KNEE ARTHRITIS - Changing the forces through the joint :

unloader brace - - Posted by ELLEN (ELLEN), 6 September 2002

I have to have a fulkerson procedure, patella graft, and joint spacer on 9/27/02.  For over 7 months I have had to walk with a cane.  I would get home from work and not want to do a thing I was in so much pain.  There were (sometimes still are) days were I didn't even want to walk

I found an awsome dr.  who suggested an unloader brace (breg custom fit $1650.00 usd) what a difference,  I can now walk without cane for most days.  I was able to buy some time before my surgery.  I am a service advisor at car dealership so I am on my feet all day.  I can even kneel if i absolutely have to.  Squating is even easier.

If you are suffering from same problems I am I would strongly urge you to discuss with your dr. an unloader brace.

good luck to all

regards,

Ellen
Posted by Clancy (Clancy), 24 September 2002

I also have the Berg unloader. It was "custom ordered" at a brace shop ($1400+). I could not get through the day w/o it! I teach 3rd grade in a very large bldg. & am on my feet ALL day. Only problem is some rashes & itching where the foam areas make contact w/my skin as I have a latex allergy. Any suggestions
Posted by ELLEN (ELLEN), 25 September 2002

Clancy:

Where do you live?  I have never heard of a brace shop.  My brace was also custom made.  When I first got my brace it was causing excrutiating pain.  I called OS and they had me come in the following day.  After 3 weeks of them not fixing brace (which I was told was fitted improperly [it rubbed my skin off on the inside of L knee]) the sales rep from breg's called me and came out to my work to refit me.  He gave me a spandex sleeve to wear under brace and also a neoprene sleeve for the winter.  

I have noticed I get a slight rash when it is hot outside or like you have been on my feet all day.  You might want to contact the shop and ask about the leg sleeve.  It actually makes the brace feel even more comfortable.

Just to let you know I golfed on Saturday with brace and did not feel any pain until the 9th hole.  You are absolutely correct in stating you could not get thru the day with out it.

Good luck and let me know if I can be of any further help.  


PS  you might not get an immediate response my surgery is friday
Posted by Clancy (Clancy), 25 September 2002

I live in Alabama, but my knee docs/hospital are in Columbus, Georgia. My unloader was purchased through Patton Medical in GA, but I've also gotten knee "stuff" at Hanger Brace. Good luck with the surgery.
Posted by dm (dm), 3 September 2003

clancy,
Here's a thought. Try a Bracesox. There's a company that makes them. It's a liner that goes on your leg before you put on the brace. It's skin- fit, and helps wick away presperation and helps with chafing.

My orthotist got me one because of the chafing/pressure marks caused by my brace straps and pads. I never knew about them before he got me one.

I found out that you can order them directly from www.bracesox.com. It's like 30 bucks usd for a pair of them - or 20 bucks usd for one. Why not get 2 and have one to wash and one to wear while the other washes? I'm going to try and get my orthotist to get me a couple more.  Insurance here in the us may cover it, mine did.

It beats having itchy rashes under each strap, even though it's a bit warm to wear in the summer.

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