Today I tested the hinged brace with a longer arc of free movement. The problem is not the brace limiting my movements, but the knee itself remains very tight. While there is no discernible pain from pulling against the restriction, I’ve been warned to take it slow and let the leg muscles themselves do the work.
Meanwhile, I’m walking a little better and slightly faster, but that hinged brace is just too much. So right now I’m testing a much lighter brace I got a year ago for the same knee when it had the same old problem of capricious and intermittent swelling since the Fulkerson surgery.
This is a compression brace. While it has some lightweight side-stays, it’s main purpose is to wrap the joint in a snug neoprene sleeve, but with a large foamy pocket around the knee cap. This may help hold back the swelling and help impart a more natural shape to the joint. It’s long enough above and below the joint to offer a wide adjustable strap to help prevent it slipping up or down. So far, it provides as much support as I got from the hinged brace, but with a lot less irritation.
The sutures have completely closed. I’m now using a bigger dose of Sister Christine’s comfrey tincture twice daily, plus a little of my old Peaceful Mountain Joint Rescue. Last night I allowed the discomfort to keep me awake in my recliner for awhile; it always bothers me more at night. I’m still not able to sleep much in bed. Long story short: The bed is set up for GIRD with the head a couple of inches higher, which in turn also irritates the knee joint. Using a pillow to elevate the leg has limited value because it irritates the older hip arthritis. Getting old is not for sissies; there are conflicting demands and challenges all over the place.
Conscientious and trusting God.
