My knees are in really bad shape.

I've had at least 10 surgeries and at 52 years old they're shot.

I want to try bracing my knees but I don't know where to start. Of course, I've used ace bandages and pull-on sleeves with holes for the patella, but I want something more substantial that won't hinder movement.

Any ideas would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

steve

When you say you have had 10 surgeries, have you not been offered knee replacement? My father in law had his knee replaced last summer and is over the moon, it is so much nicer for him. Can you not consider complete knee replacements if your knees are shot?

Ronnie

Not yet.

Even with all the damage, I enjoy playing table tennis competitively. At least to whatever level possible. This demands a lot from the knees, and there is jarring with the hard floor surfaces. From everything I've learned about knee replacements, I don't think they would hold up to this kind of abuse. I love this sport so much, and I don't intend to give it up any time soon.

I've had the knees reconstructed twice each. That's what they used to do back in the 60s and 70s. The first was soft tissue only, followed by bone & soft tissue. Then I had a high-tibial osteotomy on the right knee/leg. The rest of the surgeries have been arthroscopic debridements and such.

I could go the rest of my life and not see the inside of a hospital again.

This is why I'm looking into bracing my knees. I remember after the osteotomy my doc prescribed a large black brace and the complexity of putting it on turned me off. So I'm interested in whatever has come out recently that could support my knees the best without being too cumbersome.

All ideas are welcome...

steve

I have Osteoarthritis in my knees.
Yeah I do use the athletic pull on knee elestic thingys.

My elderly mother had both knees replaced and it struck me as rather horeneous surgery.
She lived in an upstairs apartment alone So she had to go into a nurseing home therapy wing. And they would not release her to go home for 2 long months because of the stairs and living alone!

I live on a ground floor but I do live alone so I'm into doing anything to avoid such surgery myself.

My adult son had a complete knee reconstruction surgery in 2001 due to an accident. They made him a customized knee brace to wear afterward during therapy. Worked good for him while it was needed.

My retired cousin has Rhumatoid arthritis and she has a customized knee brace for it. I have not seen hers since she is in another state. She says it's hard to drive wearing it so she generally only wears it at home.

This tells me they DO definately make such a thing and I am positive I'll be seeking one before say OK to any knee surgery.

I can only advise asking a DR who deals in arthritis about a customized knee brace.
I hope you find one and I hope it helps.

snowmelts,

Hey, thanks so much for the reply. It's nice to hear from someone who understands. I will enquire of my doc regarding a brace.

Good luck to you too.

steve