New riding challenge
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 207
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From: Kansouri
New riding challenge
Late October I developed a problem with right knee, it was painfull as hell, snapped every once in a while. I tried to ice it and stay off of it as much as I could hoping it would heal but it got to the point I was afraid to ride because I was loosing confidence that I could hold the bike up when I rode and stopped. I usually put that right leg down first.
Finally saw a Dr. in early Dec. and we decided on a conservative approach first which meant changing some habbits, crutches, etc. but when that failed, I went to surgery on Tuesday. Knee was scoped, cleaned up and 'repaired' but Doc says I will need to wear this huge knee brace for at least 6 months. Brace is of metal, goes way up my thigh and down around my calf, has big hinges, a ton of straps kind of like the braces you see on NFL players when they have had knee surgery. I can't imagine trying to ride with this thing but afraid not to because I do not want to further damage the knee or drop my bike.
Anyone had this issue or ridden with this type of brace? Is it doable or am I off the bike for several months? I probably won't even be able to try for a couple months but thought I might prepare myself mentally if it means no riding for several months.
Finally saw a Dr. in early Dec. and we decided on a conservative approach first which meant changing some habbits, crutches, etc. but when that failed, I went to surgery on Tuesday. Knee was scoped, cleaned up and 'repaired' but Doc says I will need to wear this huge knee brace for at least 6 months. Brace is of metal, goes way up my thigh and down around my calf, has big hinges, a ton of straps kind of like the braces you see on NFL players when they have had knee surgery. I can't imagine trying to ride with this thing but afraid not to because I do not want to further damage the knee or drop my bike.
Anyone had this issue or ridden with this type of brace? Is it doable or am I off the bike for several months? I probably won't even be able to try for a couple months but thought I might prepare myself mentally if it means no riding for several months.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,626
Likes: 98
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Although I don't have personal experience with this but it sounds like you have already had the surgery and are wearing the brace. So, why not go out to the bike and try it all out why it is just sitting there? There really is not a lot of pressure on your legs just to keep the bike upright at a stop so it may be a workable thing for you. You will know pretty quick I would think. Seems to me getting your leg over the bike may be a bigger challenge than just supporting it while it is up.
Oh, last fall I had major surgery on my left leg. It was a complete femoral artery bypass. My surgeon told me it would be months before I could get back on my bike. I was riding again after three weeks.
Oh, last fall I had major surgery on my left leg. It was a complete femoral artery bypass. My surgeon told me it would be months before I could get back on my bike. I was riding again after three weeks.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 502
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From: Roads of Idaho
Silly Dr.s, don't pay attention to them!! I'm not supposed to ride until March with rotator cuff and torn bicep. I have gotten on and intent to continue to ride for all the days between Jan.6th, first test ride, (surgery was 12/13/12) through the rest of my recovery.
I sure would hate to do this again if I damage it by being stupid though....
I sure would hate to do this again if I damage it by being stupid though....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 149
From: FL
Dr. told me once I had to quit lifting weights for 6 weeks because I had a partially torn rotator cuff. I left his office and went to the gym and just did what my body allowed me to do. Take it easy for a couple of months and wear the brace for awhile then see how it goes. You may be back sooner than you think.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
Just get use to stopping with your left leg first. it's actually more natural as your right should be on the brake. I usually only put my right down if there are strong cross winds making it unstable on one leg.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 207
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From: Kansouri
Only 2 days out from surgery so the knee is still swollen and still on crutches. I will switch over to the brace in a day or two. Only 6 degrees above zero today so I am not going out much let alone riding. Believe me I am anxious to get back on the bike, just looking for anyone that has had similar and see what adjustments they made. Don't need to drop the bike doing something stupid. Actually the Doc said nothing about me not riding for any length of time.
Last edited by elkhunter719; Jan 24, 2013 at 10:14 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 799
Likes: 2
From: WyoBraska (Western Nebraska)
I have one of those braces in the closet right now !! Wore it for about two years and it worked for that period of time. Never had a problem with it on the bike, but the knee deteriorated to the point that I had to have a knee replacement. You should be fine with the brace. (I wore it under my jeans and used to rap my knuckles on it: everyone thought I had a prosthetic leg !)
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 212
Likes: 5
From: Left Coast FL
To each their own - HOWEVER - I had my knee scoped a couple years back for a torn meniscus. Played the game for about 4 days following surgery, went to PT once, threw the crutches and brace in the back of the closet. Mowed grass, rode the HD, etc. and figured that was a good replacement for the money-leaches at PT. I'm paying for my stupidity with even worse problems now. Take your time and listen to your body (and the docs). It may be an inconvenience for now but in the long run it may have better benefits.