Knee brace advice

[Caracal]

I'm considering getting a knee brace, to support one of my knees which is starting to feel a bit 'twitchy'... I just have 2 simple questions really!

1) Is it a bad idea to 'always' wear a knee brace, because the muscles around my knee will get 'lazy' and actually weaken?

2) I don't really know what type of 'injury' i have (hopefully it's nothing) but what type of brace would be best, an 'open patella' or closed?

It's hard to describe the "pain"... i don't notice anything when im running, i only seem to notice a bit of 'tightness' if i crouch down for a few minutes, or maybe if i twist my leg into a funny position if im in bed or sitting at my desk... it's never a severe pain.. just slight discomfort.

(I think it all stems from a few years ago while i was doing some squats, and i had a sharp pain in the centre of my knee.. maybe due to bad form i guess?)

Any help or advise appreciated

[Lady C]

Knees can benefit from wearing a wrap type brace. Always use an open patella type (less pressure on the patella). Wraps keep the muscles warm and slightly support the knee.

What else are you current doing in your training besides running that works your legs and challenges your knees?

[Caracal]

At the moment i,m not doing anything except running (I haven't started on the weights yet). But i do remember that using the leg press, doing squats or lunges used to start to hurt quite a lot shortly after hurting my knee... I certainly don't plan on doing any of those, any time soon!

I haven't been in any pain since i started running again, but i have noticed some 'tingling' so i'm kinda going by the 'prevention better than cure' way of thinking

Right now i'm just running.... i'm tempted to get an open brace tomorrow.

I own a open knee brace and used it sporadically post-ACL surgery. I don't think I'll use it much anymore now that I own a pair of Tommy Kono knee bands.

I think you need to devote some time on the machines doing isoloation work with very light weight. That is what I have been doing and it is helping. Take a look at some of my recent postings in the journal.

[Caracal]

Originally Posted by pierini

I own a open knee brace and used it sporadically post-ACL surgery. I don't think I'll use it much anymore now that I own a pair of Tommy Kono knee bands.

I think you need to devote some time on the machines doing isoloation work with very light weight. That is what I have been doing and it is helping. Take a look at some of my recent postings in the journal.

I don't have access to a gym at the moment, only my home setup (a bench, ball and some dumbbells!) although im sure i can find some routines that would help

I tried an open brace yesterday.. a Nike one... supposedly 'medium' and oh my GOD it was tight! I'm not sure how tight they're supposed to be, but this was pretty damn snug... running in it felt... a bit restricted.... i wasn't sure if that was normal.. or TOO tight! So i didn't buy it lol

They also had patella bands.. something which i hadn't seen before...

I think i'll maybe forget a brace for now.. and just start using some glucosamine and see how it goes