Knee Braces for Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Guide to Relieving Knee Pain

Knee pain can be an annoyance at best, and cause limited mobility at worst. Oftentimes, this pain is caused by something called osteoarthritis.

You may assume that surgery is the only solution for knee pain. However, non-surgical options are out there. Sometimes, a simple knee brace is all you need!

In this article, we’ll delve into the world of knee braces for osteoarthritis, discussing the different types, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for you.

Understanding Osteoarthritis and Knee Braces

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions worldwide[1]. OA occurs when the cartilage cushioning the joints wears down, causing bone-on-bone contact and leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility[2].

Knee OA is a common type of osteoarthritis, affecting (you guessed it!) the knee joint. This can make everyday activities a challenge.

Knee braces are a very popular non-surgical treatment option for OA. Braces are designed to provide support, stability, and pain relief[3].

By redistributing pressure and reducing stress on the affected joint, knee braces can help alleviate symptoms and improve function[4].

Types of Knee Braces for Osteoarthritis

Did you know there are multiple kinds of knee braces? Depending on your condition or lifestyle, you might go for one particular style over another.

There are three main types available for OA specifically:

Unloader Braces

These braces are designed to redistribute pressure away from the affected part of the knee, typically the medial (inner) or lateral (outer) compartment[5]. Unloader braces are often recommended for patients with unicompartmental OA[6].

Soft Braces

Soft braces are lightweight and flexible, providing general support to the knee[7]. These are suitable for patients with mild OA, or those who require minimal support[8].

Custom-Made Braces

Custom-made braces are tailored to an individual’s needs and knee anatomy [9]. They offer optimal support and stability, making them an excellent option for patients with severe OA[10].

Benefits of Knee Braces for Osteoarthritis

Numerous studies have demonstrated how effective knee braces are in reducing pain and improving function in patients with OA[11].

Some of the benefits of knee braces include:

• Pain Relief: Knee braces can significantly reduce pain levels by redistributing pressure and reducing stress on the affected joint[12].
• Improved Function: By providing support and stability, knee braces can improve mobility and enable patients to perform daily activities more easily[13].
• Delayed Surgery: Knee braces may delay the need for surgery by reducing or slowing the progression of OA[14].
• Cost-Effective: A knee brace is a much more affordable treatment option versus surgery or other invasive procedures[15].

Choosing the Right Knee Brace

Selecting the right knee brace depends on several factors, including:

• Severity and location of OA: The type and severity of OA will influence the choice of knee brace[16].
• Individual needs and preferences: The patient should reflect on their lifestyle, activity level, and personal preferences[17].
• Cost considerations: Knee braces vary in price. Patients should consider their budget when making a decision[18].

Using and Caring for Your Knee Brace

To maximize the benefits of your knee brace, it’s essential to:

• Wear it correctly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper fitting and wear[19].
• Adjust it regularly: Adjust the brace regularly to ensure optimal support[20].
• Clean and maintain it: Clean and maintain the brace according to the instructions[21].

Combining Knee Braces with Other Treatments

Knee braces can be used along with non-surgical treatments, such as:

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion [22].
• Medications: Medications like pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage symptoms [23].
• Lifestyle modifications: Lifestyle modifications like weight loss and exercise can help reduce stress on the knee joint [24].

Conclusion

Knee braces are an incredibly valuable treatment option for osteoarthritis, offering pain relief, improved function, and potentially delaying the need for surgery[25].

By familiarizing yourself with the different types of knee braces, their benefits, and how to choose the right one, you or a loved one can better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

If you’re considering knee braces for osteoarthritis, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with the Centers for Knee Pain. Our team of experts will work with you to determine the best course of treatment and help you find the right knee brace for your needs.

Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. Contact us today and take the first step toward a life free from knee pain!

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Or take our FREE Knee Quiz to get started!

Citations

1. Lawrence, R. C., et al. (2008). Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 58(1), 26-35.
2. Felson, D. T., et al. (2000). Osteoarthritis: New insights. Part 1: The disease and its risk factors. Annals of Internal Medicine, 133(8), 635-646.
3. Ramsey, D., & Russell, M. (2009). Unloader Braces for Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis. Sports Health, 1, 416-426.
4. Diaz, A., et al. (2018). OP0057 Efficacy and safety of a distraction-rotation knee brace (ODRA) in medial knee osteoarthritis – a phase III randomised controlled trial (ergonomie study). Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 77, 79-79.
5. Lee, P., et al. (2017). Unloading knee brace is a cost-effective method to bridge and delay surgery in unicompartmental knee arthritis. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2, e000195.
6. Phillips, S., et al. (2016). Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee with Bracing: A Scoping Review. Orthopedic Reviews, 8, 6256.
7. Esch, M. (2019). SP0178 LOWER LIMB ORTHOSES. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 78, 54-54.
8. Huang, X., et al. (2022). Physical therapy and orthopaedic equipment-induced reduction in the biomechanical risk factors related to knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open, 12, e051608.
9. Ramsey, D., & Russell, M. (2009). Unloader Braces for Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis. Sports Health, 1, 416-426.
10. Diaz, A., et al. (2018). OP0057 Efficacy and safety of a distraction-rotation knee brace (ODRA) in medial knee osteoarthritis – a phase III randomised controlled trial (ergonomie study). Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 77, 79-79.
11. Phillips, S., et al. (2016). Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee with Bracing: A Scoping Review. Orthopedic Reviews, 8, 6256.
12. Lee, P., et al. (2017). Unloading knee brace is a cost-effective method to bridge and delay surgery in unicompartmental knee arthritis. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2, e000195.
13. Huang, X., et al. (2022). Physical therapy and orthopaedic equipment-induced reduction in the biomechanical risk factors related to knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open, 12, e051608.
14. Ramsey, D., & Russell, M. (2009). Unloader Braces for Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis. Sports Health, 1, 416-426.
15. Diaz, A., et al. (2018). OP0057 Efficacy and safety of a distraction-rotation knee brace (ODRA) in medial knee osteoarthritis – a phase III randomised controlled trial (ergonomie study). Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 77, 79-79.
16. Phillips, S., et al. (2016). Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee with Bracing: A Scoping Review. Orthopedic Reviews, 8, 6256.
17. Lee, P., et al. (2017). Unloading knee brace is a cost-effective method to bridge and delay surgery in unicompartmental knee arthritis. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2, e000195.
18. Huang, X., et al. (2022). Physical therapy and orthopaedic equipment-induced reduction in the biomechanical risk factors related to knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open, 12, e051608.
19. Esch, M. (2019). SP0178 LOWER LIMB ORTHOSES. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 78, 54-54.
20. Ramsey, D., & Russell, M. (2009). Unloader Braces for Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis. Sports Health, 1, 416-426.
21. Diaz, A., et al. (2018). OP0057 Efficacy and safety of a distraction-rotation knee brace (ODRA) in medial knee osteoarthritis – a phase III randomised controlled trial (ergonomie study). Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 77, 79-79.
22. Huang, X., et al. (2022). Physical therapy and orthopaedic equipment-induced reduction in the biomechanical risk factors related to knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open, 12, e051608.
23. Lee, P., et al. (2017). Unloading knee brace is a cost-effective method to bridge and delay surgery in unicompartmental knee arthritis. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2, e000195.
24. Phillips, S., et al. (2016). Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee with Bracing: A Scoping Review. Orthopedic Reviews, 8, 6256.
25. Ramsey, D., & Russell, M. (2009). Unloader Braces for Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis. Sports Health, 1, 416-426.