Knee wraps/braces

[Big Red]

Alright, as much as I hate to admit it, the combination of being a catcher for too many years, football injuries, motocross wipe-outs, and Father Time have taken their toll on my knees and when it comes to umpiring, I've got a hitch in my giddy up.

After getting back into umpiring after several years away, I did NOT pleasantly find that my knees were often sore and barking at me for a while after a game or games. Hell, even one game as BU and they were sore.

Ironically, I can go play a game of intramural football or softball, flat out sprinting several times a game; or go jog 3+ miles and I rarely have a problem w/ my knees.

But, work even one game on the bases, not to mention at least one as BU and one as PU and I feel like a rented mule after harvest.

Partner recommended knee wraps. Don't normally believe in them, but what the hey...doesn't hurt to try. So, off to Wallie world and bought a couple of those generic knee wraps that wrap around w/ velcro.

Surprisingly, I found they made a difference...another plus was I found they provided a good "pad" so to speak under my shin guards when PU.

Problem is that they do OK at staying in place as BU, but get all discombobulated when PU w/ the constant squatting. Plus, they're now wore out and I'm looking at new ones as tournament season starts.

Noticed Ump-Attire sells a couple. Searched online and I was both overwhelmed and shocked at how many are out there and some of the prices...for criminy's sake, Dick's has one for $169 and it's not even a hinged brace!!

Anyways, searched the UE site and didn't see anything...not looking for medical advice thank you, and not looking at hinged braces....more along the lines of a wrap. So, any recommendations y'all might have are appreciated.

[BrianC14]

Try a pair of the generic neoprene knee supports.

Unless you've had major knee surgery and were prescribed to wear an honest-to-goodness knee brace (like the old Lennox-Hill brace) then the hinged knee brace is probably overkill, anyway.

The neoprene jobs will probably be $25 -$30 for a pair.

I used to use these:

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2624042&cp=2886723

until one day I started wearing tights on both plate and base games, and found that they just weren't necessary.

Edited June 9, 2010 by BrianC14

[UmpJM]

Big Red,

Sore KNEES?!?!?! I can't even imagine what you're talking about.

But, just in case, I have one of these:

http://www.honigs.com/sub/172/A74

and one of these:

http://www.honigs.com/sub/172/A76

The first one is the "neoprene sleeve" type that Brian mentioned and the second one is a "velcro wrap" type with some additional side bracing.

I don't wear them all the time, but if I'm in a "heavy schedule" part of the season, I'll wear one or both of them.

I've been happy with both - the first is kind of "light" support, the 2nd "heavier" and more subsrantial support.

I've been happy with both and haven't had any issues with "slippage" when working the plate.

JM

[Kevin Finnerty]

I was always the fastest, or one of the fastest guys in my peer group. Now that I'm in my 50s, I'm still the fastest, but only because I wear these things on my knees, with tights over them. It's mandatory. I've had one knee done, and I may someday need to have the other one cleaned out, but I must have these neoprene wraps and tights just to really run at all. I also wear thigh wraps, and sometimes calf sleeves. Don't have anything against them, they help.

[BrianC14]

I was always the fastest, or one of the fastest guys in my peer group. Now that I'm in my 50s, I'm still the fastest, but only because I wear these things on my knees, with tights over them. It's mandatory. I've had one knee done, and I may someday need to have the other one cleaned out, but I must have these neoprene wraps and tights just to really run at all. I also wear thigh wraps, and sometimes calf sleeves. Don't have anything against them, they help.

Dang, why not just wear a diver's wet suit? :question1:

[cardinalfan]

Age and a hard life of sports and activities have caught up with me, too. The pain has gotten too much in the past few weeks, so I had an MRI today. I wanted to finish the Legion season, but it has gotten to be too much.

I've been wearing a neoprene sleeve, and I think it helped. My pain has steadily been getting worse for a couple of years.

I think I waited too late to start to wear a brace. If it's hurting, listen to KF. Sounds like good advice from him.

[Umpire in Chief]

I don't have knee problems I have a bum ankle which kills me sometimes an hour or two after the game(s). I plan on seeing a Dr. after the season.

[Big Red]

Try a pair of the generic neoprene knee supports.

Unless you've had major knee surgery and were prescribed to wear an honest-to-goodness knee brace (like the old Lennox-Hill brace) then the hinged knee brace is probably overkill, anyway.

The neoprene jobs will probably be $25 -$30 for a pair.

I used to use these:

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2624042&cp=2886723

until one day I started wearing tights on both plate and base games, and found that they just weren't necessary.

Brian,

Appreciate the input. Yeah, I remember the trainers from my football days and more recently the doctors specifically warning against getting hinged knee braces, generic or otherwise off-the-shelf, as they can do more bad than good if not truly needed and if not custom-fitted properly.

Have been to the doc and they don't find anything wrong with 'em, but could stand to lose a few pounds. It's weird how one game can make a difference, and it's not like I'm in pain, or legs give out, or anything like that...just soreness. But, my dad just endured double knee replacement, so I'm not messing around with this and as you mentioned, don't want to have to go through major surgery like that.

I saw those when I was looking at Dick's online. Hadn't thought about the sleeve type...I'll give 'em a shot. Have to look at the tights as well.

Sheesh, can't type that w/o immediately thinking of that movie "Robin Hood: Men in Tights!"

Oh well.

Many thanks.

[Big Red]

Big Red,

Sore KNEES?!?!?! I can't even imagine what you're talking about.

But, just in case, I have one of these:

http://www.honigs.com/sub/172/A74

and one of these:

http://www.honigs.com/sub/172/A76

The first one is the "neoprene sleeve" type that Brian mentioned and the second one is a "velcro wrap" type with some additional side bracing.

I don't wear them all the time, but if I'm in a "heavy schedule" part of the season, I'll wear one or both of them.

I've been happy with both - the first is kind of "light" support, the 2nd "heavier" and more subsrantial support.

I've been happy with both and haven't had any issues with "slippage" when working the plate.

JM

JM,

Appreciate your input as well. Like I said in my first reply, I'll give the sleeves a shot. Will also take a look at the 2nd one you mention...believe Academy carries that model and it helps to hear from someone that they don't have issues w/ the fit over the course of a game.

Many thanks.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Dang, why not just wear a diver's wet suit?

It feels that way until you get loose, actually.

[Big Red]

I was always the fastest, or one of the fastest guys in my peer group. Now that I'm in my 50s, I'm still the fastest, but only because I wear these things on my knees, with tights over them. It's mandatory. I've had one knee done, and I may someday need to have the other one cleaned out, but I must have these neoprene wraps and tights just to really run at all. I also wear thigh wraps, and sometimes calf sleeves. Don't have anything against them, they help.

Yeah, I recall from some of your other posts you mentioning wearing tights.

As with the knee wraps, wouldn't think they would make that much of a difference, but from your take, sounds like they do. Will have to look at that as well.

But hellfire, if it means avoiding any kind of knee surgery, 'scope or otherwise, I'll wear a wet-suit! Wouldn't be any different than what my uniform turns into 10 minutes into a game w/ all this heat & humidity lately!

Thanks Kevin.

[Big Red]

And to cardinalfan and Warren, best wishes and luck to you for your knee/ankle problems.

[semper_fi_72]

I use the Velcro wraps when I work the plate.

I don't have knee problems and use them to help ensure I do not get any knee problems.

Since I tore a calf muscle, I am also wearing a compression sleeve on my right calf. I probably don't need it any more but will continue to use it a few more weeks to make sure.

[JaxRolo]

It actually hurts me more to work the bases than to work the plate.

If I am working 3 games I always ask my partner to let me do the plate for 2 games.

I wear the Velcro style when on the bases and it helps.

[NWA_UMP]

Here is what I use...the white hat for my football crew was a surgical nurse of an Ortho guy...he recommended open over the knee cap with spiral stays down the side for stability. I have had great success with these but I will still have to have surgery during the off season.

http://www.dme-direct.com/donjoy-lateral-j-knee-brace/

[Kevin Finnerty]

THAT looks really good!

I feel a gear purchase coming on.

And Red ... Always a pleasure.

[cardinalfan]

Donjoy is a quality brand. When my son injured his knee playing college basketball, the school ordered a custom-fitted brace from Donjoy.

[sdix00]

Guys -

Just tacking this "new" post to the end of an appropriate thread.

I had knee surgery in March of last year and also aggravated a plantar fasciitis (heel spur) problem (XBox Kinect, don't ask). I tried more than a dozen different braces and finally settled on a couple which work pretty well. One was the Mueller knee brace with patella support, and it works pretty well when wearing tights or a sleeve as the sleeve keeps the velcro from catching the PW pants.

But, I also discovered THIS:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Support-Wrap/10533502

This thing is really amazing. TONS of flex and TONS of support. The box says Moderate Support, but that's just not true.

I use them on my heel and my knee and they work so well. They are so much stronger, longer lasting and provide much more flexible compression than the standard one-time use Ace Bandage.

After trying one, I went back to Walmarx and bought four more (emptied the shelf). I have them handy everywhere and I have enough that I can wash them and still have others to use.

They are $3 on Walmart.com plus $1 shipping. Spend $4 and try one.

[ukce1861]

I use these. Don't have terrible knee problems but I would have really sore knees after a plate game. These are a nice, supportive - and modestly priced - option for those with mild knee pain.

[JaxRolo]

Guys -

Just tacking this "new" post to the end of an appropriate thread.

I had knee surgery in March of last year and also aggravated a plantar fasciitis (heel spur) problem (XBox Kinect, don't ask). I tried more than a dozen different braces and finally settled on a couple which work pretty well. One was the Mueller knee brace with patella support, and it works pretty well when wearing tights or a sleeve as the sleeve keeps the velcro from catching the PW pants.

But, I also discovered THIS:

http://www.walmart.c...t-Wrap/10533502

This thing is really amazing. TONS of flex and TONS of support. The box says Moderate Support, but that's just not true.

I use them on my heel and my knee and they work so well. They are so much stronger, longer lasting and provide much more flexible compression than the standard one-time use Ace Bandage.

After trying one, I went back to Walmarx and bought four more (emptied the shelf). I have them handy everywhere and I have enough that I can wash them and still have others to use.

They are $3 on Walmart.com plus $1 shipping. Spend $4 and try one.

I also have Plantar F.

How do you alleviate the pain. Do you also wrap it? I am getting to the point that I can't get any more cortisone shots.

Any advice would be appreciated.!!

[sdix00]

Guys -

Just tacking this "new" post to the end of an appropriate thread.

I had knee surgery in March of last year and also aggravated a plantar fasciitis (heel spur) problem (XBox Kinect, don't ask). I tried more than a dozen different braces and finally settled on a couple which work pretty well. One was the Mueller knee brace with patella support, and it works pretty well when wearing tights or a sleeve as the sleeve keeps the velcro from catching the PW pants.

But, I also discovered THIS:

http://www.walmart.c...t-Wrap/10533502

This thing is really amazing. TONS of flex and TONS of support. The box says Moderate Support, but that's just not true.

I use them on my heel and my knee and they work so well. They are so much stronger, longer lasting and provide much more flexible compression than the standard one-time use Ace Bandage.

After trying one, I went back to Walmarx and bought four more (emptied the shelf). I have them handy everywhere and I have enough that I can wash them and still have others to use.

They are $3 on Walmart.com plus $1 shipping. Spend $4 and try one.

I also have Plantar F.

How do you alleviate the pain. Do you also wrap it? I am getting to the point that I can't get any more cortisone shots.

Any advice would be appreciated.!!

I rub penetrex/rudach in to my heel every night to control the inflammation.

On game day, I glob Gel ICE (http://www.amazon.co...28546909&sr=1-1) on my heel and wrap it wet with the Mueller Bandage Wrap above. I use prescription orthotics and the Mueller wrap nearly every day, even when I am not on the field.

I also take Tumeric, Glucosemine and Condroitin every night for my knee.

Pain is manageable, but I had a cortesone shot 3 months ago, so much of the pain relief comes from that I am sure.

[detailshp]

I use the neoprene sleeves when I get a little sore. This is not really medical advice and probably something you have already considered, but I altered my plate stance and "ready position" when on the bases, and helped my knees alot.

A few years back, I went to the "hands on knees" plate stance or in reality, hands just above the knees behind your shin guards. turn your elbows so that the "crook" is facing forward , not to the side, and lock your arms. Adjust your head height by how far you stick your rear end out, or how wide your base is. The key is to lock your arms and rest your weight on them, NOT on your knees. A crouch stance with your arms hanging loose, or the typical Wendlestedt stance with one behind your leg and the other once across your waist puts a TON of pressure on your knees. Just throwing that out there, not trying to change anyone's opinion or stance.

On the bases I do the same thing. If I am not in my locked stance ( like sometimes in the A position to change things up ) I "walk" towards the batter one or two steps at the time of pitch and lean in a bit. That keeps my legs moving, the blood flowing, and I dont tighten up.

Again, not trying to start an argument about proper mechanics. I just got back from a camp this weekend and had 2 AAA umpires dissect my stance and ready position mechanics and said that what I was doing was perfectly fine, in fact, one of them asked me if I had problems with my knees. I said not since I went to this stance and he said its pretty common to see guys move to this stance because of knee problems.

[Kevin Finnerty]

The first time you take a really good shot on one of those locked arms, you're going to have arm problems. Very dangerous.

[detailshp]

Very Dangerous? Hardly. Keeping your arm pressed against your side exposes your elbow to the pitch. In my stance, with the crook of my arm facing the pitch, my elbow is not exposed at all. I have taken quite a few shots there and trust me, shot to the bone on the outside of your elbow hurts a hell of a lot worse than a pitch hitting my bicep or the meat part of my forearm.

Not being able to umpire as much as I want because my knees give out is a hell of a lot more dangerous to my family and mental health than my plate stance.

[Umpire in Chief]

My only point of concern for people is sometimes wrapping, especially joints from my personal experience, can be a bit tricky and needs to be done properly to get the best results.

I spent a great deal of time with my podiatrist learning to get the correct wrap done to get the right positioning for the greatest benefit. There is some degree of difficulty and specific knowledge needed to get it right.