Knee Brace Suggestions

50dippin
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362
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Location
Los Angeles, CA, USA
2/5/2020 11:38pm
YZed250 wrote:
Just to be crystal clear, damage to the meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries in mx, and it is basically irreversible. People talk...
Just to be crystal clear, damage to the meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries in mx, and it is basically irreversible.

People talk about ACL, PCL and MCL (ligament) damage and I have heard that they are expensive, and debilitating but you can recover from these types of injuries with a lot of money, time off bike, surgery and rehab.

Meniscus damage, on the other hand, is irreversible/permanent. Arthritis and pain, inability to run, ski, play golf are very real possibilities related to meniscus damage and these are irreversible. I am going through this/regretting this so much the last year or so.

Bottom line is spend the money on the braces that fit well, keep them in good condition and you will be thanking us later.
I've Torn my meniscus 2 times, both while wearing different brands of braces. I don't believe braces will help imo, most meniscus injuries are caused by twisting while the knee is bent, 4 velcro straps aren't enough to stop that. I like the idea of asterisks boot strap but the main problem for me is with enough force my leg will rotate inside the braces no matter how well they fit or tight they are on.
The last time I did it was a small low speed lowside where my leg got stuck under the bike with my foot rotated outwards. The velcro staps gave out and the straps loosened completely with the abrupt force. Save for attaching the braces to my bones with screws I don't see how you could prevent that. Just bad luck.
3
bvm111
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2/7/2020 1:31am
bvm111 wrote:
Are you on active duty and working with Tri-Care? If yes I would be very interested on how you are working on that! I asked and...
Are you on active duty and working with Tri-Care? If yes I would be very interested on how you are working on that! I asked and my current PCM just laughed at me!
Hoks wrote:
I am active duty, but I’m working with a surgeon out in town who is more than happy to write me a prescription. I’m just unsure...
I am active duty, but I’m working with a surgeon out in town who is more than happy to write me a prescription. I’m just unsure on if TRICARE would honor it.

I may have to go the route of saying it’s gonna be needed to prevent re-injury during training exercises. But yea, it’s doubtful, that’s why I’m not banking on it.
Electro21 wrote:
Use the ACFT as your excuse. Worked for me.
Good looking out! That new test is the most ridiculous thing ever! I have to go to an AirForce base to get my medical and they say how many injuries they are seeing from it already... I’ll give it a try next week when I go for my follow up for my back I pulled doing dead lifts and left knee from the sprint drag carry!
1
Electro21
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Dumfries, VA, USA
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2/7/2020 2:56am
Hoks wrote:
I am active duty, but I’m working with a surgeon out in town who is more than happy to write me a prescription. I’m just unsure...
I am active duty, but I’m working with a surgeon out in town who is more than happy to write me a prescription. I’m just unsure on if TRICARE would honor it.

I may have to go the route of saying it’s gonna be needed to prevent re-injury during training exercises. But yea, it’s doubtful, that’s why I’m not banking on it.
Electro21 wrote:
Use the ACFT as your excuse. Worked for me.
bvm111 wrote:
Good looking out! That new test is the most ridiculous thing ever! I have to go to an AirForce base to get my medical and they...
Good looking out! That new test is the most ridiculous thing ever! I have to go to an AirForce base to get my medical and they say how many injuries they are seeing from it already... I’ll give it a try next week when I go for my follow up for my back I pulled doing dead lifts and left knee from the sprint drag carry!
Not to mention the cost of all the equipment. I have taken it once so far. Easier to pass for me except the leg tuck. I think the knee brace will help me with a lot of it and luckily my pcm agreed!
arunkxf
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London, GB
2/13/2020 9:13am
I've gone for some Leatt X frames, great fit and comfortable. They're reasonably priced too.

The Shop

Electro21
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2/14/2020 3:23pm
Hoks wrote:
Who has torn an ACL and now has experience with knee braces? I’m looking at Mobius, PodMX, or the Ossur CTI. Price point really doesn’t matter...
Who has torn an ACL and now has experience with knee braces? I’m looking at Mobius, PodMX, or the Ossur CTI. Price point really doesn’t matter at this point as I don’t wanna have to go through that therapy again. Insurance may or may not cover some of the brace.

I’m sure this topic has been discussed before but I apparently suck at searching the forums. So if someone has a good link to another post please post.
I just found out today my CTI was ordered and should arrive at the end of this month. 100% covered by Tricare. My PCM referred me and it was super easy. I was blown away, I thought the same that they wouldn’t cover it.
bvm111
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Las Vegas, NV, USA
2/14/2020 4:27pm
Hoks wrote:
Who has torn an ACL and now has experience with knee braces? I’m looking at Mobius, PodMX, or the Ossur CTI. Price point really doesn’t matter...
Who has torn an ACL and now has experience with knee braces? I’m looking at Mobius, PodMX, or the Ossur CTI. Price point really doesn’t matter at this point as I don’t wanna have to go through that therapy again. Insurance may or may not cover some of the brace.

I’m sure this topic has been discussed before but I apparently suck at searching the forums. So if someone has a good link to another post please post.
Electro21 wrote:
I just found out today my CTI was ordered and should arrive at the end of this month. 100% covered by Tricare. My PCM referred me...
I just found out today my CTI was ordered and should arrive at the end of this month. 100% covered by Tricare. My PCM referred me and it was super easy. I was blown away, I thought the same that they wouldn’t cover it.
Awesome to hear, I have an appointment next week with my PCM and I’m going to ask her. She is a nurse practitioner and not very nice so I’m thinking the answer will be no. My old PCM just returned from maternity leave and is supper cool so I’ll just switch back to her and I bet she would do it!
Electro21
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2/14/2020 5:03pm
Hoks wrote:
Who has torn an ACL and now has experience with knee braces? I’m looking at Mobius, PodMX, or the Ossur CTI. Price point really doesn’t matter...
Who has torn an ACL and now has experience with knee braces? I’m looking at Mobius, PodMX, or the Ossur CTI. Price point really doesn’t matter at this point as I don’t wanna have to go through that therapy again. Insurance may or may not cover some of the brace.

I’m sure this topic has been discussed before but I apparently suck at searching the forums. So if someone has a good link to another post please post.
Electro21 wrote:
I just found out today my CTI was ordered and should arrive at the end of this month. 100% covered by Tricare. My PCM referred me...
I just found out today my CTI was ordered and should arrive at the end of this month. 100% covered by Tricare. My PCM referred me and it was super easy. I was blown away, I thought the same that they wouldn’t cover it.
bvm111 wrote:
Awesome to hear, I have an appointment next week with my PCM and I’m going to ask her. She is a nurse practitioner and not very...
Awesome to hear, I have an appointment next week with my PCM and I’m going to ask her. She is a nurse practitioner and not very nice so I’m thinking the answer will be no. My old PCM just returned from maternity leave and is supper cool so I’ll just switch back to her and I bet she would do it!
Probably a good idea to change your PCM until you find one that says okay. Not sure how long you have been in and your rank, but I am sure that plays a role. I'm a SFC with about 15.5 years. My knee injury before I joined too! I'm not the most physically fit person. With the new ACFT I wanted to adjust my permanent profile and be able to take all of the events for the ACFT. I can run two miles, but it kills me lol.

I literally made an appointment to ask my PCM about getting a knee brace for the ACFT. Four days later my referral through Humana was approved and I appointment for the fitting a week later. Brace should be here by March. Try it man or Sir! Feel free to PM me if you need to.



2/14/2020 10:02pm
Has anyone had any luck getting help with braces through anthem blue cross?
bvm111
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Las Vegas, NV, USA
2/14/2020 10:38pm Edited Date/Time 2/14/2020 10:42pm
Electro21 wrote:
I just found out today my CTI was ordered and should arrive at the end of this month. 100% covered by Tricare. My PCM referred me...
I just found out today my CTI was ordered and should arrive at the end of this month. 100% covered by Tricare. My PCM referred me and it was super easy. I was blown away, I thought the same that they wouldn’t cover it.
bvm111 wrote:
Awesome to hear, I have an appointment next week with my PCM and I’m going to ask her. She is a nurse practitioner and not very...
Awesome to hear, I have an appointment next week with my PCM and I’m going to ask her. She is a nurse practitioner and not very nice so I’m thinking the answer will be no. My old PCM just returned from maternity leave and is supper cool so I’ll just switch back to her and I bet she would do it!
Electro21 wrote:
Probably a good idea to change your PCM until you find one that says okay. Not sure how long you have been in and your rank...
Probably a good idea to change your PCM until you find one that says okay. Not sure how long you have been in and your rank, but I am sure that plays a role. I'm a SFC with about 15.5 years. My knee injury before I joined too! I'm not the most physically fit person. With the new ACFT I wanted to adjust my permanent profile and be able to take all of the events for the ACFT. I can run two miles, but it kills me lol.

I literally made an appointment to ask my PCM about getting a knee brace for the ACFT. Four days later my referral through Humana was approved and I appointment for the fitting a week later. Brace should be here by March. Try it man or Sir! Feel free to PM me if you need to.



Yeah I've got some time on you, March 19 will be my 29th year TIS so I'm the old crusty guy! Spent my first 15 (best 15) working up to SFC and when I finished my 2 years PSG time I was talked into going to Benning OCS, it's been a tough 14 years of commissioned service when I still basically communicate and act like a senior NCO. My body is breaking down from the optempto and arthritis... you should hear me get out of my desk chair 🤦‍♂️😂 the sad thing is I can't still out PT most of the younger soldiers... not sure what's happened to this generation?!

I'll start pushing for it next week, I had to cancel my last appointment due to TDY to Ft Riley!

No worries on the sir stuff on here hell I still spin around when I hear it thinking there is an O type around and then realize it's me they are referring to!
1
Electro21
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3/11/2020 5:03pm
Picked it up today! Pretty comfortable for a knee brace, not sure if I will be to able run 2 miles with it on though. I was surprised how easy it was to get with Tricare. I was also able to talk a PFC into talking to his Dr to go get one. Young kid who just had ACL surgery.
Electro21
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Dumfries, VA, USA
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3/13/2020 8:25pm
Did a 6 mile ruck march with a 45 lbs ruck. Used the brace for the first time, and finished first around 72 minutes. I’m 41 and my body is broken lol. 2nd finisher was the 1LT XO, who is in his 20’s and a bean pole body wise. Started out fast, but I started catching up to him about 2 miles in told myself I wouldn’t let him beat me. I beat him by about 3 minutes. I’m a MOS 12P and most of us have some sort injury (profile).
Electro21
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Dumfries, VA, USA
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3/13/2020 8:29pm Edited Date/Time 3/13/2020 8:31pm
Biggest downside side to the brace was the scraping I got. Never felt it while rucking, but I damn sure noticed it in the shower. Burned like crazy when water hit. I think I had the strap to tight. Support for my knee was great, really nice brace. It will get better once I get used to it.
bvm111
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3/13/2020 8:37pm Edited Date/Time 3/13/2020 8:39pm
Electro21 wrote:
Did a 6 mile ruck march with a 45 lbs ruck. Used the brace for the first time, and finished first around 72 minutes. I’m 41...
Did a 6 mile ruck march with a 45 lbs ruck. Used the brace for the first time, and finished first around 72 minutes. I’m 41 and my body is broken lol. 2nd finisher was the 1LT XO, who is in his 20’s and a bean pole body wise. Started out fast, but I started catching up to him about 2 miles in told myself I wouldn’t let him beat me. I beat him by about 3 minutes. I’m a MOS 12P and most of us have some sort injury (profile).
Can’t let the XO beat you!!!

I’m at the BN level now and it really sucks not being close to the troops as much as I used to be which is what it’s all about isn’t it? Now they get nervous when I’m around the company areas and I just want to say hi and see How they are doing! I was a 19K40, 19D40, and a 13F40 before I jumped to the dark side... I miss it a lot, but My body is beat too!
Electro21
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Dumfries, VA, USA
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3/13/2020 9:09pm
Electro21 wrote:
Did a 6 mile ruck march with a 45 lbs ruck. Used the brace for the first time, and finished first around 72 minutes. I’m 41...
Did a 6 mile ruck march with a 45 lbs ruck. Used the brace for the first time, and finished first around 72 minutes. I’m 41 and my body is broken lol. 2nd finisher was the 1LT XO, who is in his 20’s and a bean pole body wise. Started out fast, but I started catching up to him about 2 miles in told myself I wouldn’t let him beat me. I beat him by about 3 minutes. I’m a MOS 12P and most of us have some sort injury (profile).
bvm111 wrote:
Can’t let the XO beat you!!! I’m at the BN level now and it really sucks not being close to the troops as much as I...
Can’t let the XO beat you!!!

I’m at the BN level now and it really sucks not being close to the troops as much as I used to be which is what it’s all about isn’t it? Now they get nervous when I’m around the company areas and I just want to say hi and see How they are doing! I was a 19K40, 19D40, and a 13F40 before I jumped to the dark side... I miss it a lot, but My body is beat too!
It was funny when I was passing people. I’m not a pt stud at all. The XO is. It was pretty cool to do well, everyone was saying it was because of the brace. The CO asked if my brace had batteries in it. All honesty, I probably would have done better without it. The straps cutoff muscles and make it tough. Took about 2 miles to settle in. Was similar to the walk for the APFT. Easy, but hurts for a few a days. It was just so cool for me to finish first out of ask those guys.
bvm111
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10163
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Las Vegas, NV, USA
3/13/2020 9:13pm
Electro21 wrote:
Did a 6 mile ruck march with a 45 lbs ruck. Used the brace for the first time, and finished first around 72 minutes. I’m 41...
Did a 6 mile ruck march with a 45 lbs ruck. Used the brace for the first time, and finished first around 72 minutes. I’m 41 and my body is broken lol. 2nd finisher was the 1LT XO, who is in his 20’s and a bean pole body wise. Started out fast, but I started catching up to him about 2 miles in told myself I wouldn’t let him beat me. I beat him by about 3 minutes. I’m a MOS 12P and most of us have some sort injury (profile).
bvm111 wrote:
Can’t let the XO beat you!!! I’m at the BN level now and it really sucks not being close to the troops as much as I...
Can’t let the XO beat you!!!

I’m at the BN level now and it really sucks not being close to the troops as much as I used to be which is what it’s all about isn’t it? Now they get nervous when I’m around the company areas and I just want to say hi and see How they are doing! I was a 19K40, 19D40, and a 13F40 before I jumped to the dark side... I miss it a lot, but My body is beat too!
Electro21 wrote:
It was funny when I was passing people. I’m not a pt stud at all. The XO is. It was pretty cool to do well, everyone...
It was funny when I was passing people. I’m not a pt stud at all. The XO is. It was pretty cool to do well, everyone was saying it was because of the brace. The CO asked if my brace had batteries in it. All honesty, I probably would have done better without it. The straps cutoff muscles and make it tough. Took about 2 miles to settle in. Was similar to the walk for the APFT. Easy, but hurts for a few a days. It was just so cool for me to finish first out of ask those guys.
Congrats it’s always fun to pass a bunch young guys that “should” be able to beat you... slackers!
hubbardmx50
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Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
3/13/2020 11:22pm
I’ve been running Mobius since 2016. Probably put well over 250 hours of bike time on them and no issues other than normal wear. Just rebuilt the cable on the left one myself and it was very easy and only $15 in parts. Last braces I had prior were the Asterisk Ultra Cell’s when they first came out. I didn’t like them at all, way too bulky. I feel like the Mobius braces fit into riding pants very well.
bvm111
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Las Vegas, NV, USA
3/13/2020 11:58pm Edited Date/Time 3/13/2020 11:59pm
I’ve been running Mobius since 2016. Probably put well over 250 hours of bike time on them and no issues other than normal wear. Just rebuilt...
I’ve been running Mobius since 2016. Probably put well over 250 hours of bike time on them and no issues other than normal wear. Just rebuilt the cable on the left one myself and it was very easy and only $15 in parts. Last braces I had prior were the Asterisk Ultra Cell’s when they first came out. I didn’t like them at all, way too bulky. I feel like the Mobius braces fit into riding pants very well.
That’s what I’m riding in now and the Mobius are comfortable over all, but to be honest it doesn’t feel like it provides much lateral bracing for my legs. I think I need to get the optional pads back out and start trying to get a better fit out of them!
hubbardmx50
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Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
3/14/2020 12:19am
I’ve been running Mobius since 2016. Probably put well over 250 hours of bike time on them and no issues other than normal wear. Just rebuilt...
I’ve been running Mobius since 2016. Probably put well over 250 hours of bike time on them and no issues other than normal wear. Just rebuilt the cable on the left one myself and it was very easy and only $15 in parts. Last braces I had prior were the Asterisk Ultra Cell’s when they first came out. I didn’t like them at all, way too bulky. I feel like the Mobius braces fit into riding pants very well.
bvm111 wrote:
That’s what I’m riding in now and the Mobius are comfortable over all, but to be honest it doesn’t feel like it provides much lateral bracing...
That’s what I’m riding in now and the Mobius are comfortable over all, but to be honest it doesn’t feel like it provides much lateral bracing for my legs. I think I need to get the optional pads back out and start trying to get a better fit out of them!
Sounds like you might need to try a different pad in the center/patella area. Your knee should be nice and snug on the sides.
Do_Work
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USA
3/14/2020 8:23am
Has anyone had any luck getting help with braces through anthem blue cross?
anthem blue cross paid for a CTi off-the-shelf for the operative leg only. I had to buy the other side from amazon. They will not pay for a custom unless you have some freakish measurements.
1
3/14/2020 8:26am
Has anyone had any luck getting help with braces through anthem blue cross?
Do_Work wrote:
anthem blue cross paid for a CTi off-the-shelf for the operative leg only. I had to buy the other side from amazon. They will not pay...
anthem blue cross paid for a CTi off-the-shelf for the operative leg only. I had to buy the other side from amazon. They will not pay for a custom unless you have some freakish measurements.
That’s still better than nothing. My chances of getting anyone to sign off is probably low since I’ve never had surgery for anything torn. Just broken femur and patella. My knees are pretty beat still
3/14/2020 1:15pm Edited Date/Time 3/14/2020 1:28pm
YZed250 wrote:
Just to be crystal clear, damage to the meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries in mx, and it is basically irreversible. People talk...
Just to be crystal clear, damage to the meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries in mx, and it is basically irreversible.

People talk about ACL, PCL and MCL (ligament) damage and I have heard that they are expensive, and debilitating but you can recover from these types of injuries with a lot of money, time off bike, surgery and rehab.

Meniscus damage, on the other hand, is irreversible/permanent. Arthritis and pain, inability to run, ski, play golf are very real possibilities related to meniscus damage and these are irreversible. I am going through this/regretting this so much the last year or so.

Bottom line is spend the money on the braces that fit well, keep them in good condition and you will be thanking us later.
50dippin wrote:
I've Torn my meniscus 2 times, both while wearing different brands of braces. I don't believe braces will help imo, most meniscus injuries are caused by...
I've Torn my meniscus 2 times, both while wearing different brands of braces. I don't believe braces will help imo, most meniscus injuries are caused by twisting while the knee is bent, 4 velcro straps aren't enough to stop that. I like the idea of asterisks boot strap but the main problem for me is with enough force my leg will rotate inside the braces no matter how well they fit or tight they are on.
The last time I did it was a small low speed lowside where my leg got stuck under the bike with my foot rotated outwards. The velcro staps gave out and the straps loosened completely with the abrupt force. Save for attaching the braces to my bones with screws I don't see how you could prevent that. Just bad luck.
Use the Asterisk anti rotation strap with a rigid boot like a Sidi crossfire. It locks the ankle pivot axis parallel with the knee pivot axis and twisting moments are routed up to your hip.

Without the anti rotation strap you are correct, knee braces are worthless at resisting twisting moments which are a major factor in most injuries.

JT$ is due credit for this. I never would have known if he had not explained on Pulp MX years ago. Also lock the brace out well short of straight. Do these two together and it is amazing how effective a knee brace is.

Try it!
zaneyz10
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1
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7/28/2021
Location
San Diego, CA, USA
7/28/2021 4:53am
Hoks wrote:
Who has torn an ACL and now has experience with knee braces? I’m looking at Mobius, PodMX, or the Ossur CTI. Price point really doesn’t matter...
Who has torn an ACL and now has experience with knee braces? I’m looking at Mobius, PodMX, or the Ossur CTI. Price point really doesn’t matter at this point as I don’t wanna have to go through that therapy again. Insurance may or may not cover some of the brace.

I’m sure this topic has been discussed before but I apparently suck at searching the forums. So if someone has a good link to another post please post.
Any luck with getting tricare to cover?
Hoks
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181
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5/5/2019
Location
Moncks Corner, SC, USA
7/28/2021 5:19am
Hoks wrote:
Who has torn an ACL and now has experience with knee braces? I’m looking at Mobius, PodMX, or the Ossur CTI. Price point really doesn’t matter...
Who has torn an ACL and now has experience with knee braces? I’m looking at Mobius, PodMX, or the Ossur CTI. Price point really doesn’t matter at this point as I don’t wanna have to go through that therapy again. Insurance may or may not cover some of the brace.

I’m sure this topic has been discussed before but I apparently suck at searching the forums. So if someone has a good link to another post please post.
zaneyz10 wrote:
Any luck with getting tricare to cover?
I was able to get 1 Don Joy brace from them. It was a hell of a process and a lot of paperwork and dealing with doctors saying the physical therapists deal with that and the physical therapists saying doctors deal with that. In the end I only really got it because I was doing some rigorous military training so I swung it that way. It does not have a patella cup tho so it’s kinda useless for MX.

I reached out via email to a few industry knee brace companies about military discounts. Ended up buying the Asterisk Carbon Cells.
deadlo
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7/28/2021 5:59am
I have my leatt z frames for sale in the for sale section if anyone is looking

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