Question: Knee brace recco for chondromalacia patella?

[laine]

Lucky me! I have it in both knees. Had a lateral release on my right knee in 2006 and then surgery again in 2009 t0 clean out the scar tissue and cartilage. It never really healed correctly, so I never did my left knee. Right now, I just ski with a lot of vitamin I (ibuprofen) and I generally head in by 3pm when the pain gets worse, but was wondering if anyone has had success with a brace. I've tried a few of the less expensive ones, but haven't had much success.

I saw this one - https://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-reaction-knee-brace - but wanted to hear feedback before spending that much (one for each knee).

Thanks.

 

[pinto]

Wow, that's cool! I have it in both knees, too, had a LR in 1984 on the left. I have managed fine with taping so far, but about 2 weeks ago things kinda took a turn for the worse, and I'm really swollen right now. Not sure what caused the change, but I've been thinking about using a brace next.

 

[Soujan]

[QUOTE="laine, post: 306685, member: 2383"
I saw this one - https://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-reaction-knee-brace - but wanted to hear feedback before spending that much (one for each knee [/QUOTE]

I have chondromalacia in my left knee and had a chondroplasty in 2011. I use a knee brace for strenuous activities like hiking and skiing. I actually bought that donjoy brace because it looked interesting. I tried it out skiing and found that it did not do enough to hold my patella in the correct position. I haven't used that brace since. I have been using this brace:

https://www.allegromedical.com/orth...vw_wcB&kwid=19959388920x15526080149x216753029

I've used that brace since having my surgery and I find it really supports and keeps my patella centered. I usually have a lot if pain from over use if I don't use the brace but with it I have almost no pain at the end of the day.

 

[snow addict]

This is what I have too, in left knee only, grade 4. I was recommended taping over the brace, though so far have been skiing with the brace with good results. I have some regular neoprene brace with lateral and patellar support, won't remember the brand now. Other than that I was told to stick to physio, quads and calves stretching and knee extensions and ibuprofen and rest if it gets inflamed. Surgery at this point wasn't recommended - he doesn't think that after surgery I would get better results than I am getting now, so will see how this season goes and beyond.