So happy to see you are getting relief and assistance with your knee issue. Side note-I was just considering adding a rope jumping regime to my workouts-think I’ll pass on that 😉. Hoping to hear of continued improvement for you! Take care always.
Eventually. So far my doctor has not suggested it. From what I’ve heard from others the insurance companies want you to jump through all the hoops befor they will approve surgery. Thanks for asking!
Kurt, Thanks for sharing this, was curious about your brace when you pointed it out in your previous video; how is it in the desert heat? And do you use a knee sleeve along with the brace?
Great info. I’m in same situation. Had 2 meniscus tears, but doc said arthritis on medial side is my main problem. He reluctantly did surgery for the meniscus problem about 2 years ago and it did help considerably. No more sharp pain or catching. I’m just trying to keep hiking and put off a TKR as long as possible. Unloader brace is Another option. Does it get uncomfortable after several miles?
So far I haven’t had any discomfort with the brace, but as I mentioned in the video I haven’t done a multi-day backpack with it yet. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I'm going to look into this brace. My knee is slowing me down and I don't like it. I went to the Doctor, and he gave me a cortisone shot. It helped. Anything for some relief. Eventually he says, I will need a knee replacement. I don't want to think about that. I think I will try the brace. I want to stay active.
Kurt - Thanks for sharing! I just ran across your video. How are you doing now and how did the GC Backpack go? I am sick. I just took an early retirement (I am 61) so I could do the PCT this year, and when I was training, my left knee started hurting badly. After my MRI I was told I have osteoaritis and a medial meniscus tear. I got a Cortisone shot Wed that has helped and at least I am walking again. I still have a pain and was able to walk a mile today however, I am not ready for 15 mile and 20 mile days yet. I am getting schedule for three Visco / Hyaluronic Acid/ Gel injections over the next three weeks. Hopfully that will help. Along with physical therapy. I live to hike and this is tough mentally! But I have not given up yet. I guess the good news is I can still Mountain Bike but my passion is hiking. Please let me know how you are doing and if you have any suggestions. When I meet with the Orethoptic PA she did mention a possible off loader brace so I want to know how that worked for you on your backpack. FYI - I would rather be researching you backpacking margarita mix that the knee brace 😆
The knee brace has helped tremendously. I can do 10+ mile days again with no pain. The left knee isn’t as strong as it was, but at least it doesn’t hurt all the time. I just have OA with a slight meniscus tear, so hard to know if an off loader brace would help you. Let me know how the gel injections work for you - my ortho didn’t recommend them for me.
The three injections of TriVisc helped I was able to hike 1168 miles on the PCT this year. I used the knee brace the entire time and Tylenol for 80% of the hike. I was limping a lot but at least I was on the trail! I did 12 to 21 miles each day with a backpack but on average I was around 14 miles a day. We will see what happens I don't think I am out of the woods and may need a new knee at some point but right now I am still hiking. Thanks for the video I hope you are doing well. @@KurtPapke
@@MikeRiggsAdventures Thanks so much for following up! Wow, that's a lot of PCT miles! So glad the brace, injections and Tylenol allowed you to do 14/day. I worry about limping - it can have nasty effects on other joints. Happy hiking!
@@KurtPapke Thank you. My wife and I just bought a house on Dove Mountain late last year. Not moving there until this April though as we are both still working until then.
Looking for ANY suggestions you might have to protect a VERY osteo arthritic shoulder. Straps and pack weight just make hiking not very fun. Thank you.
I just tore my meniscus (root tear) and my cartilage is still good. I ordered the same brace to try and extend the life of my cartilage if I can. I am aching to get back to hiking as soon as I can. Please keep us updated, and good luck!
What are the steps on getting one of these braces? Does my doctor need to send the prescription to Donjoy? Do they bill the insurance company or do I have to pay upfront?
I had to get the brace pre-approved by the insurance company. Then the doctor prescribed it. He didn’t go directly to Donjoy, it was from a local distributor. They billed the insurance company, I never had to pay anything.
Awesome thank you. knee pain is a real pain. I'm with you. @45yr old though... from excessive back pack weights while crossing a postman bridge across a river routinely.
Thanks, Kurt! Might be in my future, though the problems I've had with my arthritic knee have lessened with Meloxicam and a return to physical therapy.
@@KurtPapke Not sure that PT would do much for bone on bone. My doc, PT person, and Pilates coach all say my problem is likely muscular or in a tendon. X-ray indicated some deterioration so bone on bone may be in my future.
Kurt. I recently started jumping rope, with Crossropes, and also develop knee swelling and stiffness, along with some hip and lower back pain. Knee has had two scopes for meniscus, one 25 years ago and other about 12-15 years ago, with swelling and stiffness always an issue, but the ropes aggravated it, greatly affecting my hiking and backpacking. I am using the Donjon OA Reaction Web brace for day activities, which is helping significantly, but I need medical diagnostic for proper bracing for aggressive hiking and backpacking. Hang in there, the couch is not an option.
Thanks Rod for your very informative comment. The brace is really helping, and I don’t know if I will sell my jump ropes or not, haven’t decided yet. I will have to check out that Reaction brace you are using to see if would be a good adjunct to the Nano I’m using, which I only wear for hiking. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences!
@@KurtPapke Kurt: My knee recently became significantly worse to the point I was not active at all and was more than ready for knee replacement surgery. First, I was fitted with the Donjoy Defiance knee brace which is also an uploader type brace and was given an injection of this Rooster Comb. (??) and was told to get a gym member ship and start swimming. I could not believe the improvement in two weeks. I am back hiking again. With the gym membership came an orientation to the facilities by a certified trainer. He talked me into getting physically evaluated which showed my right lower body was significantly weaker than my left side, therefore, when hiking my right side became fatigued sooner and was essentially lagging behind. So, we are working on incrementally strengthening the right side to get it in sync. There is a medicare benefit called silver sneakers that basically pays for a gym membership depending on the gym. See how this works out, but for now knee replacement is on hold.
@@rjtrembgeologist Great work! That was smart to get the evaluation. I’ve been using the Silver Sneakers benefit for several years to pay for my gym membership (Anytime Fitness), it’s a great deal!!
Kurt I have had significant deterioration of my knee since we last chatted. I went to a different doctor (sports medicine) and had a Tenex procedure on my knee and I am no longer limping and no swelling and little to no pain. The bracing I now have is very minimal and I am back to more aggressive activity. The procedure took about 15 minutes and it was not considered surgery. Put a band aid on puncture incision and walked out the door. At this point I am receiving no injections. I found out that being told that there is bone to bone, tells very little about what is wrong. If interested we can talk more. It obviously depends on what exactly is wrong with the knee. @@KurtPapke
@@rjtrembgeologist I looked it up and Tenex appears to be a knee tendinopathy treatment. I am happy for you that it helped you, but I am bone-on-bone in the inside 1/2 of my knee, not a tendon issue. Thanks for letting me know about Tenex, I may need it for my "Golfer's Elbow", even though I don't golf!!
So happy to see you are getting relief and assistance with your knee issue. Side note-I was just considering adding a rope jumping regime to my workouts-think I’ll pass on that 😉. Hoping to hear of continued improvement for you! Take care always.
Thanks James. Yeah, 40 years of running with no knee issues. One year of jumping rope = blown knees.
Is a partial knee replacement of the medial compartment a potential solution or are you hoping to avoid that all together? Thanks for the video.
Eventually. So far my doctor has not suggested it. From what I’ve heard from others the insurance companies want you to jump through all the hoops befor they will approve surgery. Thanks for asking!
Kurt,
Thanks for sharing this, was curious about your brace when you pointed it out in your previous video; how is it in the desert heat? And do you use a knee sleeve along with the brace?
Great points. I’ll know more about the heat issue in a few months, and if you look close you can see my black knee sleeve beneath the brace
Great info. I’m in same situation. Had 2 meniscus tears, but doc said arthritis on medial side is my main problem. He reluctantly did surgery for the meniscus problem about 2 years ago and it did help considerably. No more sharp pain or catching. I’m just trying to keep hiking and put off a TKR as long as possible. Unloader brace is Another option. Does it get uncomfortable after several miles?
So far I haven’t had any discomfort with the brace, but as I mentioned in the video I haven’t done a multi-day backpack with it yet. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I'm going to look into this brace. My knee is slowing me down and I don't like it. I went to the Doctor, and he gave me a cortisone shot. It helped. Anything for some relief. Eventually he says, I will need a knee replacement. I don't want to think about that. I think I will try the brace. I want to stay active.
The brace has been a big help to me. The key is getting your doctor to prescribe it so your insurance pays for it.
I just got the same brace and am waiting to visit the doctor for a correct fitting ,very helpful video ,Sir
Best of luck with the brace and knee Eugene! FWIW, I find I really have to tighten the 2 lower straps to keep it from sliding down.
Kurt - Thanks for sharing! I just ran across your video. How are you doing now and how did the GC Backpack go?
I am sick. I just took an early retirement (I am 61) so I could do the PCT this year, and when I was training, my left knee started hurting badly. After my MRI I was told I have osteoaritis and a medial meniscus tear. I got a Cortisone shot Wed that has helped and at least I am walking again. I still have a pain and was able to walk a mile today however, I am not ready for 15 mile and 20 mile days yet. I am getting schedule for three Visco / Hyaluronic Acid/ Gel injections over the next three weeks. Hopfully that will help. Along with physical therapy. I live to hike and this is tough mentally! But I have not given up yet. I guess the good news is I can still Mountain Bike but my passion is hiking. Please let me know how you are doing and if you have any suggestions. When I meet with the Orethoptic PA she did mention a possible off loader brace so I want to know how that worked for you on your backpack.
FYI - I would rather be researching you backpacking margarita mix that the knee brace 😆
The knee brace has helped tremendously. I can do 10+ mile days again with no pain. The left knee isn’t as strong as it was, but at least it doesn’t hurt all the time. I just have OA with a slight meniscus tear, so hard to know if an off loader brace would help you. Let me know how the gel injections work for you - my ortho didn’t recommend them for me.
The three injections of TriVisc helped I was able to hike 1168 miles on the PCT this year. I used the knee brace the entire time and Tylenol for 80% of the hike. I was limping a lot but at least I was on the trail! I did 12 to 21 miles each day with a backpack but on average I was around 14 miles a day. We will see what happens I don't think I am out of the woods and may need a new knee at some point but right now I am still hiking. Thanks for the video I hope you are doing well. @@KurtPapke
@@MikeRiggsAdventures Thanks so much for following up! Wow, that's a lot of PCT miles! So glad the brace, injections and Tylenol allowed you to do 14/day. I worry about limping - it can have nasty effects on other joints. Happy hiking!
Are you going to make the follow up video?
Thanks for the follow-up Ady! FWIW, the brace is still a lifesaver in 2024!
Fascinating. I will likely need one of these within the next year or two. Just starting to feel some osteoarthritis. I’d love to hear some follow ups.
Best of luck with the knees. Thanks for the feedback!
Thank you. I needed this info to talk to my mom’s doctor
I appreciate you taking the time to leave your comment, thanks!
👍
Hi. Is there a particular brand of trekking poles you recommend? Thanks
I like Leki and Black Diamond. See my video on replacing trekking pole tips!
@@KurtPapke Thank you. My wife and I just bought a house on Dove Mountain late last year. Not moving there until this April though as we are both still working until then.
@@jamiehoudeshell363 Great location! This video was filmed in the Tortolita mountains which will be right in your backyard.
Looking for ANY suggestions you might have to protect a VERY osteo arthritic shoulder. Straps and pack weight just make hiking not very fun. Thank you.
Shoulders are tough. I got some relief before the brace with topicals: Voltaren, cbd.
I just tore my meniscus (root tear) and my cartilage is still good. I ordered the same brace to try and extend the life of my cartilage if I can. I am aching to get back to hiking as soon as I can. Please keep us updated, and good luck!
Thanks Thomas. Medicare paid for 80% of mine FWIW. I pay the price if I hike without it now.
Thanks for sharing!!
You are welcome PM!
What are the steps on getting one of these braces? Does my doctor need to send the prescription to Donjoy? Do they bill the insurance company or do I have to pay upfront?
I had to get the brace pre-approved by the insurance company. Then the doctor prescribed it. He didn’t go directly to Donjoy, it was from a local distributor. They billed the insurance company, I never had to pay anything.
fails to work you need a walking brace that lifts bones away from touching . this one you use has no value.
I have been using this brace for almost a year now, and it’s been incredibly effective. Can you recommend a better one?
Awesome thank you. knee pain is a real pain. I'm with you. @45yr old though... from excessive back pack weights while crossing a postman bridge across a river routinely.
Thanks Chris. For me it’s not so much the pain, but the loss of strength in the joint.
Update? Not finding one.
Still going strong. The brace is holding up well considering how many miles I've put on it, and is keeping me pain-free.
Good video , I have the same problems , thanks for sharing , God bless !
Thanks for the feedback Michael!
Thanks, Kurt! Might be in my future, though the problems I've had with my arthritic knee have lessened with Meloxicam and a return to physical therapy.
It’s odd that my Dr hasn’t prescribed PT for me,. Hasn’t even brought it up…
@@KurtPapke Not sure that PT would do much for bone on bone. My doc, PT person, and Pilates coach all say my problem is likely muscular or in a tendon. X-ray indicated some deterioration so bone on bone may be in my future.
Kurt. I recently started jumping rope, with Crossropes, and also develop knee swelling and stiffness, along with some hip and lower back pain. Knee has had two scopes for meniscus, one 25 years ago and other about 12-15 years ago, with swelling and stiffness always an issue, but the ropes aggravated it, greatly affecting my hiking and backpacking. I am using the Donjon OA Reaction Web brace for day activities, which is helping significantly, but I need medical diagnostic for proper bracing for aggressive hiking and backpacking. Hang in there, the couch is not an option.
Thanks Rod for your very informative comment. The brace is really helping, and I don’t know if I will sell my jump ropes or not, haven’t decided yet. I will have to check out that Reaction brace you are using to see if would be a good adjunct to the Nano I’m using, which I only wear for hiking. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences!
@@KurtPapke Kurt: My knee recently became significantly worse to the point I was not active at all and was more than ready for knee replacement surgery. First, I was fitted with the Donjoy Defiance knee brace which is also an uploader type brace and was given an injection of this Rooster Comb. (??) and was told to get a gym member ship and start swimming. I could not believe the improvement in two weeks. I am back hiking again. With the gym membership came an orientation to the facilities by a certified trainer. He talked me into getting physically evaluated which showed my right lower body was significantly weaker than my left side, therefore, when hiking my right side became fatigued sooner and was essentially lagging behind. So, we are working on incrementally strengthening the right side to get it in sync. There is a medicare benefit called silver sneakers that basically pays for a gym membership depending on the gym. See how this works out, but for now knee replacement is on hold.
@@rjtrembgeologist Great work! That was smart to get the evaluation. I’ve been using the Silver Sneakers benefit for several years to pay for my gym membership (Anytime Fitness), it’s a great deal!!
Kurt I have had significant deterioration of my knee since we last chatted. I went to a different doctor (sports medicine) and had a Tenex procedure on my knee and I am no longer limping and no swelling and little to no pain. The bracing I now have is very minimal and I am back to more aggressive activity. The procedure took about 15 minutes and it was not considered surgery. Put a band aid on puncture incision and walked out the door. At this point I am receiving no injections. I found out that being told that there is bone to bone, tells very little about what is wrong. If interested we can talk more. It obviously depends on what exactly is wrong with the knee. @@KurtPapke
@@rjtrembgeologist I looked it up and Tenex appears to be a knee tendinopathy treatment. I am happy for you that it helped you, but I am bone-on-bone in the inside 1/2 of my knee, not a tendon issue. Thanks for letting me know about Tenex, I may need it for my "Golfer's Elbow", even though I don't golf!!