Knee problem

[Bill C.]

It seems like it reduces the presure, but not preventing hyper extension very good because it is single hinged.

I don't know what you mean.  It has two hinges, one on each side.

[DarkInsomn1a]

Been to docs today even though my knees feel slightly better (just wanted reassurence).... said just what you guys have been saying! (RICE), Ordered braces today! so all being well in a week or so i can actually get back on em! WOOHOO

Thx

[coachgeo]

... I started this week wearing 5 lb ankle weights all day at work (I sit at my desk most of the day, but up and down two long flights of stairs, and then walking to lunch.)  Seems to be working some as my legs are a bit sore in the evening.  I just sound like I have maracas strapped to my feet! 

Last I heard this was not really reccomended.  Ankle weights PULL downward on a joint (the knee) that is intended to take forces upward. 

Now realisticly... to a sore knee I can see how these might help at first.  The downard pull might cause other muscles to tighten to and this tightening takes stress off the sore area.

IMHEO I would NOT wear they while walking or doing stairs. Wear them while sitting and do occasionaly leg extensions to near lock or as far as you can under your desk.  You can also "write" the Alpahbet or spell dirty words etc. with your big toe like it was a pencil tip.  A pencil with the knee being the erasier end.  Going thru all these twisting ranges of motion is good rehabe for the knee.

[Friis]

I don't know what you mean.  It has two hinges, one on each side.

The one he linked to has one hing. It says so in bold text

[Bill C.]

Wow, You're right.  Just the photo of it came up on my screen and I didn't think of scrolling down.  I've never seen a brace with a hinge only on one side.  If this well-known company is claiming the level 3 protection (I'm not sure if that is an industry standard), it should still work fairly well and afford at least some degree of protection.  Probably won't protect against a forceful hyper-extension, but I think it should be ok against accidental misstep or landing hyper-extension.  Again, it's better than nothing.

[WhatTheFox]

Thanks coachgeo! I'll change my strategy accordingly.

[Bill C.]

Ankle weights PULL downward on a joint (the knee) that is intended to take forces upward.... IMHEO I would NOT wear they while walking or doing stairs.

You bring up a good point here coach, which makes me wonder about walking long distances while wearing bocks.  Basically what you have is a weight on each leg, pulling downward on the knee ligaments every time you lift your leg to take a step forward.  And stretching out knee ligaments is bad.

[coachgeo]

...You bring up a good point here coach, which makes me wonder about walking long distances while wearing bocks.  ...

yep a trade off for sure.  Short bocking fun should be alright. Especially with the learning curve taken into account.  I suspet that in the beginng while learning the durrationis short spurts and this may help develop some muscles to help counter the downard forces.  A bit different than just throwing on ankle weights.

As to long distance...  yeah... I could see a problem.  If I had the bucks I would take a quality knee brace with hinges... and above and below knee attachements and turn them into long calf cuffs to hold ones bocks on.  This would help eliminate the concerns were speaking off.