How snug is TOO snug?

[KymberlynX]

I've been having a little problem with my knee giving out when I walk downstairs...and stairs are something I can't avoid since I have them at home AND at work.

I bought a neoprene knee brace from Target just now and it's pretty snug. It took a little bit for me to get it up my thigh and situate my kneecap in the hole. Anyone with experience with knee braces think it may be too snug? How would I be able to tell if the brace is too small for me?

[Betheny]

It depends on the kind of support you need, what sort of brace it is, et cetera. As a general rule, 'too snug' would be interfering with circulation. If you notice your lower leg getting swollen, feeling tight, tingly, et cetera. other than that, I don't think there's much of a problem.

Have you seen a doctor about it? That sounds like something you might want to have them look at. If anything, they could give you a MUCH better, personalized brace that would probably work ten thousand times better than anything you can buy off the shelf.

[KymberlynX]

Originally posted by Maimara
It depends on the kind of support you need, what sort of brace it is, et cetera. As a general rule, 'too snug' would be interfering with circulation. If you notice your lower leg getting swollen, feeling tight, tingly, et cetera. other than that, I don't think there's much of a problem.

Have you seen a doctor about it? That sounds like something you might want to have them look at. If anything, they could give you a MUCH better, personalized brace that would probably work ten thousand times better than anything you can buy off the shelf.

I feel my knee giving out whenever I walk downstairs. It's not as bad at work, but when I'm carrying Jordyn and all the bags that I need to send her to the sitter...it's pretty close to excrutiating. I would hate to fall downstairs while trying to get her to the car.

I know I should just go see my doctor, but I'm too lazy and it's a good 2 hour office wait plus an additional 1/2 -1 hour wait in the exam room. :grr:

Not to mention I'm a little burnt out from going to doctors since I was going all the time when I was pregnant and now that Jordyn needs her shots and check-ups. :rolleyes: I figured I could horn in on her appointment this month. :smilegrin: I just need relief in the interim.

Edited because it's HATE not HAVE :flamed:



[Edited on 11-30-2004 by KymberlynX]

[Betheny]

You might be better off with a new ACE bandage and wrapping it. it'll give you support where you need it, whereas pre-made ones are pretty generic.

[KymberlynX]

I've come to the conclusion that the brace is too small, so I will sneak out in a few and go return it and get a less expensive one.

I know I still need to have my doctor check it out, but I will still need support until then so my leg doesn't give out when I'm carrying Jordyn downstairs.

Thanks for the word of advice Beth.

[Wezas]

Way to use false advertising in a thread name.

I was hoping for something involving a corset.

[Betheny]

Any time!

Beth, used to do medical transcription for a prosthetics and orthotics doctor. :)

[Skeeter]

Walk down the steps sideways.

Moves the strain to your hips.

[Czeska]

I used to have problems with my left knee, I had surgery at 17. I have worn the neoprene, they can be great (the hole is good for what I had, it held my kneecap straight).

Agreed that too tight means interfering with circulation.

[KymberlynX]

I bought an OTC neoprene that fits better and it works great. I'll still ask my doctor to check my knee out and see if there is something better I can use.

I've chalked it up to years of driving with a manual transmission and lately having to walk up and down stairs every day. Include the 13+ pound infant and all the stuff that is carted up and down at least once a day and you get excrutiating pain even without the extra burden.

[Tsa`ah]

Need more info.

Is there a grinding sensation? If so, stop wearing the brace and get to the doc.

Giving out, as in buckling? Is the join stable? Can you keep your upper leg stationary while the lower leg plays to the left and right?

If it's buckling and you feel pressure on one side or the other, get a brace with stabilizers, rods, on either side of the brace.

If it's buckling and the joint is stable, get a brace that has wraps that you can position in an infinity or figure 8.

Overall, so long as there isn't grinding or interference with circulation ... and never wear one with swelling.

[KymberlynX]

Originally posted by Tsa`ah
Need more info.

Is there a grinding sensation? If so, stop wearing the brace and get to the doc.

Giving out, as in buckling? Is the join stable? Can you keep your upper leg stationary while the lower leg plays to the left and right?

If it's buckling and you feel pressure on one side or the other, get a brace with stabilizers, rods, on either side of the brace.

If it's buckling and the joint is stable, get a brace that has wraps that you can position in an infinity or figure 8.

Overall, so long as there isn't grinding or interference with circulation ... and never wear one with swelling.

No grinding...just buckling every now and then when walking downstairs...mostly when carrying the little one.

At home I can go braceless as long as I'm not going downstairs.

I'll have the doctor look at it next time Jordyn goes in for her shots...which I believe is in a couple weeks.