Knee brace for skaters?

yvr11 · 04-01-2010, 09:37 AM

I injured my MCL last year and am now considering wearing a knee brace. An operation wasn't needed but I was out for about 4 months. I've read that some say knee braces don't work while others swear by them. In any case, I'm willing to try one out. I've been looking at knee braces by Breg, DonJoy and CTi.

I'd like to hear from those who wear one and what you're experience has been like in terms of cost, comfort,..etc.

Thanks.

JayRoadkill · 04-01-2010, 09:58 AM

yea i've had to wear one for about 2-3 years, i dislocated my knee-cap and it never fully healed, i just had surgery in November and am still recovering, but the knee brace never affected my skating, if anything it eased my mind knowing all the support i had, it might feel a bit stiff after you put your shin pads on, but it really isnt a big deal after a day or so, plus its better then the risks. Maybe go see a sports doctor, thats how i got mine.

Hope this helps

yvr11 · 04-01-2010, 10:03 AM

Which knee brace have you been using?

stick9 · 04-01-2010, 10:16 AM

Currently wearing a Don Joy Defiance III for post ACL reconstruction. It's custom made and was not cheap, not that the off the shelf braces are.

http://www.donjoy.com/index.asp/fuse...l/cat/1/id/170

Are you looking for a rigid brace (like the one I wear) or a soft brace? I worse a soft brace for a bit after injuring the ACL. It helped and I may go back to it once I am able to lose the rigid brace. It may be enough for you.

http://www.donjoy.com/index.asp/fuse...il/cat/1/id/23

I would see a sports orthopedic doc first. If it's prescribed your insurance may pick up some of the tab. Plus, he'll know what brace to put you in. What good is the wrong brace gonna do you, right.

JayRoadkill · 04-01-2010, 01:33 PM

I wear a GII FX http://www.burnabyorthopaedic.com/im...s/fxresize.jpg

but listen to comment above, if you need one (hopefully the doc will know) he can recommend one that is right for you, and maybe even show you a few.

I was lucky enough to go see Dr Clarefield (former TML doctor) and he had a little store beside his office where i could try different ones on.

yvr11 · 04-01-2010, 08:18 PM

Responses all seem reasonable...thanks for the feedback everyone.