My New Brace...

Would love some advice in this regard...my new custom brace came in this week and it felt snug when the rep placed it on my knee (as demonstrated by his question "so you have some swelling today???"). I didn't think I had but passed it off. In any case, he said I should wear it for three or four hours at a time to get used to it before I wear it for a sporting event. So I wore it back to the office (30 minute drive) and by the time I got there, I couldn't wait to get it off!!! The two pads that protect the knee were painfully tight and I had deep impressions in my leg from wear all contact points touched. I thought, well maybe my leg is swollen and tried it again the next day. Within 10-15 minutes my leg was throbbing with pain near the pads on each side of the knee. Is this normal?? I know braces are controversial, but feel like I would be more comfortable wearing one as I get back into my sport. It will do me no good, if it is too painful to wear. Did the rep get the measurements wrong and should I send it back or is this normal and I just need to wear it and get used to it? I have a PT session in the morning and I'm going to take it with me for my therapist to see, but would love to know if anyone has had similar experiences.

Thanks,
K in SC

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My New Brace...

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Feb 15, 2009
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Brace
by: Jason

Dear K in SC,

My experience after undergoing ACL reconstruction and wearing a brace for the past 40 days leads me to the conclusion that a knee brace will never feel comfortable! However, the pain from where the pads press against the sides of the knee will subside, as the swelling goes down.
Also bear in mind that the more you wear the brace the weaker the surrounding muscles become. Hence, in my opinion it is more efficient to restrict use during sporting activities.
In conclusion, I believe the pain/pressure you feel is justified.

Jason

Feb 17, 2009
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Brace fitting
by: Anonymous

HI,

Prior to surgery i had a custom brace and although I experienced some discomfort I did not find it as bad as you say. It fit snug along the side of the knee but I wore it most of the day (without it my knee buckled) without much problem. I think you need to have your physio therapist check the fitting so you don't make the knee worse. Good luck!