Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability throughout the world. The condition of knee OA is often referred to as wear-and tear arthritis. It generally affects one side of the knee much more than the other. The wear and tear may lead to changes in knee’s alignment, leading to an unnatural bow appearance of the knees. At KWIC Physiotherapy, located in Kitchener, we offer effective, non-invasive treatment options for managing knee Osteoarthritis (OA), including professional knee bracing.
Medial OA knee pain is discomfort on the inside of knee joints. It typically is associated with a Bow knee alignment. Lateral OA knee pain is an injury to the side of the knee. It generally is associated with Knock the knee alignment.
Symptoms can be:
- Inflammation or pain within the knee. It may be on the other side of the knee, or general knee discomfort. The pain usually gets worse with more activities.
- The knee joint is swelling. It can occur throughout the knee or within the area that is painful on its own.
- An increase in knee stiffness particularly after prolonged intervals of relaxation.
- Reduced mobility makes things more difficult, like lifting yourself from a sitting position, or getting out of a vehicle.
There are a variety of orthopedic treatments that can help OA knee discomfort. Bracing the knee is a common procedure to treat OA in the knee. It is a safe, non-invasive treatment of pain and discomfort that is commonly caused by knee OA. Consulting with a foot specialist in Kitchener can be beneficial for evaluating the role your lower limbs may play in your knee health.
The braces that are available for this type of treatment are often referred to as an unloader of off-loading knee braces. They are intended to enhance the alignment of knees and lessen pressure on the side. There is a wide range of orthotic options available for treatments for OA knee discomfort.
These treatments are usually utilized alongside other measures of conservative treatment like exercise, weight loss or lifestyle adjustments, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs to offer the most comprehensive method of OA treatment. Sometimes the use of orthotic treatments can delay or completely eliminate the need for surgery, if they are introduced at an early stage in the development of the illness.
In deciding on an orthotic treatment it is essential to think about the position and severity of the OA as well as the patient’s activity level as well as the alignment of the knee as well as the overall goal of treatment. Healthcare professionals such as a physiotherapist orthotist or orthopedic specialist will be able to assess the situation and suggest the best device for you for effective and customized treatment.
Insoles
Patients with moderate medium OA on the knee, an insole may be utilized for improving overall leg alignment. If you suffer from medial knee OA, an lateral (outside of the foot) wedged insole may help reduce pressure on the knee’s inside joint while walking. Insoles like these can be designed to help those suffering from various OA associated foot and ankle discomforts. The insoles are low-profile and simple to wear for those with minor symptoms.
They can be made custom to address other issues related to OA on the ankle and foot; they provide a full range of support for the lower part of the limb. For a comfortable, low-profile option, insoles that are laterally wedged can be ideal for people who have early stage OA or for those seeking an alternative to conservative treatment that can be easily integrated into regular shoes.
Sleeve Knee Supports
They are designed to be used in cases of minor knee OA and may provide pain relief in times of increased activity; they are typically made of the elastic material or Neoprene. They’re designed to provide an elongated circumferential force to offer an overall compression, as well as support for the joint pain. They’re light, affordable and simple to put in. But, they do not offer added side-to-side stability. They are also not able to offer any aligning adjustments when knee hurt is due to wear and tear to the exterior or interior of your knee.
Hinged Fabric Knee Supports
In cases of mild or moderate OA knee pain, knee braces fitted with additional side-to-side hinges could be employed. They are typically made of neoprene or elastic and provide greater stability through the addition of rigid or flexible struts, which are made in either end of the brace. Fabric knee supports with hinges are perfect for those suffering from generalized OA knee pain in which the instability of the joint can be experienced.
They’re easy to put on with a light weight and are flexible to be used in everyday life. But, they are not able to provide an adjustment of knee alignment to people whose knee pain is confined on the outside or inside of the knee. It is also unlikely to offer insufficient support to align those with serious OA knee pain.
Fabric Offloading Knee Braces
In the case of moderate OA knee pain, the most commonly used knee braces are known as offloading or unloading knee braces. These braces are hinged and made from cloth and elastic material that can be adjusted to the knee brace in order to relieve the side that is painfully affected, that is the joint.
Most often, for knee medial discomfort, it is necessary to apply pressure on the side of the knee joint in order to force it across and relieve pressure on the knee joint affected. The braces have been specifically developed to help patients who suffer from OA or knee pain. They offer a supportive and comfortable compression and gait improvement to relieve pain.
Custom-Made leg orthotics in Kitchener can play a crucial role in treatment. These orthotics are designed to correct lower limb alignment, which can reduce strain on the knees by improving overall posture and walking mechanics.
Rigid Offloading Knee Braces
They provide increased assistance from a sturdy frame that can be used for mild to severe OA in the Knee. The 3-point pressure structure of the brace, as well as its structure provides support as well as pressure relief for the joint space. The braces are made to minimize the wear and tear on the joint as well as facilitate the continued use and mobility.
With the help of strategic pressure the braces can help realign your knee joints, ease the pain and strain on the damaged cartilage. The offloading effect may improve the gait pattern, improve knee stability and encourage increased mobility throughout everyday tasks. In addition, the strong constructions of these braces make the braces ideal for active or people who want to avoid or delay surgery like knee replacement.
Bracing knees is an effective treatment that is non-invasive and helps to manage the signs and symptoms of knee Osteoarthritis (OA). It targets the factors that cause joint pain, such as poor alignment or joints that are unstable, braces may help alleviate the pain, increase function and aid in mobility. If you’re dealing with knee pain or osteoarthritis symptoms, KWIC Physiotherapy is here to help. Our experienced team will assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan
The kind of brace suitable will be determined by the severity and location of the OA in addition to your individual requirements and levels. From basic sleeve support for minor discomfort, to more rigid offloading braces that are more suited to advanced situations, there’s various orthotic choices for individualized care.
Bracing is even more effective when combined with custom orthotics in Kitchener. Custom orthotics provide additional support and alignment correction for the feet and lower limbs, helping to reduce excess pressure on the knees.
If used with other treatments that are conservative, like physiotherapy, managing weight, and medication knee bracing could help in slowing down the development of OA and improving the living quality. Consultation with a medical specialist ensures that the correct option is chosen to maximize outcomes while maintaining your independence.