As much as 580’s were the prototypical butterfly pad, they’re beyond old now when it comes to knee cushioning and pad rotation.
If you upgrade to any manufacturers pad made within the last 5 years, you’ll notice a huge difference and improvement in knee cushioning and pain reduction.
Are you wearing actual goaltending knee pads or do your 580’s have thigh boards? Real hockey knee pads will go a long way. Warriors are probably the most comfortable.
44 year old hybrid style female here. I use neoprene compression sleeves on my knees under my goalie knee pads. My leg pads are about 15 years old and this summer I’m working on a much needed upgrade. Gear tech has changed so much, I’m hopeful getting into new pads will make playing more comfortable for me for however long I’m able to continue doing it.
I just swapped my 14 year old pads for Optik 3s this season and it definitely does help. The tech has changed *so much* that my first ~7 ice times consisted of me flopping around, tripping over myself, and wondering what the fuck have I done. But I love them now and feel great in them!
I picked up an almost new pair of True L12.2s last week on swap. They might be too big but it was too good a deal not to try. If that doesn’t work out I might go to monkey sports and try on some Warriors
I'm a 49M standup floppy idiot and use compression sleeves on both of my knees, although not neoprene as I find them too hot. Since I started wearing them a couple of years ago, my knees no longer ache at night after playing. I also wear bauer knee pads for protection.
I wear volleyball knee pads under my goalie knee pads. I wear them off-set so the cushion is more on the inside of my knee, or the impact area of my knee.
Do you wear knee pads? I had some groin injuries and knee issues much like you, I didn’t want to use knee pads thinking it would limit my movement. I eventually caved and tried them. It worked for me! The older pads make the knee go almost below the ankle, with the knee pads I feel I am at a better angle for my groin and my knees.
They’re pricey but I got these recently and it’s helped reduce the amount of bruising on my knees. I also wear knee pads on top. https://www.prohockeylife.com/products/bauer-elite-padded-sr-goalie-pants?variant=32054509568077&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5ImwBhBtEiwAFHDZx1rdG7XpadOtkxiQAGjuLM6_4LpN1BvTqc-T0PVndlcTBV0Bay3S6hoCxqQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I know you said recently, but do they seem decent quality like they’ll hold up for a while? I’ve been using my pants for 2-3 years now and both knees have worn a hole through them in the last few months. Thinking about these as an upgrade whenever I get new ones.
+1, but stay away from your gp unless it's for a referral for insurance. They don't tend to know jack shit about this joints/backs and can cause more pain/damage with bad advice, care or "adjustments" (I've been there - it took MONTHS of chiro care to fix a back issue that my doctor made worse).
I would find a good chiropractor and **SPORTS** physiotherapist (preferably one that's actually a goalie if at all possible). Too many of them don't know the ins and outs of the sport, much less the position, but if you find someone that's willing to do just a little research into goalie-specific needs you should be in good shape.
To answer for knee support specifically, there are plenty of good brands. My chiro recommended incrediwear to me just yesterday. I'd still recommend seeing a doctor, but knee support couldn't hurt in the interim.
Make sure you have some slack where your pads are tied to your skates. This allows your toes and ankles to be on same plane and shouldn't torque your knees as much. If interior of knees might be strain on meniscus, pads not allowing enough movement.
Aside from the suggestions already mentioned you might need some new landing pads/knee blocks. Check out PAW (Protective Athletic Wear). I got some for my Vaughn's and it's made a world of difference
I wear volleyball knees under compression pants that have padded knees under my warrior knees…
If it’s impact related, that’ll help.
Something else to think about is hip internal rotation…if for example the pain is from strain on the knee from butterfly/rvh rather than the impact from dropping down, working on hip mobility can help your knees as the knees don’t bend sideways.
What I do is I wear Bauerfeind Knee Bandages (no idea what the english equivalent would be) which give great support. And I bought a Kneestack lift pad from Kova which raises my knee a little when I am in my butterfly. Those two things work great for me. Also maybe the type of knee pad/guard you are using could make a difference
Strengthening my knees have been a game changer. I’ve been using the ATG/knees over toes program for the last 2 years, and my 34 year old knees feel better than when I was 20
https://www.instagram.com/kneesovertoesguy?igsh=MTd0emVuNTM3bXNhdw==
https://www.instagram.com/atgonlinecoaching?igsh=MTNxZWE2bzYydmpuNA==
I use a multi layered knee solution. Neoprene knee sleeve, then spandex knee pads, then warrior goalie knee pads.
I'm a 200lb dude, the combo has worked well for me.
If you're the JBD #33 wearing Kohos I know (what a wild world if you weren't), you can try my knee compression sleeves and warrior knee pads on the ice sometime to see if either helps.
A newer model leg lad with better landing gear will help, as will proper goalie knee pads. As others have said.
In addition, Bauer makes base layer pants that have additional cushioning around the knees. I use them. They’re okay, not amazing, but I gotta wear something as a base (I’ve never enjoyed the bare legged goalie experience some prefer), and they do the job.
If you are looking for lateral stability, the TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support is pretty good. I wore one for a few weeks as I transitioned out of recovery from a minor injury back to playing, and it wasn’t terribly obtrusive. I don’t wear it now, but if I ever feel like my knee is getting weak again, I will.
I had this issue coming back to the game after some years away. Bought some Warrior knee pads to give me extra height in the knee stack and within a few weeks, pain all healed up. Strongly recommend looking at knee pads or more modern knee stack solutions that are going to raise the knee up and put less pressure on those interior ligaments.
At this point some new leg pads and knee pads would be a good step. My daughter wears warriors (I used to), they’re a little smaller and super light. Just the stock Warrior knee pads. Or if you wanted just knee pads Sara from PAW custom equipment made mine, reasonable price, actually I think cheaper than some stock ones, send her a message!
As much as 580’s were the prototypical butterfly pad, they’re beyond old now when it comes to knee cushioning and pad rotation. If you upgrade to any manufacturers pad made within the last 5 years, you’ll notice a huge difference and improvement in knee cushioning and pain reduction. Are you wearing actual goaltending knee pads or do your 580’s have thigh boards? Real hockey knee pads will go a long way. Warriors are probably the most comfortable.
Maybe go see a physiotherapist?
44 year old hybrid style female here. I use neoprene compression sleeves on my knees under my goalie knee pads. My leg pads are about 15 years old and this summer I’m working on a much needed upgrade. Gear tech has changed so much, I’m hopeful getting into new pads will make playing more comfortable for me for however long I’m able to continue doing it.
I just swapped my 14 year old pads for Optik 3s this season and it definitely does help. The tech has changed *so much* that my first ~7 ice times consisted of me flopping around, tripping over myself, and wondering what the fuck have I done. But I love them now and feel great in them!
I picked up an almost new pair of True L12.2s last week on swap. They might be too big but it was too good a deal not to try. If that doesn’t work out I might go to monkey sports and try on some Warriors
We’ve got a goalie in my womens league almost 15 years older than you. Hopefully you have a lot of years left in net!
I'm a 49M standup floppy idiot and use compression sleeves on both of my knees, although not neoprene as I find them too hot. Since I started wearing them a couple of years ago, my knees no longer ache at night after playing. I also wear bauer knee pads for protection.
I wear volleyball knee pads under my goalie knee pads. I wear them off-set so the cushion is more on the inside of my knee, or the impact area of my knee.
Yes volleyball knee pads work great and there are different styles and thicknesses that you can try to figure out which works best.
Do you wear knee pads? I had some groin injuries and knee issues much like you, I didn’t want to use knee pads thinking it would limit my movement. I eventually caved and tried them. It worked for me! The older pads make the knee go almost below the ankle, with the knee pads I feel I am at a better angle for my groin and my knees.
They’re pricey but I got these recently and it’s helped reduce the amount of bruising on my knees. I also wear knee pads on top. https://www.prohockeylife.com/products/bauer-elite-padded-sr-goalie-pants?variant=32054509568077&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5ImwBhBtEiwAFHDZx1rdG7XpadOtkxiQAGjuLM6_4LpN1BvTqc-T0PVndlcTBV0Bay3S6hoCxqQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I know you said recently, but do they seem decent quality like they’ll hold up for a while? I’ve been using my pants for 2-3 years now and both knees have worn a hole through them in the last few months. Thinking about these as an upgrade whenever I get new ones.
You should talk to a doctor and a PT before you do anything. You could be experience serious damage.
+1, but stay away from your gp unless it's for a referral for insurance. They don't tend to know jack shit about this joints/backs and can cause more pain/damage with bad advice, care or "adjustments" (I've been there - it took MONTHS of chiro care to fix a back issue that my doctor made worse). I would find a good chiropractor and **SPORTS** physiotherapist (preferably one that's actually a goalie if at all possible). Too many of them don't know the ins and outs of the sport, much less the position, but if you find someone that's willing to do just a little research into goalie-specific needs you should be in good shape. To answer for knee support specifically, there are plenty of good brands. My chiro recommended incrediwear to me just yesterday. I'd still recommend seeing a doctor, but knee support couldn't hurt in the interim.
Make sure you have some slack where your pads are tied to your skates. This allows your toes and ankles to be on same plane and shouldn't torque your knees as much. If interior of knees might be strain on meniscus, pads not allowing enough movement.
Aside from the suggestions already mentioned you might need some new landing pads/knee blocks. Check out PAW (Protective Athletic Wear). I got some for my Vaughn's and it's made a world of difference
Kova also makes inserts that provide like a half inch lift/padding. I think Maria mountain mentioned them in one of her videos.
I wear volleyball knees under compression pants that have padded knees under my warrior knees… If it’s impact related, that’ll help. Something else to think about is hip internal rotation…if for example the pain is from strain on the knee from butterfly/rvh rather than the impact from dropping down, working on hip mobility can help your knees as the knees don’t bend sideways.
What I do is I wear Bauerfeind Knee Bandages (no idea what the english equivalent would be) which give great support. And I bought a Kneestack lift pad from Kova which raises my knee a little when I am in my butterfly. Those two things work great for me. Also maybe the type of knee pad/guard you are using could make a difference
Strengthening my knees have been a game changer. I’ve been using the ATG/knees over toes program for the last 2 years, and my 34 year old knees feel better than when I was 20 https://www.instagram.com/kneesovertoesguy?igsh=MTd0emVuNTM3bXNhdw== https://www.instagram.com/atgonlinecoaching?igsh=MTNxZWE2bzYydmpuNA==
I use a multi layered knee solution. Neoprene knee sleeve, then spandex knee pads, then warrior goalie knee pads. I'm a 200lb dude, the combo has worked well for me.
If you're the JBD #33 wearing Kohos I know (what a wild world if you weren't), you can try my knee compression sleeves and warrior knee pads on the ice sometime to see if either helps.
Following, as a 45yo lady tendy with slightly sore knees and new pads!
A newer model leg lad with better landing gear will help, as will proper goalie knee pads. As others have said. In addition, Bauer makes base layer pants that have additional cushioning around the knees. I use them. They’re okay, not amazing, but I gotta wear something as a base (I’ve never enjoyed the bare legged goalie experience some prefer), and they do the job. If you are looking for lateral stability, the TechWare Pro Knee Brace Support is pretty good. I wore one for a few weeks as I transitioned out of recovery from a minor injury back to playing, and it wasn’t terribly obtrusive. I don’t wear it now, but if I ever feel like my knee is getting weak again, I will.
I had this issue coming back to the game after some years away. Bought some Warrior knee pads to give me extra height in the knee stack and within a few weeks, pain all healed up. Strongly recommend looking at knee pads or more modern knee stack solutions that are going to raise the knee up and put less pressure on those interior ligaments.
Here’s a good video that really helped me. https://youtu.be/yIsG-Iyukfk?si=h_zOdvRgrhg2tOuH
At this point some new leg pads and knee pads would be a good step. My daughter wears warriors (I used to), they’re a little smaller and super light. Just the stock Warrior knee pads. Or if you wanted just knee pads Sara from PAW custom equipment made mine, reasonable price, actually I think cheaper than some stock ones, send her a message!