Need help finding the right shinpads

[Desert Panther]

So let me preface this by saying I've been playing a while (started in my late 20s), but now at 50 I've transitioned into playing in the lower rec leagues and moved back on D (I was a LW/C most of my life). I've had 4 surgeries on my right knee over the years and my dumb ass always removes my knee brace as soon as I can because I don't like the way it feels under my shins when I skate.

Lately something has changed though. Up until about 2-3 years ago, every time I've fallen on the ice, I've had no issues. Pop right back up and get back into the play. I bought a new pair of shinpads because my old ones wore out and since then every time I've fallen it's been painful and my knee swells up like it's bruised. I switched to a higher quality Hyperlite pad that touts more kneecap protection earlier this year, but it's been the same thing. I haven't changed the size of the pads (16") nor how I've taped things up. I'm hoping the audience here has a few tips that might help me figure out what's changed and how I can fix it. Thanks in advance!

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[tarheelhockey]

So let me preface this by saying I've been playing a while (started in my late 20s), but now at 50 I've transitioned into playing in the lower rec leagues and moved back on D (I was a LW/C most of my life). I've had 4 surgeries on my right knee over the years and my dumb ass always removes my knee brace as soon as I can because I don't like the way it feels under my shins when I skate.

Lately something has changed though. Up until about 2-3 years ago, every time I've fallen on the ice, I've had no issues. Pop right back up and get back into the play. I bought a new pair of shinpads because my old ones wore out and since then every time I've fallen it's been painful and my knee swells up like it's bruised. I switched to a higher quality Hyperlite pad that touts more kneecap protection earlier this year, but it's been the same thing. I haven't changed the size of the pads (16") nor how I've taped things up. I'm hoping the audience here has a few tips that might help me figure out what's changed and how I can fix it. Thanks in advance!

Logically, if this has happened with 2 consecutive pads and nothing else has changed, it sounds like the problem may be with your kneecap and not the pads.

Just a shot in the dark, put possibly the first replacement pad didn't give you adequate protection and you damaged the kneecap when you fell on it. Even though the Hyperlite pads are giving you more protection, that may not be enough to protect an already damaged kneecap.

I've never experienced this to the degree you're going through, but I've definitely fallen on my knee hard enough that it took a very long time to heal and even with knee protection a hard fall still hurt like a sonofabitch until I gave it some extensive rest.

 

[Desert Panther]

Logically, if this has happened with 2 consecutive pads and nothing else has changed, it sounds like the problem may be with your kneecap and not the pads.

Just a shot in the dark, put possibly the first replacement pad didn't give you adequate protection and you damaged the kneecap when you fell on it. Even though the Hyperlite pads are giving you more protection, that may not be enough to protect an already damaged kneecap.

I've never experienced this to the degree you're going through, but I've definitely fallen on my knee hard enough that it took a very long time to heal and even with knee protection a hard fall still hurt like a sonofabitch until I gave it some extensive rest.

That scenario entered my thinking as well, but I'm trying not to admit that one. I really don't want them to have to scope my knee (again) if at all possible, but you may be right.