Have you tried a jumper's knee strap? I have read that it helps with a number of knee problems so I literally just bought one tonight as I have a reoccurring problem with my knee (Patella Tendinitis). A lot of runners swear by them and I believe Taufik Hidayat uses one too. Its basically a strap with a plastic tube inside that applies pressure to your patella tendon which for reasons scientists aren't quite certain of, relieves pain.
Have the same problem with my knee at the moment. Was in the MRI today and I'm waiting for the results. The Doc already said its an "unclear patella pressure". Does this kind of "Jumpers Knee Strap" helps? Or maybe even this "Athletic Tape"? (NOT Kinesio) I see a lot of players with this kind of knee strap or athletic tape, but I don't know whether it helps.
Well, no one can tell you for sure if it will help you personally, but I can tell you... 1. Of the people I know who uses it, all say it works. 2. If you look for reviews on a jumper's strap, most, if not all has ratings of at least 4/5 stars. 3. It only costs about £5-£10 (10-15 USD). 4. If it is good enough for Taufik Hidayat, it's good enough for me!
Here's a few reviews: http://www.physioroom.com/product/PhysioRoom.com_Jumper_s_Knee_Strap/2034/38357.html http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B000F8Y5OY/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
I've just bought one too, arrived yesterday so will try it this week. Let us know how you get on with it.
Here's my short report with the knee strap. The knee strap is quite comfy. Feels good on the skin and during the game, I already forgot it that I'm wearing the strap. But the result was not as good as I was expecting. During the game it feels really good, but after the game it hurts a bit. Maybe I set it too tightly or not in the 100% correct position. I will test it in the next training sessions. Hope this helps you a bit for the first time. Other reports will follow
Similar experience here. The strap was quite comfortable and did not hinder my movement. However it did not get rid of the problem I had. It did ease the pain during play and I felt the tenderness in my knee was not as bad the day after. Usually the tenderness in my knee takes a few days to recover after play, but the day after, my knee certainly wasn't so bad. Not sure if it's a placebo effect but I'll continue to try it, perhaps have it a little tighter or have a look on the net to see how others use it.
Another update on this. I tried the jumpers strap again tonight as I realised I didn't have it on properly last time. Apparently you're supposed to put it on with your leg straight so the thigh muscles can relax. Anyway, played about 2hrs with it on and although I still had some tenderness just below the knee cap, I would say it is about 50% less than it was before (without it). So, I have felt some improvement with it one, but I have keep making sure it's in the right location between games as it does move a little. I'll definitely keep on using it for now and see.
Hi guys, just an update I bought my-self 2 jumpers straps too, will get them in 2 weeks will post to let every one know how it wait. The pain is still on going when ever I play it worsens, still cant climb steps, still cant jump. Today at the hospital I went for a physio sessions and the doctor used some tape to pull my knee cap up of sorts. And I must say it helped a lot, not perfect but better than what I've felt in 6 months. Really hopping I can recover from this with out surgery. Don't trust the doctors in Dubai no more. Seems like most are over paid Dumbo's who don't really care.
^^ Sounds like patella mistracking causing PFS. Kinesio taping will help temporarily but your physiotherapist will need to help you work on rebalancing your thigh muscles to realign your patella again. Stationary biking may help.
Ok another update. Third time I used the jumpers strap last night. But this time I used it on top of a compression band. This has made a huge difference. The recent weather in the UK has turned cold and this is when I'm most prone to injuries. So I bought a compression band for my knee, to keep it warm and to help support the area around my knee. The band kept my knee warm for the whole 2hrs of play whilst providing some compression around the whole area, the jumpers strap which I had on top applied pressure to my patella tendon. The combination seems to work really well. I would say that about 90% of the pain I normally get has gone. I'm forever a cynic, so I'll try this combination again next week and report back.
Don't worry dude, the strap really works, it's not a placebo effect. I myself have been suffering from runner's knee for 1 year+, nowadays if i play i gotta place a knee support to lessen the pressure. It's definitely not placebo, without it i can feel the burden on my knee clearly as my kneecap has gone out of its original place also. Keep doing the physiotherapy and don't doubt the straps, they really help Best of luck
It must work since I see alot of badminton players wearing these knee straps. Even young guys (in their late teens / early 20s) are wearing them. Probably cuz they play everyday (I'm so jealous ).
Well I finally got mine and it doesn't help my knee pain. I still cant jump or put pressure on my left knee. Was hoping so much this would be a miracle solution. oh well off to surgery after my vacation in December!
You mentioned your knee swells up when you play. What do you mean by play? 2 hours singles, doubles? Are you lunging and landing correctly on the heels?
