Any recommendations out there for the best (reasonably priced) knee brace. I'm referring to a kind of "sleeve" one puts on to strengthen, stabilize a knee. Too many on Amazon to know what to choose! Thanks.
I have had knee issues. No luck with sleeves or braces. Most helpful thing I have done is swim. I take an exercise swim class at local community college 2-4 days/week. Still need knee replacements but this form of exercise works best. Almost every one in my classes has the telltale scar, and we all swear by this.
Definitely see a PT or orthopedic doctor. My 93 year old mom was fitted with an unloading brace for one knee to help with severe osteoarthritis in her left knee. That helped much more to take pressure off her knee than any OTC elastic knee brace. Medicare paid most of the charge and her insurance paid the rest. It is relatively easy to put on and off even for her. This was her only option as she is a non surgical knee replacement candidate. Good luck.
Definitely see a PT or orthopedic doctor. My 93 year old mom was fitted with an unloading brace for one knee to help with severe oesteoarthritis in her left knee. That helped much more to take pressure off her knee than any OTC elastic knee brace. Medicare paid most of the charge and her insurance paid the rest. It is relatively easy to put on and off even for her. This was her only option as she is a non surgical knee replacement candidate. Good luck.
Geaton: You write: "Make sure the ortho orders imaging, otherwise you (and the doc) have no way of knowing for certain what the problem is, and it also is the baseline to measure against any future degradation or change in your condition." Thanks for this. My PCP has ordered X-Rays of both knees so I will at least have those going in to see the MD. And then presumably if he sees anything worrisome, he will order MRIs. Thanks for info on Medicare-covered cortisone shots. I know someone with big knee problems (way worse than mine) and she gets cortisone shots.
Cortisone shots are not a long-term solution depending on your issue and in fact are not good for you over time. If I had to guess, you probably have osteoarthritis in your knees (since they are both bad at the same time). Please do the PT -- it does help stabilize your knees. Also, if you are overweight, just plain old gravity will put pressure on your already stressed knees so losing weight will always be helpful. Sometimes the gel shots work for people and sometimes they don't but they are worth a try. They worked for my Mom but not for me. Mobility is important, so do what it takes to preserve it.
Thanks everyone for the advice! I do have an appointment lined up in May with a highly recommended orthopedic doctor --earliest available, but yes he will be able to recommend the best kind of good solid brace. And I'm sure he'll recommend a PT too. (One of my doctors had some issues in this area, and I asked her if she could possibly give me the name of her doctor as I figured "doctors who doctors go to" must be good. Luckily, she's a lovely person and gave me the name of her doctor.) But I do have to get around without a car of late so I must be in "walkable" mode. So, I will try for the one with good solid elasticity and velcro straps + other things recommended by people here. Have a good weekend.
Make sure the ortho orders imaging, otherwise you (and the doc) have no way of knowing for certain what the problem is, and it also is the baseline to measure against any future degradation or change in your condition.
It usually goes: brace+PT+pain management; then if no improvement, another therapy like cortisone shots (2 per year allowed by Medicare), then gel injections (if appropriate) (covered once per year by Medicare); then if no improvements, then referral to a pain clinic where they will go over other therapies that may or may not be covered by Medicare, like PRP... and when all other therapies and options have been exhausted, then you are recommended to see a surgeon (if appropriate).
All my knee braces were recommended by my physical therapist. My Mom had one that had metal brace bars up the sides. I had one that didn't. They do lose their elasticity over time. All they do is stabilize and protect your knee, they don't "strengthen" it... in fact my surgeon says they do the opposite, they weaken your knee because it's not getting the right type of therapeutic movement to actually strengthen the supporting muscles.
There is a $25 one and a $200 one. Both are specific. If you want to try one from Amazon, the better ones require you to measure the circumference for sizing. I own 2 of different brands. Both work fine for my needs
If you are really in need of a knee brace then I would suggest seeing PT or and MD for referral to PT for a fitting. Using the wrong thing is not only kind of worthless but may well HARM YOU. Not something you an afford. It can weaken muscles and tendons but it can also cause blood clots if allowed to be on a bent leg and act as a kind of garter. Most are ill fitting and run VERY SMALL. These can be good for very young people with hiking and momentary woes with a knee gone wrong, but the elderly need to be very careful of do it yourself medicine.
I would recommend against this, but if you are absolutely intent on trying one then try a substantial one that wraps round the knee and is attached with velcro straps at top and bottom and has a hole over the kneecap. None of these slip on models.
Thanks for this. My PCP has ordered X-Rays of both knees so I will at least have those going in to see the MD. And then presumably if he sees anything worrisome, he will order MRIs. Thanks for info on Medicare-covered cortisone shots. I know someone with big knee problems (way worse than mine) and she gets cortisone shots.
It usually goes: brace+PT+pain management; then if no improvement, another therapy like cortisone shots (2 per year allowed by Medicare), then gel injections (if appropriate) (covered once per year by Medicare); then if no improvements, then referral to a pain clinic where they will go over other therapies that may or may not be covered by Medicare, like PRP... and when all other therapies and options have been exhausted, then you are recommended to see a surgeon (if appropriate).
I would recommend against this, but if you are absolutely intent on trying one then try a substantial one that wraps round the knee and is attached with velcro straps at top and bottom and has a hole over the kneecap. None of these slip on models.