Hinged Knee Brace

[Diane Greer]

For those of us getting older with bad knees -- does anyone have recommendations for a hinged knee brace. My doctor has suggested I get one. Still backpack 4-8 nights out and do a lot of hut-to-hut long distance walking. Need a good brace that is not to big. The BodyProx is one of the braces recommended to me that looks to be the right size:

Hinged Knee Brace | Knee Support for Swollen ACL, Tendon, Ligament and Meniscus Injuries

The Hinged Knee Brace offers comprehensive support to assist in healing moderate to serious knee injuries or tears. Relieves knee pain, improves (medial and lateral) stability, and helps recover from runner's knee, sprains, athletic compression, sport-related injuries, mild osteoarthritis...

bodyprox.com

In the best of all worlds would like one with a removable hinge so that it can be washed. I also would like one that is comfortable around the knee cap. I have tried some sleeve knee supports that had a very rigid opening around the kneecap, which I found to be very uncomfortable.

Any suggestion for recommended braces or other things to consider when purchasing a knee brace is appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[scatman]

I use a Neenca knee brace to play basketball. While it isn't hinged it does work.

My Knee Brace for B-ball

I injured my ACL and shredded my meniscus in my left knee playing basketball back when I was 38 years old (60 now). When I was 51, I went on a ten day backpacking trip and my left knee was shot after seven days. I had it checked out and the orthopedic specialist found that I didn't have any cartilage left on the outside of my bum knee. I had a custom hinged professional brace made for when I backpack. The brace pushes in on the inside of my knee to keep the cartilage-less joint on the outside from knocking together. It has worked marvelously and kept me backpacking when otherwise I would have had to give it up. DonJoy made my brace, and it is similar to this.

My Backpacking Brace

Both Neenca and DonJoy make additional knee braces for whatever might be ailing your knee.

 

[Diane Greer]

Thank you for the DonJoy recommendation. That is one serious knee brace. Glad it is keeping you backpacking. I was very concerned after getting my knee diagnosis that I might have to give up something I love. Your story gives me hope.

My Dr. gave me a statistic that for every pound you add to your body (and I am counting backpacking weight) adds 4 pounds of extra pressure to your knees.

Thanks again!

 

[AWR]

I'm assuming you've seen an Ortho or PT. Didn't they give you recommendations for a brace?

 

[Diane Greer]

I have seen an Otho, who gave me a recommendation hinged brace from Amazon, and a PT person, who recommended a muc more expensive hinged braced from a surgical supply. There are tons of different producers/types of knee braces at a variety of price points. Just looking for recomendations from backpackers on Backcountrypost who have the same problem and found a brace that they like.

 

[AWR]

I have seen an Otho, who gave me a recommendation hinged brace from Amazon, and a PT person, who recommended a muc more expensive hinged braced from a surgical supply. There are tons of different producers/types of knee braces at a variety of price points. Just looking for recomendations from backpackers on Backcountrypost who have the same problem and found a brace that they like.

It might be worth going on one of the Grand Canyon hiker Facebook/Instagram sites. I would bet you could get some real world info there.

 

[Brenayes]

I haven't used the BodyProx, but I've had good luck with DonJoy braces. They're a bit pricey, but durable and comfortable.

 

[Diane Greer]

Thank you. That is the second recommendation for DonJoy braces!