KNEE BRACES TO RELIEVE OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

Non-pharmacological solutions for treating osteoarthritis of the knee are available – offloading knee braces.

The first knee brace models specifically designed to treat osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee appeared over 20 years ago in the United States. They are known as “offloading” knee braces. They relieve pain mechanically rather than pharmacologically, meaning they have no adverse-effects.

A medical device

Offloading knee braces are recommended for the treatment of symptomatic femorotibial osteoarthritis (between the femur and the tibia) that is predominantly unicompartmental(1), i.e. on either the internal side (medial) or the external side (lateral) of the knee. This indication excludes patients who have been treated with surgery.

These knee braces work by applying corrective forces to shift the load away from the damaged parts of the femorotibial joint. This reduces pain on movement and enables the patient to cover longer distances and take part in certain sports.

Knee braces to relieve oesteoaethritis of the knee

The CPO, MSK physiotherapists, and other technical professions including pharmacists in some countries will fit the brace and carry out the initial adjustments. They will also explain to the patient how to use the brace. The knee braces are off-the-shelf though rigid braces are sometimes made to measure or custom made. There are many variations of OTS knee OA braces dependant on the manufacturer these could be left or right, sized or compartment dependant.

Knee braces to suit everyone

Several types of offloading knee braces are available. The version offered will depend on the severity of your osteoarthritis, your morphology, your lifestyle and your needs. If you are physically very active, you will be guided towards a rigid-frame brace. If you are more sedentary or prefer a more discreet solution, a knitted or semi-rigid brace will suit you better.

Rigid offloading knee braces generally consist of a metal structure with a hinge and padding on each side of the knee(1). The side uprights of the brace may be adjustable, making it possible to realign the knee and relieve the side affected by osteoarthritis.

Knee braces to relieve oesteoaethritis of the knee

Knitted offloading knee braces are flexible. Non-elastic straps are used to position the brace on the leg, with innovative systems to distribute the weight of the body over several points in the brace.

Knee braces to relieve oesteoaethritis of the knee

These offloading knee braces are medical devices, and their safety and performance are evaluated before they can be marketed, including checks on their clinical effectiveness (via clinical trials, for example).

Many international scientific societies recommend the use of knee braces as a first resort in the non-pharmacological treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

If you have any questions, ask your doctor for advice.