8th January 2022

As can be seen from the many walks featured on this site I am an active fell walker. I also run a lot having completed 8 marathons (the last on in 2020) and countless halfs, 10k's , and park runs.
All was going well (despite the usual running injuries over the last 30 years) until around July 2021 when I started to get a really nagging pain on the medial (inside) of my right knee. I have no kneecap following a football injury when I was 21 so problems with the knee are not unknown. However despite the usual treatments this pain would not go away so I stopped the running.
Following an x ray in late November I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis on both the medial and lateral sides of the knee.
The GP said I should try physiotherapy ( I was already) and over the counter pain killers and creams such as voltorol.
Well I do not like taking tablets everyday particularly painkillers so I suggested the Thuasne knee brace which is available on prescription and I had researched. I got a flat no twice plus scepticism that such a thing was available (this was despite me producing evidence it was, including the NHS listing for it).
Next I went to see a consultant (at my expense) who was even more depressing. Yes I could have a knee replacement but it would probably not last more than 10 years and then could not be done again so I should leave having it done as long as possible. In addition I should not run or even fell walk and take 8 paracetamol a day and stronger painkillers if these were not working.
I again suggested the knee brace as a possible way of relieving the load during exercise (and when everyday pain was high) so causing less pain. As well as less wear and a reduced need for painkillers and hopefully delaying the time for when (in his words) the inevitable knee replacement was required. Still no joy and in his opinion only small and very light people should ever run (races would look a bit odd). I never got his opinion as to what fell walkers bod type was.
So I decided to stick with my physio on strengthening exercises and buy the brace myself so see how effective it is.
I will update this page with reviews and pictures over the next few months. 
9th January 2022
Tried it on a 5k walk today after tweaking knee yesterday doing some liftin. My lack of kneecap and therefore thinner thigh makes fitting a bit more difficult and until I have tried it more did not want to cut the straps to size.
​First impressions is that it is well designed and made and very adjustable. Stays up and does not bunch behind knee. Walking at normal pace is fine and slow running. Knee had no reaction afterward.
13th January 2022
Went to see consultant via NHS he fully agrees that brace to be used during activities would be useful in reducing pain and giving support.
16th February 2022
Knee has not been painful for a while and have been doing the exercises to strengthen the muscles to give it more support. Managed to twist it yesterday and it was painful all day but even more so at night. This morning used the brace and pain was much reduced so much so that I was able to go for a walk in comfort and without limping.  
16th March 2022
Tried short run last week with no ill effects. So gave brace first big test yesterday. 3 fells in the lakes with 3700 ft of climbing (and descending). Rocks, loose scree and bogs. Brace got a slightly warm but did not slip and was flexible enough to bend knee for climbing.
Had slip on way down one fell. and bent leg right back but brace I believe help it not do any damage. Managed another long climb and 7 miles with no ill effect. No swelling or pain on the day or overnight. So 9 miles of tough walking on the day with no ill effects (except tired legs!).
23rd March 2022
Biggest test yet a 12 mile nearly 9 hour walk up some of the highest fells in the lakes. 4300ft of climbing up and down some pretty hard rocks and loose scree with no ill effects. Warmer day and whilst you could feel it at no point was uncomfortable. Once again at the end of the day no knee pain nor any swelling.
30th April 2022
This was a 10 mile hike up 8 fells in Ennerdale plus a 4 mile bike ride with 4245ft of climbing. Pleasant weather and light breeze with some steep up and downs and boulder balancing. Performed well all day and again at the end of the day no pain or swelling. Gives you a good feeling of security. With only 3 Birketts out of the 541 left to do and a climb of Pillar Rock I have the confidence that it is achievable a position after I met the consultant in December I did not think would happen. After Pillar Rock then back to trying it running
19th May 2022
Back again in Ennerdale for 3 days of walking. Intention was to do lakeside walk the first day. Pillar and Looking Stead the second day and climb Pillar Rock the third day. First 2 days the objective was achieved but high winds on third meant no climbing so had long valley bottom walk. Over the 3 days did 30miles of fell walking with 4400ft of climbing some on rough ground. Again the brace performed well with no knee pain or after effects. Now going to gently start the running again. 
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Thursday 7th July
Next attempt to climb Pillar Rock (last one failed due to the weather). Walked Lank Rigg on the Tuesday, Wallowbarrow Crag (last of the Fellrangers) on the Wednesday and the big day arrived with good weather. Knee brace on and cycled the 2.5 miles from the YHA Ennerdale to meet the climber at memorial bridge. Steep ascent to Pillar Cove and then the Shamrock Traverse before starting the climb. It was not easy with old legs and desire to protect my knee plus total lack of any experience of climbing with ropes and abseiling.
However got to the top and back down safely and then walked out on the high level route and down black sail pass and back to bike.
No ill effect that night so even managed a walk on the Dodds the following day.
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