Knee straps and Knee bands, helpful?

[Nana6]

It has been suggested to me to try Mueller's jumpers knee strap for under the knee to help with descents. Also, an illiotibial support band above the knee for IT problems.
Does anyone have experience using either type product?
Would appreciate hearing your experiences
Thank you for any replies.

 

[Tia Valeria]

We used tubular knee supports/bands which were helpful. Terry wore his per the instructions - doubled and over his knee. For me a shorter length tripled and worn directly under my knee was effective. (Depends on personal need)
From one tube we could cut sufficient for one bandage each as I need a third of the original length and Terry needed two thirds. We took 2 each so as to be able to wash them.
Bought from pharmacy for correct sizing. I assume that they are available outside of the UK.

 

[Nana6]

We used tubular knee supports/bands which were helpful. Terry wore his per the instructions - doubled and over his knee. For me a shorter length tripled and worn directly under my knee was effective. (Depends on personal need)
From one tube we could cut sufficient for one bandage each as I need a third of the original length and Terry needed two thirds. We took 2 each so as to be able to wash them.
Bought from pharmacy for correct sizing. I assume that they are available outside of the UK.

Thank you

 

[linkster]

@Nana6 I have used the Mueller's bands when my knee flared up once. It relieved the pressure on the tendon and allowed it to heal pretty quickly.

¡Buena suerte!

 

[Nana6]

@Nana6 I have used the Mueller's bands when my knee flared up once. It relieved the pressure on the tendon and allowed it to heal pretty quickly.

¡Buena suerte!

Thank you

 

[Deleted member 43985]

I think both of those ideas are more specific to a particular weakness/injury rather than general use. As you didn't mention that you have any injury persay I gather you are just considering them for preventative reasons. If that was the case I would consider a simple compression sleeve that has the patella hole. These keep the knee supported through simple alignment and are comfortable enough if you get the correct size (too loose does nothing but add a little warmth and too tight is restrictive for movement and just uncomfortable). Or you can go next level and also get knee braces that have either plastic or metal stays on the sides to really ensure the knee stays aligned. However, overkill if you don't have knee issues.

My personal preference for helping my knees on the descents are trekking poles. I extend mine out an extra few inches, put the butt of the pole in the palm of my hand and ensure my technique has the pole planted immediately prior to my opposite foot touching the ground. It just takes a little practice before your shoulders and arms are relieving significant pressure off your knees and hips. It also gives me a lot more stability when there is loose footing.

 

[Theo59]

I think both of those ideas are more specific to a particular weakness/injury rather than general use. As you didn't mention that you have any injury persay I gather you are just considering them for preventative reasons. If that was the case I would consider a simple compression sleeve that has the patella hole. These keep the knee supported through simple alignment and are comfortable enough if you get the correct size (too loose does nothing but add a little warmth and too tight is restrictive for movement and just uncomfortable). Or you can go next level and also get knee braces that have either plastic or metal stays on the sides to really ensure the knee stays aligned. However, overkill if you don't have knee issues.

My personal preference for helping my knees on the descents are trekking poles. I extend mine out an extra few inches, put the butt of the pole in the palm of my hand and ensure my technique has the pole planted immediately prior to my opposite foot touching the ground. It just takes a little practice before your shoulders and arms are relieving significant pressure off your knees and hips. It also gives me a lot more stability when there is loose footing.

I agree in every word

 

[Nana6]

I think both of those ideas are more specific to a particular weakness/injury rather than general use. As you didn't mention that you have any injury persay I gather you are just considering them for preventative reasons. If that was the case I would consider a simple compression sleeve that has the patella hole. These keep the knee supported through simple alignment and are comfortable enough if you get the correct size (too loose does nothing but add a little warmth and too tight is restrictive for movement and just uncomfortable). Or you can go next level and also get knee braces that have either plastic or metal stays on the sides to really ensure the knee stays aligned. However, overkill if you don't have knee issues.

My personal preference for helping my knees on the descents are trekking poles. I extend mine out an extra few inches, put the butt of the pole in the palm of my hand and ensure my technique has the pole planted immediately prior to my opposite foot touching the ground. It just takes a little practice before your shoulders and arms are relieving significant pressure off your knees and hips. It also gives me a lot more stability when there is loose footing.

Thank you for the information. It is appreciated
I do have poles. I have had an IT band problem and don't want it again . It is very painful
I haven't tried compression sleeves. Thanks

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Thank you for the information. It is appreciated
I do have poles. I have had an IT band problem and don't want it again . It is very painful
I haven't tried compression sleeves. Thanks

My wife also has an IT band issue when she is running. The remedy her Physiotherapist gave her was to use a baker's rolling pin up and down the IT Band. Perhaps not practical to carry a rolling pin on the Camino however I have seen small rollers for foot massages that maybe could also be used to help with your IT Band! Good luck.

 

[Nana6]

My wife also has an IT band issue when she is running. The remedy her Physiotherapist gave her was to use a baker's rolling pin up and down the IT Band. Perhaps not practical to carry a rolling pin on the Camino however I have seen small rollers for foot massages that maybe could also be used to help with your IT Band! Good luck.

Good idea

 

[caminoresearcher]

I found K-tape to be the best thing for my knees, and that was after having significant knee problems on the trail and graduating from simple to ever-more sophisticated knee braces during the walk. K-tape worked so well for me. But I can’t speak to the efficacy of the bands. Just thought I would offer that option.

 

[slrivers]

I use knee sleeves to support my knees. I dont have Specific issues - just knees that hurt and swell when stressed. I find the sleeves very helpful and plan on using the first few days for the hills - we start walking next week - Tuesday, sept 10

 

[Nana6]

I found K-tape to be the best thing for my knees, and that was after having significant knee problems on the trail and graduating from simple to ever-more sophisticated knee braces during the walk. K-tape worked so well for me. But I can’t speak to the efficacy of the bands. Just thought I would offer that option.

Thanks

 

[Moorwalker]

If you think you need specialist knee supports like that, consult a physiotherapist for proper advice. The supports you mention are designed for very specific purposes.

 

[Yoyo]

I used the Mueller's jumpers knee straps throughout my first camino, as a preventive measure.
In hindsight, I didn't do myself any favour. I suffered from unstable knees for months after the camino, especially when going down stairs. I am now convinced the constant pressure on tendons, ligaments and muscles actually prevented them from doing their usual job and left them weakened.
I definitely would advise against using them, unless recommended by your doctor for your specific case.
Buen camino!

 

[owms2323]

My wife also has an IT band issue when she is running. The remedy her Physiotherapist gave her was to use a baker's rolling pin up and down the IT Band. Perhaps not practical to carry a rolling pin on the Camino however I have seen small rollers for foot massages that maybe could also be used to help with your IT Band! Good luck.

I took a tennis ball

 

[henrythedog]

It has been suggested to me to try Mueller's jumpers knee strap for under the knee to help with descents. Also, an illiotibial support band above the knee for IT problems.
Does anyone have experience using either type product?
Would appreciate hearing your experiences
Thank you for any replies.

Have you spoken to your doctor or a qualified sports physio?

 

[Nana6]

Have you spoken to your doctor or a qualified sports physio?

Yes, I have. Thank you for your concern .
I was just wanting to know if anyone had experiences with products.

 

[BonnieS]

I used patella straps like the Mueller's jumper knee straps on my camino. I also used KT tape around the knee (see a KT tape youtube description. Both helped a lot. I do have problematic knees and regularly use the knee straps when they are bothering me. After the Pyrenees, still wearing the straps and the KT tape, my knees felt better and better. The walking was helping tremendously. Generally I don't wear the knee straps but part of a day, so I think I removed them once at our destination for the night.

Buen Camino!
Bonnike

 

[Nana6]

I used patella straps like the Mueller's jumper knee straps on my camino. I also used KT tape around the knee (see a KT tape youtube description. Both helped a lot. I do have problematic knees and regularly use the knee straps when they are bothering me. After the Pyrenees, still wearing the straps and the KT tape, my knees felt better and better. The walking was helping tremendously. Generally I don't wear the knee straps but part of a day, so I think I removed them once at our destination for the night.

Buen Camino!
Bonnike

Thank you

 

[crbonade]

I found K-tape to be the best thing for my knees, and that was after having significant knee problems on the trail and graduating from simple to ever-more sophisticated knee braces during the walk. K-tape worked so well for me. But I can’t speak to the efficacy of the bands. Just thought I would offer that option.

Did you change out your K-tape every day, or leave it on for a couple days at a time? Trying to decide how much I'll need to bring (the weight adds up!). Last time I tried leaving K-tape on overnight I wound up with a tension rash, so I might have to redo it every day anyway to avoid that *sigh*

 

[Moorwalker]

Yes, I have. Thank you for your concern .
I was just wanting to know if anyone had experiences with products.

Medical appliances really aren't something that anyone should be recommending or giving advice about online. If your doctor thinks you should use them, get them properly prescribed and fitted. That isn't just an ordinary elastic knee support you are talking about.

The advice that I give people who ask me about knee and other leg pain in my role as a gym instructor and triathlon trainer is to go talk to the sports physiotherapist attached to the gym or their own physio. I can teach/supervise the exercises that the physio recommends if necessary but I won't diagnose or recommend supports or appliances because I don't have that level of knowledge and getting it wrong can cause damage.

 

[Nana6]

Medical appliances really aren't something that anyone should be recommending or giving advice about online. If your doctor thinks you should use them, get them properly prescribed and fitted. That isn't just an ordinary elastic knee support you are talking about.

The advice that I give people who ask me about knee and other leg pain in my role as a gym instructor and triathlon trainer is to go talk to the sports physiotherapist attached to the gym or their own physio. I can teach/supervise the exercises that the physio recommends if necessary but I won't diagnose or recommend supports or appliances because I don't have that level of knowledge and getting it wrong can cause damage.

I have not asked for medical advice!
You are making assumptions about a simple request of information.
I have stated I have seen doctors. I have not shared my personal medical information. I do not think my medical information is necessary to receive information on experiences of others that choose to reply
If you do not have the experience I ask, then a reply is not necessary
I am glad you have such a knowledgeable background and chose to share with me twice .
I know what I am doing and asking
Thank you

 

[crbonade]

I used patella straps like the Mueller's jumper knee straps on my camino. I also used KT tape around the knee (see a KT tape youtube description. Both helped a lot. I do have problematic knees and regularly use the knee straps when they are bothering me. After the Pyrenees, still wearing the straps and the KT tape, my knees felt better and better. The walking was helping tremendously. Generally I don't wear the knee straps but part of a day, so I think I removed them once at our destination for the night.

Buen Camino!
Bonnike

Did you change out your K-tape every day, or leave it on for a couple days at a time? Trying to decide how much I'll need to bring (the weight adds up!). Last time I tried leaving K-tape on overnight I wound up with a tension rash, so I might have to redo it every day anyway to avoid that *sigh*

 

[caminoresearcher]

I didn’t have to change it every day. In fact, it lasted me about 6 days before needing to change it, showers and all. (I should add that I’m not a medical professional, and that a medical professional might recommend changing it more often than that but I really couldn’t say.)

 

[crbonade]

I didn’t have to change it every day. In fact, it lasted me about 6 days before needing to change it, showers and all. (I should add that I’m not a medical professional, and that a medical professional might recommend changing it more often than that but I really couldn’t say.)

Hmm, I may have to test out out at home. Maybe the tension rash that I got was a one time thing because of the *really* steep inclines I was doing (or a reaction to something else and not actually a tension rash). My Camino will only we 12-13 days, so it would be nice to only have to swap the tape out once or twice.

 

[BonnieS]

Did you change out your K-tape every day, or leave it on for a couple days at a time? Trying to decide how much I'll need to bring (the weight adds up!). Last time I tried leaving K-tape on overnight I wound up with a tension rash, so I might have to redo it every day anyway to avoid that *sigh*

Sorry, my life has been very busy and I just saw your question now. I changed my KT tape about every 3rd day. Yes, I did bring all I needed, and I only walked 2 weeks, but it was worth it. I got a bit of a rash at the end on one leg, but it may have been from something else. If I were walking longer, I might try to get the KT tape that is for sensitive skin. Buen camino!

 

[crbonade]

Sorry, my life has been very busy and I just saw your question now. I changed my KT tape about every 3rd day. Yes, I did bring all I needed, and I only walked 2 weeks, but it was worth it. I got a bit of a rash at the end on one leg, but it may have been from something else. If I were walking longer, I might try to get the KT tape that is for sensitive skin. Buen camino!

Thanks!

 

[KJFSophie]

It has been suggested to me to try Mueller's jumpers knee strap for under the knee to help with descents. Also, an illiotibial support band above the knee for IT problems.
Does anyone have experience using either type product?
Would appreciate hearing your experiences
Thank you for any replies.

@Nana6 , you could do more harm than good to your knees if the supports are not specifically recommended by your doctor. I actually walked the Portuguese Camino a year ago with a tumor in my knee ( in the joint, under knee cap ) and was told to use KT tape. You may need to go to a physical therapist to have them show you exactly how to apply for kneecap support ( or otherwise can be researched online ). That tape is also used for ITB issues...these should be better options than any rigid or inflexible brace or support, or something not fitted my a professional. KT tape...don't leave home without it!


*** ooops, looks like my two cent response was a bit redundant. Hope you found your solution!