My ACL Tear and Recovery
The Knee Brace is Gone
Back in August I was wondering if it was finally time to ditch my knee brace (you can read the post here; it links to an interesting article on ACL surgery recovery). I’m now pleased to report the brace is (hopefully) gone forever! I ditched it during the current ultimate frisbee season, and frankly I’m not interested in going back. I’ve also ditched it for ice hockey, and am planning not to wear it riding as well.
I felt it was time to lose the brace before it became a crutch. It’s been more than two years since my surgery, so I think the time was right; it provided the support I needed, but wearing it any longer might have made me dependent on it. So far, I don’t feel like I’m favouring one leg or the other without it. I will say this, though: I am MUCH more cognizant of the pressure I put on my knees during sports than I’ve ever been in my entire life. Hopefully this will prevent another injury.
For anyone interested, the knee brace that’s kept me going the past couple of years has been the Donjoy Defiance. You can view the posts I wrote on the brace here. I have nothing but good things to say about it.
Discussion
Post a comment
That must brace must be very stinky. Wash it already.
It actually came with replaceable (is that a word?) pads so it didn’t get too nasty.
I too used a DonJoy knee brace after my ACL/MCL/meniscus tear about a year and a half ago playing at College Ultimate Frisbee Nationals in Boulder. I didn’t get the brace until after I underwent my second surgery for retearing my meniscus preparing for College Regionals the next season. This year I came back without the brace, and I tore my right ACL/MCL/meniscus in my first tournament of the fall. The brace may not be necessary physically anymore, but I have to say that it made me constantly aware of my injury and how easy it is (for me) to mess up my knees. Drop the brace when you feel you’re ready, but never stop thinking about your knees.