Today I am getting fitted for brace that I will (or should) use for playing sports from here until about a year on out. Some people wear them longer, some wear them less. It’s whatever you feel most comfortable doing. Some people wear them for years as a preventitive measure. My doctor said it more or less serves as a “reminder” that you have a weaker knee.
Leading up to today, the only thing I knew about braces is that they are bulky, expensive and, well bulky. A lot of people get a customized brace which can range from $-$. Yikes! (No one said this injury was cheap.) You can also buy braces “off the shelves.” You can do this through knee brace industry experts, like Don Joy, or from your friendly corner store, like CVS. I will say it right now–I do NOT reccommend buying a post-op brace at CVS, especially for your initial return to full-contact sports. I’m simply stating that you can buy braces there. Maybe at some point down the road when you are well past surgery and just need a little brace to help you out, but even then, that’s your personal call.
Anyway, I’m measured, fitted and ordered for my new brace. I’ll let you know the damages when I find out.
What are your thoughts on braces? How often do you use them? Do you find them helpful?
Hello,
I have been following your blog since blowing out my knee last summer and have enjoyed all of your posts! I tore my patellar tendon, ACL, and MCL trying to do my best Superman impression off of a sand dune. The MCL has healed and the patellar tendon was surgically repaired and I’m 6 months post-op with almost all of my range of motion back and am at about 70% quad strength.
I’m going in today for a short operation to remove a wire that they has inserted to support my patellar tendon, then, in a few weeks, I’ll be fitted for an ACL brace. We’re holding off on the ACL repair for at least a few years and may not even ever fix it since I don’t regularly play soccer or basketball or other “ACL intensive” activities.
Without a doubt, this has been an eye-opening and humbling experience, but, in a strange way, I’m grateful for it. I love being outdoors and being physically active, so to have it taken away from you makes you appreciate what you do and don’t have even more.
Best of luck on the recovery!
Aris
Hi Aris,
Thank you for following my journey! It’s sounds like yours has not been easy either. The world has a funny way of slowing us down sometimes when we least expect it a la Superman impressions. And as much as I agonize so much of the recovery process, I know I am forever changed on my outlook on life and appreciate of every second I can be outdoors and be doing something active. I totally agree with you about the experience. Now we enjoy life even more–everything from being able to ride a bike again, take first steps again and join the active world again. Best of luck to you, too! Spunds like you really are a “Super-person!”
Congratulations on buying your brace. They aren’t cheap..But custom made is the way to go.
Wouldn’t play sports right now without mine.
Hi Diane,
My friend who is the same post-op time as me skis without her brace these days, but the mere thought of having to going through any sort of recover again encourages me to wear the brace all the time. I’m glad inspiring people like yourself can add more inspiration to brace topic.
Got a custom Don Joy but never wear it. Then again, I haven’t done any aggressive sports that warrant wearing it. I will probably wear it eventually, though.
My insurance plan covered the cost.
Hello. I am four weeks post-op with an allograft. Injury occurred while skiing.
Was just curious how much you paid for your brace? Also, have you worn it skiing yet? How did it feel?
Thanks!
Hi Susan,
I have not used the brace for skiing yet, but I plan on doing it for a looooong time. I’ve worn it during other sports, and it isn’t as bulky on as it seems when you first get it. For the record, my insurance covered most of it. I opted for an off-the-shelf brace, as opposed to a custom-made one, and I believe I paid about $80.
I also tore my ACL skiing, and plan to ski again next season! The brace I am getting, (Ossur CTI custom ACL brace) has a skiing accessory available. It connects to the boots and protects your knees while skiing! (My ACL blowout was simply stopping to avoid running into a guy who fell in front of me, I didn’t even fall, I just turned wrong!)
Here’s the link http://www.ossur.com/pages/13230 – it’s under options.
Hi! Love your blog btw. It has helped a lot!
I just had surgery on Feb 10. I received a DJ brace initially before surgery. (Since I did not get surgery right away)
It ended up stretching out and always sliding. So I just went to see my doctor last Monday to see if I can exchange it (since I had to pay $400 out of pocket)
and he told me I won’t need a brace ever. Thought that was odd but hey if I don’t have to wear that big, annoying thing, I am fine with that.