Knee support

[Gottarelax]

My knee is in a lot of pain (day and night) - at the front/bottom of patella. I'm slowly going through the DMARD approaches for RA and due my next appointment mid May when I'll go on to injected MTX which I hope will help. It will also give me chance to discuss with the nurse. In the meantime, I'm wondering whether a knee support would be worth a try. Having looked at supports there appears to be different varieties (long/short compression sleeves, strappy cushioned supports and the hinged type). Can anyone recommend a support - or do they not do much for RA?

[rmros]

I don't know if there are any downsides to trying (apart from initial expense) but I suppose I'd be cautious before finding out for sure. Can you self refer to physiotherapy? Even an assessment with a physio might be beneficial and they can advise.

I have pain in the same place. Previously it was caused by ITB syndome and an ITB brace (a padded strap worn on the thigh) was more helpful. This time it's inflammation and cartilage damage and a support possibly would help. But the pain is really similar.

[Gottarelax in reply to rmros]

I had to look up ITB syndrome. It looks like this may be responsible as I have had MRI of the hips and found inflammation at the top of the ITB. I think I'll be seeing a physiotherapist for assessment at my next hospital visit so perhaps they'll advise. In the meantime, I'll probably try a strap as I doubt it will do any harm.

[AgedCrone]

You really need professional advice….wait until you see your rheumy nurse..no point buying the wrong thing is there?

[Gottarelax in reply to AgedCrone]

I have my appointment in 2 weeks but just discovered that my mum has some different types that she’s no longer using so can try for free in the meantime.

[AgedCrone in reply to Gottarelax]

Knees are delicate creatures…I’d wait & make sure I’m not making things worse!

[Madmusiclover]

Physios vary in their advice on their use. I’ve one but it doesn’t stop pain of my knee locking. Stopped using it. I also have a night time cricket pad splint but have trained myself not to do the movement that triggers my issue; in my sleep! Amazing eh? I’ve both knee; kneecap and itb issues.

[Gottarelax in reply to Madmusiclover]

Amazing indeed! I have tried and tried to alter my sleep position (I sleep on my side and my shoulder really hurts). I try pillows in places to support a different position but always end at the last minute, throwing off the pillows and going back to my normal position.

[Hippo1234567]

Maybe try physio and whatever exercise they recommend rather than seeking extra medication?

[Gottarelax in reply to Hippo1234567]

My RA is generally not under control and I’m on the medication pathway as the rheumy team follow the DMARD route before moving on the biologics which they think I’ll need but have to follow guidelines. The knee issue is just one of many - pretty much every joint is affected. I have been surprised that I was never offered physio so asked at my last consultation. At my next visit, I will start physio but the consultant is keen to get the RA under control before I do anything intensive.

[Hippo1234567 in reply to Gottarelax]

👍

[janmary]

I resorted to trying various knee supports recently during a general flare - not helped by a fall. The only ones I found useful ( and they were brilliant ) were bamboo knee sleeves - comfortable to wear day and/ or night and not too hideous. They really made a difference and kept me mobile.

I understand the advice others have given about seeking physio advice , but I always do what seems obvious and practical first - don’t want to ‘be a bother’ to overloaded services.

Not saying that’s the right approach- just mine - maybe my age is relevant

[Gottarelax in reply to janmary]

I know what you mean about not wanting to overload services. I do have my regular appointment coming up but my symptoms are generally getting worse day by day at the moment so anything that will get me through to that appointment will be a bonus.

[Hidden in reply to Gottarelax]

A physio will give you exercises to build up muscle and aid mobility.

[Runrig01]

It depends on the issue you’re having as to what you would need. The Neoprene type supports, are designed to help with swelling by offering compression and often some heat. The hinged braces are designed more for people who have issues with their tendons or ligaments, or are recovering from different types of surgery. If your knee is generally swollen, then no harm will come from trying a support sleeve. It’s important to measure the circumference of your knee to get the right size, rather than guessing medium, large etc, as too tight a support can contribute to a DVT. I personally get some relief from using a neoprene support, I have both kneecaps slightly dislocated from the patella tendons shortening, which has resulted in severe wear and tear of the patellofemoral joint, as normal anatomy is altered. Using voltarol gel and ice packs help too.

[Gottarelax in reply to Runrig01]

thanks for the detailed reply. I do have swelling (when I bend my knee an egg sized bulge pops out at the side of my patella. I also suspect that I have tendinitis as that’s shown up on several other joints. Fortunately I was talking to my mum last night and she has several different types of knee supports that she’s tried over the years so I may see if any help. I never thought of trying volterol as that was contraindicated with previous medication but I think I could use it now…ice packs are also a great idea.

[Biofreak in reply to Gottarelax]

That description sounds like you may have a baker's cyst and knee supports are not recommended for baker's cysts. I would wait till your appointment and seek advice then because you may possibly make it worse. Tens machines are quite good at interrupting pain and stimulating nerves but again I would get advice from the doctor or physio first.

[Aporiac]

I haven't tried knee supports, but I've benefitted from wrist supports at times.

During a flare-up affecting my wrists, any movement = serious pain, so reducing mobility helps a lot. I've tended to use elasticated sleeve-style supports that are thick and tight enough to restrict movement of the joint, but without cutting off circulation even after sustained wearing.

To be honest I started by improvising a bandage using multiple pairs of long stretchy socks (i.e. wrapping a sock tightly around the joint, then another and another until it's well supported). This cost nothing and once I discovered it worked at relieving pain I went to Boots, showed the pharmacist my multi-sock bandage and sought advice on obtaining a more professional version.

Alternating firm support of the joint and ice packs gave me a lot of relief during some tough times. Fortunately, joint inflammation is now quite well controlled by meds.

[Hidden]

I have issues with my R knee. Physio advice is to build muscle and not to use a support..

grannygetsagrip.com/product...

I use the above when it’s really bad (I use it as a rest under my knee when lying down*); it’s just the right height.

*side on so use the ‘u’..

[Angjoplin]

I have over the years tried many different knee braces. (Now I have had a knee replacement.) I found physios to be against knee supports due to them reducing your own muscle strength. But when you're in pain you get desperate to try anything.

TBH with my problems I didn't find any of them to be particularly helpful while walking. The best thing I bought was a knee ice pack with straps to hold it in place to reduce swelling. You can find them on Amazon.

[Gottarelax in reply to Angjoplin]

I used to use one of the freeze packs on my shoulder. I was surprised that it actually did help (I am sensitive to cold so thought I’d not cope with it).

[wilbertjellyfish]

I have several. I find they really help and occasionally will wake in the night and pull one on. I have found most success with the "knitted" pull on one's butyou need a bigger size than you think as otherwise they are tight on your thigh and then uncomfortable.The one I use most is from Amazon and contains copper.

[Angels54]

Hi , I’m having same problem, I recently bought knee strap with Velcro straps so I can arrange how tight I want it .

[Hidden]

You are advised to exercise to build up muscle and not to use supports. Ice packs are best for swelling, and a cushion to rest:

grannygetsagrip.com/product...

[Gottarelax in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! since posting I’ve seen the physio. She said that me knee are still swollen and gave some very gentle exercises but otherwise just be careful to not overdo things until the RA is under control.

[Hidden in reply to Gottarelax]

Oh good. Hope the exercise help. Gently, gently. x