Lightweight Knee Brace

[30 Large]

I have had knee issues for nearly 20 years now. Most times I can usually go on 5-10 day trips without my brace but then have a "recovery" time when I get home. Next year, during my thru, I will not have the recovery times so I plan on using a brace more often on the trail. My current knee stabilizer is a whopping 2lb 4oz.

I'm looking at this brace, but cannot find a weight for it. I've emailed the distributor asking about the weight. In the meantime, does anyone have a good brace that they use that doesn't feel like carrying a brick around?

[Bumbull]

Instead of ordering a brace online, I would suggest you get a prescription from your doctor for a new brace. Then take that prescription to your nearest Certified Orthotist (CO). Follow the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) directory search link at http://www.abcop.org Finding the right brace to match your diagnosis is worth some professional advice. Ask to demo more than one light weight brace when you get to that point.

[Kerosene]

I have a short hinged knee brace similar to the LP that you link to. If you don't get a response I can try to find mine and weigh it.

For my past 3 hikes I've been going with the Futuro Moisture Knit brace, which provides minimal stability and bracing for 6 ounces but seems to do the trick for me.

[ChinMusic]

I have had knee issues for nearly 20 years now. Most times I can usually go on 5-10 day trips without my brace but then have a "recovery" time when I get home. Next year, during my thru, I will not have the recovery times so I plan on using a brace more often on the trail. My current knee stabilizer is a whopping 2lb 4oz.

I have good knees but do notice some pain on downhill late after a long day. I bought this: http://www.acebrand.com/wps/portal/3...glJFXW6PTKB2bl

I have a buddy that is an ortho but all their stuff was just too dang heavy and/or hot. He recommended this monstrosity, like you described, but IMO that was not gonna fly on the trail.

If you are fine for days on end maybe you just need a little help holding things together.

[30 Large]

Thanks Bumbull for the suggestion to demo different braces, I hadn't thought about that. My current brace is a prescription one, but as I mentioned, it weighs a ton. I asked my doctor what kind of brace would offer the 'basic' amount of support that I needed and he told me, "Any brace that supports the medial lateral ligaments will work."

If you are fine for days on end maybe you just need a little help holding things together.

That's what I was thinking about, something to hold things together.

Kerosene, unfortunately I can't really use slip on braces because my legs are like tree trunks lol. Plus I'd love to be able to remove it without having to take off my shoes.

[SouthMark]

After trying a number of braces a hiking friend suggested these:

http://www.footsmart.com/p-cho-pat-d...rap-20032.aspx

They have been just what I needed. They can be put on and removed without taking off my shoes.

[Many Walks]

+1 for Cho-Pat's. They worked for us.

[30 Large]

I think I will just go ahead and order one to test it out considering the cost isn't that much. How much does it weigh?

[LDog]

I just snagged a Cho-Pat on Amazon for ~$19, and standard shipping was free.

[bflorac]

Different knee braces are for different ailments. Be sure to get one that has the correct support. For example, the Cho-Pat does nothing for LT band support. I suggest you discuss this with your doctor....

[pafarmboy]

I've been using Mueller Knee Stabilizers for almost a 1000 miles on the AT. http://www.walmart.com/ip/ELAS-KNEE-...ndingMethod=rr Tried others and always came back to these. I pick them up at walmart and they've lasted 200 miles or more before I chuck them and get a new pair.

[30 Large]

I've been using Mueller Knee Stabilizers for almost a 1000 miles on the AT. http://www.walmart.com/ip/ELAS-KNEE-...ndingMethod=rr Tried others and always came back to these. I pick them up at walmart and they've lasted 200 miles or more before I chuck them and get a new pair.

I've used Mueller before. They tend to run small for me. Even the non-sleeve one that I've tried usually run out of strap before securing well. If I could find one that fit me, they would be perfect for the price.

[SouthMark]

Different knee braces are for different ailments. Be sure to get one that has the correct support. For example, the Cho-Pat does nothing for LT band support. I suggest you discuss this with your doctor....

I may be wrong but I thought the Cho-Pat Dual Action brace incorporated and LT band support as well as a PT band. I may not be understanding just what a LT support band is.

[Feral Nature]

I believe that I may be a canidate for knee braces. I will speak to my ortho about this as I keep finding braces for sale for my condition.

I would assume that I am not the only person on the forum with "bilateral patellar subluxation". That means my knee caps are somewhat out of the grooves, almost dislocated. I was only recently diagnosed after having difficulty going down stairs and getting up from a sitting position. And bad pain and swelling. Ortho doc gave me steroid shots in my knees and put me on some arthritis med. I am presently doing all I can to remedy this, always using a walking stick, proper body mechanics, losing weight, glucosamine, all the while knowing that they will never be 100% recovered. I have done much in my life to cause this. But I will not stop living because some parts are worn out.

I am wondering what type of brace might be useful for hiking. It seems some of the braces I see are not really meant for it. My young looking sports doc has probably not encountered an old woman who is falling apart and planning a long-distance hike. So maybe I should have some ideas. (What I really am saying is that this retired RN wants to tell doctor what to do! Just kidding!).