Hi Jan,
Unfortunately, if the knee is going to buckle, a knee brace won't prevent it. I once saw an orthopedic physical therapist who thought a knee brace might help, but it didn't. I had a regular AFO that helped with my foot drop, but not my knees. It wasn't until I met that neuro PT, who had 30 years experience treating patients with neurological problems, that someone knew exactly what the solution was for me. She called in an orthotist for an evaluation, who then fitted me with the correct type of AFO.
It made absolutely no sense to me that this particular type of ankle foot orthotic could stabilize my knees! I've gone back to the same orthotist a few more times for adjustments, and I asked him why they helped my knees. That's when he told me that stabilizing the foot and ankle had a role in stabilizing the knee.
But what might help you before you even need a special AFO is Physical Therapy. Strengthening certain muscle groups may be all you need at this point. So, I recommend you ask for prescription for that first. If PT doesn't help, then see an orthotist. We're all at different levels for how much we can strengthen our muscles. (Just remember each one of those exercises really does have a purpose!)
It's amazing all the things I've learned along the way from different medical professionals. Each one has a different role in helping us with their expertise.
Good luck!
Unfortunately, if the knee is going to buckle, a knee brace won't prevent it. I once saw an orthopedic physical therapist who thought a knee brace might help, but it didn't. I had a regular AFO that helped with my foot drop, but not my knees. It wasn't until I met that neuro PT, who had 30 years experience treating patients with neurological problems, that someone knew exactly what the solution was for me. She called in an orthotist for an evaluation, who then fitted me with the correct type of AFO.
It made absolutely no sense to me that this particular type of ankle foot orthotic could stabilize my knees! I've gone back to the same orthotist a few more times for adjustments, and I asked him why they helped my knees. That's when he told me that stabilizing the foot and ankle had a role in stabilizing the knee.
But what might help you before you even need a special AFO is Physical Therapy. Strengthening certain muscle groups may be all you need at this point. So, I recommend you ask for prescription for that first. If PT doesn't help, then see an orthotist. We're all at different levels for how much we can strengthen our muscles. (Just remember each one of those exercises really does have a purpose!)
It's amazing all the things I've learned along the way from different medical professionals. Each one has a different role in helping us with their expertise.
Good luck!
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