Forums > Health and Nutrition > Deficient ACL and knee brace options - help
I have logged more than 63,000 miles, more than 48,000 since a severe knee injury in 1884 that resulted in surgery. I had my right meniscus (cartilage removed, but I was still able to run, although slower.
I have recently been diagnosed with a deficient ACL, meaning my knee is unstable, wobbly and hurts after 3-4 miles. The brace the doctor wants on me is a Breg OTS knee brace. Aside fro the cost, it is bulky and limiting. I can see lots of bumps on my left knee while running in it. I tried it on, and it seemed like I would knock into it with my left leg.
Is there anyone out there who can recommend a good alternative brace to this bulky $600 brace? I plan to run until I die, so I need a brace. I just want the best for a runner. I usually do 40 miles per week. Lately I have only been able to do 21-24. I am desperate for suggestions!
In it for the long run..
"It's not who wins the workout..." This Century PRs 5K 25:05 10K 52:34 1/2 M 1:53:58 Marathon 4:08:28
You'll ruin your knees!
I have logged more than 63,000 miles, more than 48,000 since a severe knee injury in 1884 that resulted in surgery. I had my right meniscus (cartilage removed, but I was still able to run, although slower. I have recently been diagnosed with a deficient ACL, meaning my knee is unstable, wobbly and hurts after 3-4 miles. The brace the doctor wants on me is a Breg OTS knee brace. Aside fro the cost, it is bulky and limiting. I can see lots of bumps on my left knee while running in it. I tried it on, and it seemed like I would knock into it with my left leg. Is there anyone out there who can recommend a good alternative brace to this bulky $600 brace? I plan to run until I die, so I need a brace. I just want the best for a runner. I usually do 40 miles per week. Lately I have only been able to do 21-24. I am desperate for suggestions!
Wow, they repaired ACL's in 1884? Must have really come a long way with medical procedures in the 25 years following the Civil war! That's way better than just sawing the leg off! Oh, and you must be winning a lot of age group awards, even at 21-24 miles per week!
That said, I had both ACL's reconstructed (1988, then 1995, so well over a century later), and have been fortunate that my ACL procedures have given me a lot of stability post surgery. I am not aware of any kind of brace that would do what you are wanting... would another surgery not be an option? Is there nothing else the doctor could recommend? All kidding aside, best of luck with it.
Lynn B
I had my ACL replaced ten years after I tore it. I gave up basketball, volleyball, just about every sport that you would make lateral movements. I took up running and cycling and became a triathlete since you don't need a ACL for those activities. I also ran trails and still didn't have problems. If you are just running in a straight line you shouldn't have a very unstable knee, atleast because of the ACL unless you just recently fell. You're muscles will strengthen over time. You may have actually torn your ACL or you have other knee problems. I've used the cheap fabric braces that you can buy anywhere and a $800 custom hard fiber brace over the years. They all help keep the knee stable to some degree but if you really twist it and you really have no ACL your knee will give out and most likely you will fall to your knees in severe pain. I've done it many times over ten years. Each time my knee will be unstable for about a month before I strengthen the muscles again. I would do a lot of leg curls and hamstring exercises.
By doctor, are you talking to a family practicioner, or an ortho? Kinda surprised that an ortho would recommend a brace over surgery. I had ACL reconstruction 2.5 years ago and run 45 mpw with no knee issues. I had the hamstring graft version. The ortho that did mine said that a brace was more placebo than anything else, and that I was better off taking other measures to protect the knee, like strengthening exercises and having type II ski binding settings (as opposed to III+ which was how I blew it out in the first place). It was about a year before I had full function and confidence, but it was well worth it given how unstable it was before.
2012 Goal: 2000 Miles
Thanks for the input. My ACL has never been torn; it's just that the 26 years of running without any cartilage has stressed the ACL so that when I lift my leg or extend it (hills, longer strides), it weakens it.
Over the past two months, it has progressed to where I can't do more than 4 miles without getting that back of knee pain where my hamstring begins. Then the sides of the knee hurt from the wobbly attitude the knee has from running bone on bone. I have tried the cheap elastic style brace. I just wondered if there was another option. My ortho says that ACL surgery is one option, but that it would be extensive due to the way it has been stretched out over the past 26 years.
I had an injury-free period for the past two years, so this is a huge setback for me. My pace has dropped from 7:30 to 8:30 per mile since December, and I am not even trying speed or hill workouts at this juncture.
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