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Post by cuzimthedad on Feb 12, 2017 12:41:12 GMT -8
Now that I am finally done with the nasty virus that's been going around I've been able to get in a couple nice 5 mile hikes the past week. Last week I noticed a little pain in the knee I had surgery on 20 years ago and ended up using my hiking poles for the majority of the hike. Today I started out using them but during a certain stretch I didn't to see what would happen. Sure enough, the knee began to bother me which leads me to this question. Do any of you use knee braces for added support and if so, what kind. I will be going to see my doc to check what's going on in there but for the most part I think I just need to strengthen my legs. I've lost 24 pounds over the past 13 months and have 12 to go to reach my former combat weight that was optimal for me 26 years ago, so weight-wise I am doing well. Strength and condition is helping too but I would like to learn a little more about braces and hiking. So have at it folks!
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Post by johntpenca on Feb 12, 2017 13:03:58 GMT -8
Seems like most thru hikers go for the Chopat.
Never used knee brace myself.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Feb 12, 2017 13:18:09 GMT -8
I've used braces briefly after injuries. They have some drawbacks, including chafing, especially if you wear for more than a couple hours at a time or go a long distance. The same motion control that gives relief also prevents your knee from moving in its natural and accustomed paths, which can lead to new problems anywhere from ankles to hips to back.
I have three different levels, from a simple neoprene sleeve to something with non-rigid stiffeners to a metal-hinged contraption. I have worn them on the trail all day a handful of times, but it wasn't ideal. My typical use was for an hour or two in the gym for two or three weeks.
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Post by dirthurts on Feb 12, 2017 15:24:34 GMT -8
I use a Zamst knee brace for my patellar tendonits. I go from screaming pain without it, to basically no discomfort at all with it. It works with biking also. I have a strap for simple activities and a full padded strap on sleeve for the more intense stuff.
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Post by peakbagger on Feb 12, 2017 15:33:17 GMT -8
I've never used a knee brace, but use a POD ankle brace. I'm 29, but twisted my ankle badly playing basketball when I was 22, since then I've needed more support when playing basketball, trail running, and downhill hiking as well as some other sports or I WILL (and do) re-injure it. I don't know if it'll be true for the POD knee brace also, but what I like about the ankle brace is that it's easy to put on/take off, provides moderate support, is comfortable (I forget I have it on after about 10 minutes, I do wear it over a sock), and is mostly made of materials that don't hold sweat making me feel that it is more hygienic. Good luck, hope the pain goes away.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2017 16:18:15 GMT -8
About 8 years ago, I wore a knee brace. I started running in the pool for about 4 months then went onto Chi Running. Following the Chi Running program as laid out in the Chi Running Book set me right with not needing a cane or a knee brace. I worked on 'mastering' Chi Running for about 2 years. Now it comes naturally. I, now, rarely develop knee issues from backpacking or running.
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Post by hikerjer on Feb 12, 2017 17:37:50 GMT -8
I use one while skiing but not generally while backpacking. Seems to help a bit but I'm not sure if it's actual support or just psychological.
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Post by bluefish on Feb 13, 2017 4:34:52 GMT -8
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Post by hikingtiger on Feb 13, 2017 6:42:59 GMT -8
No on knee braces, yes on trekking poles.
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crawford
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Post by crawford on Feb 13, 2017 6:47:54 GMT -8
The type and style of brace you need will depends on the injury or damage to your knee. You are correct that strengthening the thigh and dropping weight will help, regardless of the condition of the knee.
I use a brace on one knee constantly on the trail, and occasionally on the other. I'm still avoiding surgery as I can manage well with poles and my braces. One brace limits lateral motion, the other stabilizes the knee cap. The type you need could be different from mine. If just a little "support" is needed, there are many possibilities out there. If it is something more specific, your doctor can guide you to one that works for the nature of your knee.
As far a chapping caused by the brace, I've been fortunate, but a little glide or powder can keep it away.
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Feb 14, 2017 14:05:15 GMT -8
I occasionally wear a Chopat brace - I have ITB flareup sometimes. I'm trying to do more walking.
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