I'm ba-ack - and a question

[backintime]

OK, it's been a month since my MRI

I have dutifully done the minimum walking (although dogs, children and public transport impose some walking and stairs) and today, for the first time, I woke up with no pain.

I want to try a short (around 2K) distance this weekend just to see how my knee holds up.

The question is - my knee support (stretchy one, no metal supports etc.) slips down a lot and gets turned around. I've been advised to keep wearing it for a while during exercise, especially when restarting after a couple of months off (no ligament damage, but just to support the meniscus and tibia while they finish healing).

I have this type

amazon.com/Compression-Meni...

Can anyone suggest a good knee support that doesn't slip? I've tried it on top of my joggers and under - or has anyone tried KT tape instead? If so, how should I strap it for meniscus lesion?

Oh and the Paris HM is back on for September - got the email today - something to aim for - 6 months to get ready again - I was up to 19k before the strikes, shingles and torn meniscus/fractured tibia.

My only doubt is hayfever but I will try and get one outside run per week even if most of my April/May training will have to be on treadmill

I also have a 10k in September and another in October to avoid post race slump

Thanks in advance

BIT

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Good news that you’ve got no pain now, always a brilliant sign!

My husband wears a knee support when he plays sport (knee surgery) and I know it doesn’t slip, although he doesn’t run in it. I’ll ask him which one it is when he gets home.

It sounds as if you’ve got a good future plan there. Fingers crossed that Paris will go ahead eventually 🤞

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks

If I can get the name of that knee support I can try it out - mine comes from a pharmacy - it was prescribed by the doctor and it's fine for sitting and stopping me doing stupid things, but I think it doesn't fit properly now the swelling has dropped maybe

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to backintime]

This is the one my husband likes although he doesn’t run in it, he plays golf, goes to the gym and cycles and walks around with it and it doesn’t slip. He also says it doesn’t itch, unlike some! I think it’s important you get the right size. Good luck!

boots.com/neo-g-airflow-kne...

[IAmCharliemouse]

Welcome ba-ack!!

The absolute best knee supports I have used are by Ossur. But they are usually crazy expensive. I think they made a mistake with the price when I ordered them, because they were about 80% off. Anyway, they are comfortable, breathable, supportive and don't slip.

Second best are Rymora knee support brace - search Amazon. Not quite as supportive or technical, but still very good and comfortable. Also sometimes on offer, so watch the prices.

Alternatively, which I have been using in the winter, compression tights. These are more expensive, and you need to get the right fit, but they support everything, not just your knee, and I find really help. Keep you warm and the good ones won't get too sweaty either. I don't need to wear knee braces if I wear compression tights.

Anyway, those are the ones I have tried and like. Usual disclaimer about not being associated with the brands, etc etc.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to IAmCharliemouse]

Thanks IAC

I don't need straps or supports - I was looking at Ossur website - I will have a better look.

I might look at compression tights - but do they go under joggers? I run in joggers with a pocket for keys and phone

[IAmCharliemouse in reply to backintime]

Yes. My current (winter) running outfit is compression tights under joggers, base layer top under running hoodie.

I have never had any serious problem with my knees, but occasional ache and pain. So I wear some sort of knee support just for prevention.

But the running compression tights have been a real revelation. Like good shoes, I feel like they act as a bit of spring, giving some energy back, as well as keeping everything in place.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

I bought this a couple of years ago amazon.co.uk/Modetro-Sports...

It wasn't prescribed but it did make my knee feel more secure. I wore it a lot and I can honestly say it never slipped or twisted and it never dug in to the point of soreness or rubbed at all. I was very pleased with it.

You could always try a smaller size of the one you already have it was recommended for your injury.

More importantly though - how exciting to be back! Take it easy - maybe try a modified version of C25K again - and enjoy! Good luck 😀

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

I did think about modified C25K but honestly walk run annoys me now

what I might do is run out as far as is comfortable and then walk back (especially up the hill bits) until it feels stronger

"luckily" no ligament damage was shown on the MRI so it's just bone/meniscus-y thing damage

I will check out that knee support, thanks

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to backintime]

The only good thing about run/walk intervals is that you get to check in frequently; when I re-started I was so desperate to run I was happy to take even the shortest of intervals, and then there was another to look forward to as well, and another .... but by then I'd been out for over four months and was desperate (and very cautious too) 😀

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to linda9389]

I want to run - the gremlins are telling me I don't have to do it - anyone would understand I hate those gremlins.

So I signed up for the 2 10k events and then got the email about the HM - which I would really love to do and I was really close to the distance before everything went to pot - I believe I can get there again.

I did enjoy C25k when I did it, but, in general, I find it so hard to start running again once I stop - I need to find the C25K mind set again

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to backintime]

You know yourself best. So long as the early runs are short you should be fine. When I came back, I worked out a plan backwards from my event dates. I had a 10k in the calendar already and a HM in mind. I made it all fit. Let's just say C25K didn't get 9 weeks this time around 😂. For all my talk of caution, in reality 'the end justified the means' 😛

[SlowLoris]

I just wore a normal stretchy knee support

boots.com/boots-sport-flexi...

Otherwise you might be just paying for a lot of marketing hype.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to SlowLoris]

thanks, I have one like that, but it doesn't stay in place

when I walk a lot or do stairs, it slips down

so I was looking for a solution that would support my knee when running, which obviously isn't the one I have

I also considered just tape and was looking up taping for meniscus tears - I am open to ideas at this point

[SlowLoris in reply to backintime]

Mine doesn't slip. Perhaps it's the fabric, or a bit stretchier, or a better fit as Linda suggested. It was for a different injury.

My medial meniscus tear was a couple of years ago now and stopped me running for several months. It settled down after a while but will never heal. Best remedy for me was knee strengthening exercises.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to SlowLoris]

mine seems to be improving, it's been a month since the MRI and nearly 2 months since I did it (took a while to get an appointment)

this looks useful - and guaranteed not to slip

youtube.com/watch?v=9kkq4eG...(Not working as expected?)

I think my knees are reasonably strong, plus there was no ligament damage, but I will look up some knee strengthening exercises and see how my knee likes them

[SlowLoris in reply to backintime]

I'm assuming it was a doctor or physio that advised your knee support.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to SlowLoris]

yes, my doctor advised it after my MRI - said to wear it for a month - which I have

I would like some support when starting back up with the running, at least in the beginning

[SlowLoris in reply to backintime]

This site is quite informative about all things physio. Although it's a commercial site there's lots of useful free info.

physioworks.com.au/injuries...

KT tape seems to be very trendy these days.

Just realised that my support probably didn't slip due to knobbly knees. I did post a picture of them once but they didn't get many 'likes'.

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to SlowLoris]

hahaha

[Maddee_6333 Half Marathon]

I can’t help, but take things easy and good luck! 🤞🤞🤞

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Maddee_6333]

Thank you!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Hi BIT, great to see you back! Sorry, I have nothing at all useful to add regarding knee supports, but just wanted to say hello! 😀😀

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to cheekychipmunks]

thanks CCM - hello!!

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

Sorry, I can’t help with knee supports, but glad you are getting better. I know loads of people will have been gutted that Paris HM was postponed, but sounds good for you. Every cloud eh? Let us know how you get on with your first run x

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to Sandie1961]

thanks Sandie - it will be this weekend, whenever the opportunity presents - between housework, homework, dog vaccinations and all the normal weekend stuff - I will carve out an hour for me though