough to recommend a course of action without knowing what the actual issue is.
A good buddy had a torn meniscus, and had gutted it out for several years. All the PT in the world can't solve that, but after a synvisc injection, PT was very helpful. Acupuncture, regular stretching, and a strength training program helped to re-balance his body, and unlock muscles that were pulling him out of alignment.

Good luck, knee pain sucks.

 

[Agross]

Knee issues suck. I dealt with a torn meniscus for about two year. Attributed to my line of work. Then a year and a half ago I finally went on the the hunt Ive dreamed of my whole life, a Montana elk hunt. The second morning of our hunt I stepped down awkwardly off the rocks and knew instantly my hunt was over. That was the longest drive home of my life. It took a while of jumping through all the medical hoops to get the surgery done. After having the surgery, I would say my knee is maybe 30-40 percent better than where it was before the surgery. Extremely disappointed. So now I am at the point of dealing with it or going through it all over again. At this point I guess I'll keep dealing with it. I'm 43 and its only gonna get worse. Following this thread

 

[Backyard]

"Knee problems" is pretty vague and could be any number of issues. As advised, get a professional diagnosis and go from there.
My personal advice (having had multiple meniscus surgeries and shots, now recovering from a total knee replacement in Jan) do NOT get any cortizone treatments. It weakens ligaments (i completely tore my MPFL on an elk hunt in a knee that I had shots in previously, resulting in a rescue) and causes arthritis to form.
Good luck!