knee braces - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

missbbpepper · 08-12-2006, 06:11 PM

hey everyone Question.

My PCP just wrote me a script for knee braces because when walking my knees turn inwards and are haveing a hard time holding me up.

I also wear AFO's -so what type of knee braces (for both knees) would not interfear with the AFO's?

Has anyone else had this done? Where would I go to get these also?

Amber and SD Quincy

Jo-Lynn · 08-24-2006, 05:59 PM

Hi there--

My knee also goes in and hyper extends. Also, I tend to have drop foot and tippy toe as I walk (when my heel chord is tight). The solution that they came up with was a sports knee brace similar to that seen here: [url]http://www.safesports.com/media/edgeprd.jpg[/url]

Attached is the AFO that controls the drop foot. It is a huge monstrosity that is so painful to wear. There are so many straps and I sweat like a mad woman and chaff as well so I must wear it over leggings. My knee still hyper extends and the part that attaches at my ankle relies on my shoe to hold it square. The brace extends from under my toes to my upper thigh, practically my crotch. What a nightmare to use the toilet!

As a youngster I had a metal brace permanently affixed to a leather shoe like this: [url]http://www.swissbalance.com/images/dorsiflex.JPG[/url] . This is the kind I wish I still had.... maybe not metal but attached to the shoe rather than my knee brace. Much less of a hassle.

Good luck to you on this venture. Hopefully you will find one that isnt as rigid and will be more comfy and helpful for you. As for me, I no longer can wear it. Its too painful.

I dont know if my response was very helpful for you....

Jo-Lynn

missbbpepper · 08-26-2006, 04:53 PM

yes Jo- Lynn it was very helpful thank you!

I just wish more would reply to this - so I also have some other ideas at what im in for.

amber and quincy

blackbelt · 08-26-2006, 06:50 PM

My knee goes inwards as well on both sides. I wear an AFO on my right side and my knee is affected much less when I wear the AFO. When I don't wear the AFO, my knees go in a lot. My AFO comes almost up to my knee. It's quite hot in the summer. I think I read something about a KAFO which involves the knee. I think that type goes above the knee onto the thigh area. My dad wears a bulky knee brace when he does yardwork and stuff that goes from his thigh to below his knee, and it has a hinge. Has your doctor indicated what sort of knee brace you'd need?

missbbpepper · 08-27-2006, 12:22 AM

blackbelt -

the PCP wrote a script for a knee sleeve for both knees, and i took it to my prostetics dr the other day and he says that the sleeve wont be enough so he wants something else. (i believe KAFO) and it was approved by insurence, so I go monday for a fitting - im just not sure for what type yet lol!