Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, painful condition that affects millions of people, often making daily activities difficult and uncomfortable. Custom knee braces offer an effective way to manage the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, providing support, pain relief, and improved joint function. In this blog, we’ll explore how custom knee braces can be a key part of managing knee osteoarthritis, along with other treatments and lifestyle changes that can help improve quality of life.
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a painful, chronic joint disorder that primarily affects not only the knees but also the spine, hips, hands and feet. The symptoms usually progress slowly with the intensity varying from one individual to the next. Knee osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is typically the result of wear and tear and progressive loss of articular cartilage.
It is most commonly seen in elderly people and can be divided into two types, primary and secondary: Primary osteoarthritis is articular degeneration without any apparent underlying cause. Secondary osteoarthritis is the consequence of either an abnormal concentration of force across the joint as with post-traumatic causes or abnormal articular cartilage, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Identifying the Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee osteoarthritis symptoms often develop gradually, making it important to recognize them early for effective management. Key symptoms include:
- Gradual Onset of Knee Pain: Pain that starts mild and worsens with activity like walking or climbing stairs, often becoming more persistent over time.
- Knee Stiffness and Swelling: Stiffness, especially after inactivity, and swelling caused by joint inflammation are common symptoms.
- Pain After Prolonged Sitting or Resting: “Start-up pain” occurs after sitting or resting, improving slightly with movement but recurring after inactivity.
- Crepitus or Cracking Sounds with Movement: A cracking or popping sound when moving the knee, often accompanied by a grinding sensation inside the joint.
- Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee, limiting activities like squatting or walking.
- Joint Instability or Buckling: The knee may feel unstable or give way due to weakened muscles and damaged cartilage.
- Increased Pain with Weather Changes: Some people experience heightened pain and discomfort with changes in weather, particularly humidity or pressure changes.
Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis
Treatment for knee osteoarthritis begins with conservative methods and progresses to surgical treatment options when conservative treatment fails. While medications can help slow the progression of RA and other inflammatory conditions, there are currently no proven disease-modifying agents for the treatment of knee OA.
The primary treatment for OA knee conservatively is exercise therapy within physiotherapy. This normally involves:
- Client Education: People learn about knee OA, its progression, and the importance of joint protection. Education empowers them to manage symptoms and prevent further damage through self-care and proper movement techniques.
- Exercise Therapy: Specific exercises are designed to strengthen muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and enhance joint function. Low-impact activities like swimming and strength training help reduce pain and support knee health.
- Activity Modification: People are guided to adjust their daily routines to minimize knee strain, such as avoiding prolonged standing and incorporating frequent breaks to prevent discomfort.
- Advice on Weight Loss: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the knee joints. People receive guidance on diet and exercise to achieve and maintain an ideal weight, which can alleviate knee pain.
The Role of Custom Knee Braces in Managing Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis causes irreversible structural damage to the joint which can lead to poor alignment and dysfunctional joint mechanics. This dysfunction can affect a person’s posture and gait, leading to more joint pain.
An offloading knee brace is a medical device that supports the knee joint and provides pain relief by reducing the force transmitted across the damaged part of the joint. These braces realign and reposition the knee joint so that the leg moves correctly. By shifting some of a person’s weight off the portion of the joint with tissue damage, a knee brace can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with OA. For people who have experienced their knee buckling or giving out, wearing a brace can help them feel more confident when walking and exercising.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Knee Braces: Understanding the Differences
Offloading knee braces are available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a prescription. When managing knee osteoarthritis, both custom and OTC knee braces offer valuable support, but they differ significantly in design, fit, and effectiveness. Over-the-counter braces are available at pharmacies and medical device stores and typically come in a few different standard sizes. Prescription offloading knee braces are more expensive, but they are custom-fitted to the individual’s measurements. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two options:
- Fit and Precision: Custom knee braces are made specifically for the individual, tailored to their exact measurements and knee structure. This personalized fit provides superior support and comfort. OTC knee braces, on the other hand, come in standard sizes and offer a more generic fit, which may not be as effective for those with unique knee shapes or advanced osteoarthritis.
- Support and Functionality: Custom braces provide targeted support to specific areas of the knee based on the individual’s condition. They help redistribute weight, relieve pressure on the joint, and can even correct misalignment. OTC braces offer general support but may lack the ability to address more severe misalignment or joint instability.
- Material and Durability: Custom knee braces are often made from high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand regular wear over a long period. OTC braces are typically made from more basic materials that may wear out faster with regular use, offering less durability for those with ongoing osteoarthritis needs.
- Effectiveness for Severe Osteoarthritis: Custom braces are particularly beneficial for individuals with advanced or severe osteoarthritis, as they are designed to accommodate more complex joint issues. OTC braces are better suited for mild to moderate cases, providing basic support but not addressing the specific biomechanical needs of the individual.
- Cost and Accessibility: OTC braces are more affordable and readily available at pharmacies or medical supply stores. Custom braces, though more expensive, offer a tailored solution that provides better long-term support and pain relief for those with significant osteoarthritis.
How Long Do I Need to Wear a Knee Brace for Osteoarthritis?
The length of time an individual needs to wear a custom knee brace for osteoarthritis depends on the severity of their condition and individual needs. Some may wear the brace only during physical activity, while others might need to use it daily for extended periods.
Typically, people start seeing improvement in pain and mobility after wearing the brace regularly for several weeks. Over time, the frequency of brace usage may decrease as symptoms become more manageable, but ongoing use may still be recommended to maintain joint support and prevent further degeneration. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the optimal duration for wearing your brace.
Managing Knee Osteoarthritis: Recommended Lifestyle Changes
While custom knee braces offer excellent support and relief from knee osteoarthritis pain, combining them with lifestyle changes can significantly enhance their effectiveness. Here are some lifestyle modifications that can support knee bracing and improve overall joint health:
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing stress on the knee joints. Excess body weight can put additional pressure on already weakened joints, worsening osteoarthritis symptoms. Weight loss can help alleviate this pressure, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
- Low-Impact Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity helps strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, improving stability and reducing pain. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, or walking are ideal because they provide cardiovascular benefits without placing excessive stress on the knees. Strengthening exercises, particularly for the quadriceps and hamstrings, can also help support the knee joint.
- Proper Footwear: Wearing shoes with adequate cushioning and arch support can make a big difference in reducing the impact on your knees. Avoid high heels or footwear that lacks proper support, as they can alter your gait and increase knee stress. Orthotic inserts may also be recommended to improve alignment and reduce pressure on the knee joint.
- Stretching and Flexibility Exercises: Keeping the muscles around the knee flexible can improve joint mobility and alleviate stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. Stretching exercises targeting the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps can help maintain flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
- Joint-Friendly Activities: Incorporate activities like tai chi or yoga into your routine to enhance balance, flexibility, and strength. These practices not only improve joint function but also have a calming effect on the mind, which can be beneficial for managing chronic pain.
By combining these lifestyle changes with the use of a custom knee brace, individuals with knee osteoarthritis can improve their overall knee function and manage pain more effectively.
Can Knee Osteoarthritis Be Cured?
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for knee osteoarthritis. The condition is progressive, meaning that the cartilage in the knee joint continues to wear down over time. However, while it cannot be cured, knee osteoarthritis can be managed effectively with a combination of treatments, including custom knee braces, physiotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
The goal of these treatments is to reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease. Custom knee braces are a key component in this management plan because they provide the necessary support to the knee joint, allowing individuals to continue participating in daily activities with less pain and discomfort. With proper treatment, many people with knee osteoarthritis can maintain a good quality of life and stay active for years to come.
Enhanced Mobility and Pain Relief
If you’re dealing with the discomfort of knee osteoarthritis, custom knee braces can make a significant difference in your daily life. By providing support and reducing pain, they allow you to stay active and enjoy a better quality of life. At Scarborough Village Physio & Chiro, we offer personalized care to help you find the right solutions for your knee pain.
Take control of your osteoarthritis management—schedule an appointment with our experienced team today and discover how custom knee braces can help you stay active and pain-free.
