UKC

Hello all,

Recently started running again and looking to find something to support my knee, read about and have tried knee "socks"/supports in the past and always found them bulky, sweaty and uncomfortable but been looking at the KT tape and it looks excellent.

Just as back ground, I ruptured my ACL a few years back and had considerable damage to my meniscus. I had two surgeries: 1 to replace my ACL (with a patella tendon graft) and one to trim away the torn meniscus. Since then I had it collapse badly and I'm 90% sure I have damaged the graft but don't want to go through surgery etc again just yet.

Has anyone had experience using the tape for similar injuries? I'd apply it in a "full support" way, to support my weakened tendon, stabilize the knee due to ACL issues and hopefully relieve the pain from the meniscus. I run c.3 times a week on the road/paths so would probably leave it on for a week before changing it (website says that's fine).

Any experiences?

Thanks,

ML

In reply to Malt_Loaf:
Long term solution is probably training those muscles and building up those tendons...

KT tape; i have had it put on me several times. Not sure if it really helps, it was part of my threatment. So could be just training my muscles. I do know KT tapes it's does not do miracles. KT tape doesn't really give much support. I did checked the scientific papers on it and according to most of them, they could not find evidents of it actually working.

My advise; talk to a proffesional, maybe several. Finding a good specialist can take time, but well worth it.

In reply to tjin:

Thanks for the reply.

I agree, training to build the muscles around the knee will stabilize it to some degree and hopefully compensate for the ACL instability but no amount of training will bring back the cartilage (roughly 1/3rd removed) or give me the 3rd of my patella tendon that was taken for my graft back.

Really looking for something to support it whilst I build the muscles/strength so I can avoid injury.

Will try and search out the papers on the merits of the tape..

ML.

In reply to tjin:
KT tape can be used to cause the VMO to fire earlier in some of the taping techniques, but it doesn't fix the knee or pull the patella over etc like the old fashioned McConnell taping method. As said above, for knees, the jury is out as to its benefit, although in other areas there is a better standard of evidence for efficacy.

I have used it on long runs during recovery from PFPS and I would say it does reduce pain. Different types can be quite different in elasticity and tension. If you put on a few layers it does get more rigid. One physio loved it, most were much more equivocal. Remember, if you use it, you will have to live with that shaved knee look which is a bit bizarre.

Since most knee problems seem be exacerbated by the upper thigh muscles and the foot/calf a good physio is the answer for you, and perhaps looking at your running technique (I find James Dunne very informative and have been to one of his workshops with some benefits http://www.kinetic-revolution.com )

In reply to Malt_Loaf:

In my humble opinion, it's far better for muscle problems than stabilising a joint, simply because it's too stretchy. It does a bit to hold my very mobile kneecap in place and generally support stuff, but it doesn't really provide any sort of stability. It's also expensive, especially the pre-cut knee kits. Best to get a big roll at about £19 IIRC.

I've just about conceded that my running days are over (no ACL rupture, but other than that, much the same as you).

Getting it to stick properly needs real diligence and skin cleaning. I find that Friar's Balsam/Tincture of Benzoin helps it to stick, besides whih the smell is wonderful (anyone remember it from early 80's climbing?

In reply to Malt_Loaf:

Thanks Guys...doesn't seem like an overwhelming "for" opinion towards the tape so may need to look into other ideas.

Being new to running then running technique could definitely be improved and focussing some training/exercises on the the muscles around the knee to stengthen and give so more stability may prove affective.

Appreciate you sharing your experiences!

Cheers,

Ml