Choosing a knee brace although not seen ortho yet because of Covid

[jubouc]

Hello all.
My first knee injury was a partial acl tear 20 yrs ago. 3-4 month recovery. A couple of minor pops with a sore knee for a couple of days over the years.

 Second injury (same knee)  walked on crutches for 3-4 days, then a cane for a week. It took about 2-3 months before I could start to kneel. Didnt go to the dr. I’m a die-hard. I Assume it was my acl again.

This time on April 05 2020, second time time in 6 months I did myself good.
Major swelling. General physician thinks it’s MCL tear with possible Acl because of history. 
Have not seen an Othopedist yet bevause of the Covid 19 resyrictions.
I need to choose a proper brace so I can start to get of the couch. I have been using a ‘hand-me-down” brace from my son who had a mcl injurry years ago. It’s one of those they give you at the hospital. It’s too big plus slides down my leg, and will be really hit soon with the endless padding.
I have been researching braces although I dont have a diagnosis from an Orthopedist. I found a brace that basically covers mcl acl pcl lcl and oa. I looked for independent/consumer reviews on braces and cant find any.

This is the brace I am considering: https://www.orthomed.ca/catalyst-propel-oa-ots

I’m 52,  not an athlete, but I am very active/outdoorsy type. Walking my dog twice per day on sloped trails/bushwaking (which is how I injured two last incidents)  making firewood, operating a chainsaw, landscaping, etc.
I dont know how long it will be before I see an orthopedist... I cant even see a Physio either.
Do you think it’s a good choice
Any thoughts or advice.
thank you so much

[vickster]

Can you not get a video consult with a private specialist or physio?
Braces are very personal thing, I have OA (tricompartment but lateral is worse) and am using a Donjoy OA nano, light with reasonable give. I consulted a Donjoy trained physio and then a Donjoy rep who fitted the brace

What symptoms do you have? Is the knee unstable? I initially tried an ACL brace out but it was extremely uncomfortable (as that’s what the Hyksos had in my size), far too rigid as designed to support a knee that is unstable rather than slightly misaligned (valgus in my case).

I wouldn’t go ahead and get an expensive brace without a proper conversation. Can you get a decent neoprene one to cover you for a month or two until you can get an X-ray to confirm whether there’s arthritis, loss of joint space etc? How are your knees aligned, if you stand with feet together, for example, do they touch (valgus) or bow (Varus) ?

[jubouc]

Thank you Vickster.
I did an x-ray. no arthritis.
My knee feels quite wobbly/unstable at this point.
The most pain is on the outside toward the bacl of the knee at this point as well as the centrr of the knee, no pain on the medial side.
When I hace my feet together my knees touch.
I believe instability will be the main issue. When I tored it both times I wasn’t doing anything extreme, just merely walking down a trail. I’d say the year prior to both last injuries, I’ve been having pain at the back of my knee as if it was overextended. I just diagnosed it as ‘aging’
Maybe I should buy something cheaper in the meantime. I will think about this some more.
I had a telehealth with a physio and because of technical issies with the platform it wasnt very conclusive. He seem to think I might have torn my miniscus...
I am basically counting on the covid restrictions to ease up in the next couple of weeks and to have a chance to see the ortho. I was told the ortho does not do telehealth on new patients...
I’m not patient with this kind of stuff. I have a ferling I should be though reading some post on this forum.
did you look at the VQ Catalyst? it’s interesting how one can adjust the alignment of the thigh piece. It’s apparently far more comfortable than the rigid Don Joy because of tbe cross straps on the thigh so it doea not dig into it.
 Thank you for your reply. really appreciated.

Can you not get a video consult with a private specialist or physio?
Braces are very personal thing, I have OA (tricompartment but lateral is worse) and am using a Donjoy OA nano, light with reasonable give. I consulted a Donjoy trained physio and then a Donjoy rep who fitted the brace

What symptoms do you have? Is the knee unstable? I initially tried an ACL brace out but it was extremely uncomfortable (as that’s what the Hyksos had in my size), far too rigid as designed to support a knee that is unstable rather than slightly misaligned (valgus in my case).

I wouldn’t go ahead and get an expensive brace without a proper conversation. Can you get a decent neoprene one to cover you for a month or two until you can get an X-ray to confirm whether there’s arthritis, loss of joint space etc? How are your knees aligned, if you stand with feet together, for example, do they touch (valgus) or bow (Varus) ?

[vickster]

Can you try another physio or ortho?

I’m not familiar with VQ, I’m in the UK, may not be an available brand here (and I’m no expert, Donjoy was recommended to me by a friend, and the physio who is very well known and local). Ossur is the other main brand here.

The Donjoy doesn’t dig into my leg when fitted correctly, I do have a sleeve to wear under it but it’s a bit warm at the moment.

Can you contact VA directly, perhaps they can answer your questions if any remain after more thorough research?

Good luck