Hey everyone, I was playing some paintball today and my knee starting bothering me very badly. When I was playing paintball when I was 14 I got my foot between two rocks while running and twisted the bottom portion of my leg and ripped the cartilage in my right knee. I ended up having it all removed, skip ahead 12 years im 26 now, knee hasnt really bothered me, and after kneeling / squatting behind some bunkers 5 minutes into playing today, my knee cracked very badly and has been sore all day. Not playing paintball isnt a option, so I was wondering if anybody else in this type of situation had any advice on knee supporters or maybe even advice on exercises or something to strengthen the knee for activities like this? I like to be active when I play and all day today I had to play back and use standing cover bleh. I looked at knee supporters before and theres so many different kinds I wasnt even sure where to start so I didnt even bother. Any help is appreciated as always! Its just scary to think about a old injury coming back to haunt me, espically while doing something I love and having it hold me back.

First of all, I'd suggest you go see your doc and make sure you haven't done any new damage to your knee. Without the cartilage to act as a buffer you are much more prone to further knee injuries (which I'm sure you're already aware of). Could be a hairline condylar fracture , torn ligament, or any number of other problems.
He can probably suggest a good knee brace to you as well.

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Yeah I dont feel its anything to serious, but thats good advice to get it checked out anyway. Its just sore, its like when your arms stiff and you fully extend it and it almost wont go all the way so you force it and you get that small crack and it feels good, it kinda happend with me knee but it didnt feel good it just felt sore after.

I have had bad knees for a very long time, I wear knee elastic braces on both knees and wear JT Body Glove elastic knee pads over top.

Leg lifts the last 5%-10% of lifting your leg is what you want to do.

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If you look good, you play good.

Do you have specific info on the braces I would like to check them out, and also could you elaborate on the leg lifts a little more im confused?

man.. id go see a doctor.. the last time i remember a "snap" and felt a pain.. i tore my ACL..i was laid up 7 months on my keister with nothing to do.. so i had surgery and even now it bothers me.. i cant do a single squat or lunge with out it cracking.. but hey.. at least i dont have pain!

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checkout 'Mcdavid' I believe..they have good knee supports from basic wrap to full support with lateral side braces...also don't forget to ice..20min on 60 min off..for a few times...it really helps..u sure don't want to have fluid build in your knee...

Mueller Knee Braces
check this site out..

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i have about the same problem as you. I started wearing a knee brace everytime I play and really havent had much trouble with it since. The most important thing in a knee brace is find something that fits well and stays in place. the one i use has double metal coils going down the sides of the knee and a double velcro system to hold it tight in place. it kind of looks like this...
Mueller Sports Medicine - Wraparound Knee Support with Adjustable Straps

but i was looking on this page and this bad boy looks like it would be good...
Mueller Sports Medicine - Hg80 Hinged Knee Brace


but the one i use I got from walmart, was their most expensive model and was well worth it (still less then $20). Had a friend buy the $10 and i wore his one day i forgot mine and it wasnt worth it. Just think about it, your knees are worth that extra $10 dont ya think?

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I have bad knees too (Disabled Vet, former 82 ABN Paratrooper) - I take 2 aspirin/ibuprofen the night before, 2 the morning of. Also, I stretch my legs/knees to loosen up then put on a knee brace.

The most important things are to stretch/warmup properly as well as warm-down. Also, LISTEN TO YOUR KNEES - if they want to take a break, be nice and go with it. A knee pushed past its limit has a way of holding one mother of a grudge...

Excercise yourself in between games. That goes without saying. Also, do what the doc says. The knees are too important to shortchange !!

--TAG--

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Awsome advice guys, I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences, I might stop by the doctors tomorrow and have him check it out, its still kinda sore, the ice is a good idea also.