On a really bad day, technically I need a walker when I'm out and about, and there's no way I'm ready to consider something like that. No way. On an average bad day, I would say I could use a cane, and yep, you guessed it, no way am I using one. Well, at least at this stage.
I'm a few years into my ailment now and refuse to jump into these mobility aids at this point. On a good day I do pretty well without any aids whatsoever.
The question of whether I should use a knee brace is about those really bad and just plain bad days.
I Finally Gave In and Said Yes to a Knee Support Brace
I had tried stretchable cloth type wraps that you slip on, but found them too tight. So I opted for an actual brace support.
I went to a popular drugstore chain here in Canada called Shoppers Drug Mart. After trying on several, I ended up choosing the Formedica Adjustable Knee Support. It's important to know your knee measurements to ensure you have the right size.
In-Store Purchase from
Shoppers Drug Mart
in Canada
|
The price was reasonable, less than $30 Canadian. They're manufactured in Quebec, Canada. It's designed to stabilize and protect the patella (knee cap). It gives weak knee muscles and ligaments stress support.
The knee brace sat in the box until a 'really bad knee day' occurred and grocery shopping was on that to-do-list.
So off I went with my knee wrapped nice and snug.
Wowza! Was I ever wrong about holding off to get one.
On a bad knee day, grocery shopping is brutal. With the knee wrap, it's 50 percent better than without it. Of course I still have pain, but the knee brace wrap provides the support needed to walk confidently without feeling I'm damaging it further, or that I'll fall.
EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector - Relieves Patella Tendonitis - Jumpers Knee Mensicus Tear - ACL Lateral & Medial Ligament Sprains Comfort Design True Non-Slip FIT for Arthritis - Sport - RunningMy Online Store Choice Would Have Been EXOUS Knee Support Protector
If you're in the market to get a knee wrap via online shopping, this brand is quite popular.
It's available on Amazon and best of all when you visit the product page, you'll see a handy video that tells you everything you need to know about the product, including how to measure for the right size.
Although I haven't tried this product, after doing some research, it was my online pick based on features and price.
If you have bum knees, don't hold off getting a knee brace support. Personally speaking, they've really helped me on those not so perfect days.
The Obvious Statement:
I'm not a doctor, so of course, anything medical related you should seek the advice of a professional. There I said it.
You are not the only one who is stubborn when it comes to these types of things. I know many people who refuse to use medical equipment their doctor's recommend. My father-in-law should be using a walker but uses a cane instead.
ReplyDeleteIt's very hard to accept the reality, I feel for him
DeleteI used to use the shopping trolley as a support when my RA would flare up - I would grab one from the supermarket and take it wherever in the mall I needed to go, leaning heavily, but it wasn't an aid! So glad I have it under control now, but I will remember this in case it becomes an issue again.
ReplyDeleteAlways hard to accept that there are times our bodies need external aids. A knee support sounds like a very helpful item on occasions when needed.
ReplyDeleteThis is excellent information to know before I require the aid and help. Like you, I will be hesitant to do anything like use a cane or a walker before it is absolutely necessary. The knee support brace you purchased looks like it could easily be concealed under clothing, which would be important to me. I'm really glad you found something that else. Chronic pain is definitely not fun!
ReplyDeleteAm pro knee support brace, Thanks for the recommendation, always good to know about the various brands and size can be key!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know this. I was using a stretch pull-on aid to support my knees, but after I lost a few pounds I didn't need it anymore. My knees don't bother me anymore. I will for sure file this so I can find it if that situation changes.
ReplyDeleteArthritis is not fun and knees have a way of being one of the joints that seems to be the first to go. I've had bad knees for a long time and yes knee braces help a lot. Thanks for these great suggestions.......
ReplyDelete