Chronic Pain Support Group

Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...

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Unloader knee braces

ATOWifeofJason
ATOWifeofJason
I will be 37 on the 19th...I have had 5 knee surgeries on my right knee( ACL, scar tissue/debridement x 3 and lateral meniscus removal). I need a replacement but can't have one for a long time...I have put off a "tune-up" surgery and injections in favor a of custom fit knee brace. My orthopedic surgeon says he's hoping it will put off me needing the replacement, especially if we use additional surgeries and injections sparingly over the coming years. Does anyone have any experience with these braces and how did they work? Any stories or advice will be appreciated.
billwfriend
billwfriend
I had two of these unloaders...first was for right knee...they work but they are big and cumbersome...I would wear both when I went hunting with my dogs to walk on uneven earth beneath my feet...it helped alot...I have not worn my braces for almost two years and lost one of them in moving about 2 1/2 yrs ago....so they are helpful but as I said they are cumbersome...big things...but they take the pain off the knee...things with velcro and I had to have him repair the velcro a couple times on them because they rolled or came loose...but the guy made them so fixed them too...at no extra cost that I recall
irocket
irocket
I haven't had your knee problems but want to wish you well.
I know Bill has been through a lot with his knees and is the expert around here : )
Sounds like the brace is a good thing bulky or not. I know my dad has had to wear them for years and without them he's be on the floor.

Best wishes to you,
Toni
billwfriend
billwfriend
yes Irocket they are worth while and I might think about giving it another try on my right knee soon because the pain is there...but then I am kinda wanting to ask my doctor to order a new one for the left knee since I lost it and workman's comp would have to pay for it...for me that is free!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi, I'm Kat.

I have a Degenerative Cartilage Disease that attacks my knees the most. I've had 16 Bilateral knee surgeries, cartilage removal and smoothing, meniscus alignment, debridements, multiple micro-fractures to cause arterial cartilage, realignments. And on the left knee a Tibial Tubercle Ostiotimy w/Cadaver Transplant. Both of my knees need replaces but I'm only 43 and we're trying to let technology get better so I don't have to do it more than 1 or twice at the most. I started knee surgeries 26 yrs ago. I've used just about every brace they've made, TENS units and now have been on daily Pain Management for the past 10 years.

Braces can only do so much, knee pain is one of the worst pains because it is the most weight bearing joint in the body and the wear and tear it takes every day is immense. When the parts start to wear, they wear pretty quick.

I wish you luck with your braces....but I can't honestly say I ever had much luck with them...my disease is pretty advanced and fast progressing though.

Take care,

Kat
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