experiences, is it even possible? Leg braces for when riding

[black_horse]

During the cold weather, i am really suffering with my leg to the point where i can ride maybe once a week as it hurts too much.

I need a little guidence please, is it possible to wear a leg/knee brace when riding or is there anything out there on the market that might help my situation?

Answers on a postcard, i have hot sausage rolls and brandy for those who answer

And an image of warmer days! To remind myself they will be here soon (the real face of black_horse, and i dont mean the horse either )

please not the lack of riding clothes, i am in civilisation where they do not appreciate shavings in your hair!

 

[tazzle]

do you mean one of the neoprene type things ?

I did wear a knee one for a while .... not that it made that much difference .... but it didnt for everyday stuff either. My knee is worse when its stuck in one position for a while but if a brace helps you in everyday activities then its possible to ride with one too.

I have seen people at RDA ride with leg braces ..... metal ones and the newer plastic ones.

as to suggestions .. sorry I dont know what you situation / medical issue is .

 

[susie2193]

My daughter is waiting for an operation to have her ACL repaired, and currently rides in a hinged knee brace, her consultant has told her she will need a decent knee brace when she starts competing again. The ones he is recommending are about £300. A lot of the top eventers have ridden at 4* at some point in their careers in a knee brace.

 

[kerilli]

there are braces out thee which it's possible to ride in, iirc Ruth Edge rode in one for a while.
Having said which... my consultant (one of the top knee surgeons in the country), after replacing my ACL, was adamant that NO brace can take the place of properly strengthened muscles to support the joint, and dis-recommended them. He said that knee braces have been tried extensively in many sports, and for e.g. they've had American footballers, while wearing 2 of the best braces money could buy, totally blow their knees apart again. the brace stops the muscles from building up properly, and since those are definitely the BEST bet for stabilising the knee, you don't want to prevent that from happening...
why/how is it hurting? tbh the cold weather alone shouldn't affect it unless it is arthritic or something, no?
is it worth getting on the waiting list for an MRI scan to find out exactly what is going on in there?

 

[Princess Jess]

I have to wear an ankle brace for riding which I find helps quite alot...not sure about ones for knee's though...

 

[black_horse]

there are braces out thee which it's possible to ride in, iirc Ruth Edge rode in one for a while.
Having said which... my consultant (one of the top knee surgeons in the country), after replacing my ACL, was adamant that NO brace can take the place of properly strengthened muscles to support the joint, and dis-recommended them. He said that knee braces have been tried extensively in many sports, and for e.g. they've had American footballers, while wearing 2 of the best braces money could buy, totally blow their knees apart again. the brace stops the muscles from building up properly, and since those are definitely the BEST bet for stabilising the knee, you don't want to prevent that from happening...
why/how is it hurting? tbh the cold weather alone shouldn't affect it unless it is arthritic or something, no?
is it worth getting on the waiting list for an MRI scan to find out exactly what is going on in there?

I have arthritis setting in from where i had my operation and due to how i walk now. I have arthritis in my opposite ankle too. I also have anerve condition and a break that hasnt healed correctly.

I need a vet lol

 

[Becki1802]

I'd support a lot of what kerilli has said.

Why is your knee hurting? What is your injury?

I had pretty horrendous knee surgery 3 years ago to fix patella dislocation problem. The good news is I was back in the saddle within 6 months and my knee isn't a bother to me.

 

[black_horse]

I broke my leg very badly 5 years ago and underwent extensive surgery for it. It left me with a lot of metal work in my leg, one of the breaks hasnt healed but due to its location and a nerve disorder called RSD [http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/rsd.shtml] i have a lot of issues with limited use/feeling below my knee. Its afftected how i walk and i have boney spurs on the top of my tibia which is irritaing the ligaments of the knee. I have the onset of arthrisis and along with SI joint issues i take a lot of strain on my other leg as i compensate.

 

[Becki1802]

You poor thing! So does a knee brace help relieve pain when normally moving around?

I reckon that you could find something but my concern would be you could spend a lot of money and be no better off. But if it helps out the saddle it is worth a try!!!

Try looking up skiing braces maybe? Something that will go on over the jodphurs!

 

[black_horse]

I use ko-flex bandages to strap my leg up but need a knee brace on my right (and possibly left) knee to help as the more it aches/hurts, the more twisted i am becoming in the saddle. I have tried normal sports ones but they either agrevate my RSD or do bugger all.

I saw some on an american site but they were $300!!!

 

[Becki1802]

Have a read of this:
http://www.ski-adventure-guide.com/knee-brace.html

& this:
http://www.ski-injury.com/prevention/brace

Which sort best describes the type of support you need? Then we could have a google & see what we can find?!

 

[black_horse]

If i said my knee aches and feels weak, as though there is no power going through it and it cannot support my weight would that make sense? It shakes when i rise in the trot and has a 'dragging' feeling, as though everything is slowed down and it cannot support me....

 

[black_horse]

I cant use one like this because the bottom strap will be going right across a break and i wouldnt be able to bear it

 

[sheep]

Just a suggestion, not a knee brace, but might those k'vall stirrups be of any use to you? Would they allow you to support yourself better? Hope you get sorted!

 

[Becki1802]

Are you still seeing your orthopaedic surgeon and/or a physiotherapist who you could discuss which is best with?! I'm looking online now but a lot are similar to the one you can't have!!!

Oh & get doing your swish ball squats, straight leg raises and clams - rehab is for life not just for xmas!! lol!!

 

[black_horse]

@becki - they both say i shouldnt be riding.... hmm i have selective hearing

@sheep -are they the endurance type stirrups? they arent dressage legal but i suppose i could change them for shows.

 

[sheep]

Vaguely! I saw someone posted about them a while ago- Jen_Cots I think- AFAIK she is somehow involved in them. They are sort of a platform that takes the whole length of your foot. Legality might be an issue as you say but might be worth a look anyway! There's a few threads about them on here I think.

 

[black_horse]

cool, thank you sheep

baah

 

[sheep]

Baaah yourself!

PS, nice summer picture!

 

[Becki1802]

I was riding sooner than I should have - I told them if I didn't they could treat me for depression at the same time. In the end I'm sure the riding has helped build my muscles.

Finally a UK company who have quite a few to choose from:
http://www.physioroom.com/catalog/Knee_Supports_Braces/2034.html

This one looks like it might be suitable with some rambo chaps to protect you saddle and keep your leg warm:
http://www.physioroom.com/product.p...106&affid=25&gclid=CN2r2fTzmK4CFcYNfAod7BR-JA