The Benefits of an Offloading Knee Brace for Medial or Lateral Knee Osteoarthritis

Insights, Knee, News, News and Insights

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Medial and lateral compartment osteoarthritis specifically targets one side of the knee joint, leading to uneven wear and increased discomfort in the affected area. An offloading knee brace designed to offload the medial or lateral compartment can significantly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Let’s explore the benefits of using such a brace for managing knee osteoarthritis.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis and Compartmental Pain Knee osteoarthritis involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement. The knee has three compartments: medial (inner side), lateral (outer side), and patellofemoral (under the kneecap). Medial compartment OA is more common than lateral compartment OA and results in pain on the inner side of the knee. Conversely, lateral compartment OA affects the outer side of the knee.

How an Offloading Knee Brace Works

An offloading knee brace, also known as an unloading or osteoarthritis knee brace, is designed to shift the weight away from the affected compartment of the knee. This is achieved through a combination of mechanical and structural features:

Redistributing Load: The brace creates a three-point pressure system that shifts the load from the damaged side of the knee to the healthier side. For medial compartment OA, the brace applies pressure to the outer knee, alleviating stress on the inner knee. For lateral compartment OA, the opposite occurs.
Improving Alignment: By promoting proper alignment of the knee joint, the brace reduces the uneven wear and tear on the cartilage, helping to slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Providing Stability: The brace offers additional support to the knee, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of falls or missteps that could exacerbate symptoms.

Benefits of Using an Offloading Knee Brace

Pain Relief: – Immediate Reduction in Pain: By redistributing weight away from the affected compartment, an offloading knee brace can provide immediate relief from pain. This allows individuals to perform daily activities with less discomfort. – Reduced Inflammation: By decreasing the stress on the affected area, the brace can help reduce inflammation, which is a common source of pain in osteoarthritis.
Improved Mobility: – Enhanced Walking Ability: With pain and inflammation reduced, individuals often find it easier to walk, climb stairs, and engage in other physical activities. – Increased Range of Motion: The stability and support provided by the brace can help improve the range of motion in the knee, facilitating better movement.
Delay in Surgical Intervention: Non-Invasive Solution: For many people with knee OA, an offloading brace offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery. It can be particularly beneficial for those who are not yet candidates for knee replacement surgery. – Prolonged Joint Function: By offloading stress from the affected compartment, the brace can help preserve the remaining cartilage, potentially delaying the need for surgical intervention.
Enhanced Quality of Life: – Daily Activities: Reduced pain and improved mobility allow individuals to engage more fully in daily activities, from household chores to recreational pursuits. – Emotional Well-Being: Alleviating chronic pain and regaining independence can significantly boost emotional and mental well-being.
Customisation and Comfort: – Adjustable Fit: Modern offloading knee braces are using straps and a wrap are designed with adjustable straps and ergonomic shapes to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. This customisation helps accommodate different body types and severity levels of osteoarthritis. – Discreet Wear: Many braces are designed to be worn discreetly under clothing, allowing individuals to go about their day without drawing attention to their condition.
Prevention of Further Damage: – Joint Protection: By offloading pressure from the affected compartment, the brace helps protect the joint from further damage, slowing the progression of osteoarthritis. – Support During Activity: The additional stability provided by the brace can help prevent injuries during physical activities, contributing to long-term joint health.

Tips for Using an Offloading Knee Brace

Before you use a brace that offloads the joint of your knee, be sure you have a had a diagnosis of Knee OA: A doctor or physical therapist can diagnose Knee osteoarthritis ensure that an offloading knee brace is appropriate for your specific Osteoarthritis

Proper Fit: Ensure that the brace fits correctly and is adjusted according to your comfort and needs. A poorly fitting brace can cause discomfort and reduce its effectiveness. There are two main types of off-loading knee braces ‘double upright’ which provides a constant force to off load the affected compartment of the knee, however it is not always tolerable. Newer versions which use a three point leverage strap system, to gently off load only in full weight bearing and are clinically proven to reduce pain and improve mobility also known as ‘push braces’ and can be worn for longer periods of times. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34952554/
NB OA Spiral is a ‘push brace’ this research is relevant.

Regular Use: Consistency is key. Wear the brace as recommended by your healthcare provider, especially during activities that put stress on your knee. You will be told to gradually increase wearing time, much like a new pair of shoes, until your skin is accustomed to wearing it.

Combine with Other Treatments: Use the brace in conjunction with other treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications for comprehensive management of knee osteoarthritis.

Considering all the information and development in off-loading knee braces in particular ‘push style off-loading’ knee braces, offloading knee brace is an effective and non-invasive tool for managing symptoms of medial or lateral knee osteoarthritis. By redistributing weight, improving alignment, and providing stability, these braces offer significant pain relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life. For many individuals, using an offloading knee brace can delay the need for surgical intervention and support long-term joint health. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your specific condition.

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