A Knee Brace For Osteoarthritis – Helping to Keep You Active With Less Pain!

Osteoarthritis can be extremely debilitating, often resulting in reduced physical activity, which can lead to an increase in body weight, chronic swelling and increased use of oral medication. Those with “sore knees” and who are young (under 65) are looking for non-surgical options to help stay active with reduced pain and swelling.

1 in 10 Canadians live with Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee! Early onset of knee OA may be caused by a previous injury, disease and/or genetics. 

The use of OA knee braces are an effective conservative treatment option that many are exploring and successfully wearing today.  These braces are light weight, low profile, comfortable and easy to put on to encourage regular use. The majority of those who wear knee braces on a regular basis experience less pain, increased levels of activity, less swelling and a reduced need for oral medication. Contrary to common belief, regular use of wearing a knee brace DOES NOT make your muscles weak! In fact, recent studies have shown the opposite to be true.

So what type of OA knee brace should I wear to help me with my knee pain and instability? Typically a decision is usually made on how much knee support for osteoarthritis is required to help increase stability and reduce pain and swelling.

Here are some examples of various types of knee braces for osteoarthritis:

COMPRESSION KNEE BRACE 

If the knee is stable and you are just starting to experience slight knee pain and mild swelling, then a low profile BREG COMPRESSION knee brace will be suitable. Continued strengthening of the quadriceps muscles will also help stabilize the knee joint.

NEOPRENE BI-LATERAL HINGED KNEE BRACE 

This type of brace is perfect for early onset of OA with mild joint instability. With both compression from the neoprene and bi lateral metal stays, the BREG SHORTRUNNER gives you the low profile support you need to help keep you moving.

OFF LOADING (Off the Shelf) OA Knee Brace 

The BREG FREESTYLE knee brace is a state of the art, ready made, brace for the active person with moderate OA. This brace provides compression, joint stability and the ability to apply force through the knee joint to help relieve discomfort on the affected side.

OFF LOADING CUSTOM OA KNEE BRACE 

Depending on your body frame and size, activity level, work demands and how unstable your knee is, there are a variety of custom braces to suit your needs. The following types of braces provide the maximum support for the knee joint. For example, the BREG Z-12 is perfect for the shorter wider leg, while the BREG FUSION is perfect for the active individual. The BREG DUO, a dynamic brace, will provide optimal support and the BREG THRUSTER is ideal for maximum pain relief.  With a wide range of bracing options available, a certified BREG brace fitter will help advice you on the best option for you.

So why not try an OA knee brace to help stay on the golf course, take a hike, play with your grand children or just get through the day with less pain, swelling and discomfort?

Your knee will be happy you did!

You will enjoy life more by being active.

THEY WORK!!!!

If you suffer from osteoarthritis and want to learn more about how a knee brace can help, then please contact the arthritis and injury care centre.  We have bracing specialists  in our Halifax, Dartmouth, Clayton Park, Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John locations.

Author:

Sandy Houston
Orthopedic Bracing Specialist