Working of Osteoarthritic Knee Brace

Osteoarthritis is the process of loss of cartilage that covers the ends of tibia and femur bones. This causes the joints to come closer. Depending on the progression of the disease, the spacing might become so less that it will allow the two joints to touch each other. This can cause pain while doing normal activities like walking, climbing the stairs, etc.

Surgery is not required in most cases though. A combination of anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy and knee braces are sufficient. Knee braces for Osteoarthritis come in a variety of designs. They are constructed with a combination of flexible materials and rigid materials. Flexible materials like synthetic rubber or moldable foam are for padding and positioning while rigid materials like plastic, metal, etc are for basic structure and support. There are many types of osteoarthritic knee braces. The right one is chosen by the doctor depending on the patient’s current stage. Custom made orthotics is also available for special cases.

So how do osteoarthritic knee braces work?

They are also called Off-loading knee braces. They make the life of Osteoarthritic patients easier. They work by taking away the amount of weight from the arthritic part of the knee joint and reproducing the weight on the healthy part of the knee joint. This is done by changing the angle of the knee joint. Special hinges are provided which do the redistribution of weight to the stronger part. Thus it is a huge boon for people who are affected only on one side of the knee. Usually for most patients, it is the inner side that is affected while the outer part remains unaffected. There have been reversed cases as well. These braces are very effective especially for people who have issues on either the medial or lateral portion of the knee. They are also the most expensive ones due to its complex design, but it is also the very same design which makes them very efficient. There are different types of off loading braces which are designed according to severity of the disease. All patients feel an instant relief while using these knee braces. It is worth noting that in even in serious cases, these braces have helped in delaying surgery.

Does it bite?

Issues caused by knee braces are temporary. There is nothing to worry about them. The main issues faced by patients in the beginning are:

1. Discomfort: This is very normal. The additional weight of the braces might feel awkward in the beginning but becomes normal with continues usage.
2. Skin Irritation and swelling: If the skin below the braces becomes red and swollen, this means that the braces are too small for you. Try getting the next size. If that is too big, go for custom made orthotics. It might take time. You will have to wait for a few weeks but is still worth it.

So should I get one?

It is very important to discuss with your doctor the issues you face and get a thorough check up. The doctor will prescribe the best solution. Most of them suggest knee braces for Osteoarthritis. These days, osteoarthritic knee braces come with adjustable pressure. Thus you can decide how much support you need for each activity. The latest ones are so good that you won’t feel the pain even while doing strenuous activities like running.

Read above article useful information & knowledge for you.