Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects millions globally, particularly impacting weight-bearing joints like the knees. In this blog post, we explore how custom knee braces can help people with osteoarthritis, enhancing their quality of life.
Understanding osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. While it is often associated with aging, other factors like repetitive stress, genetics, and obesity can also contribute to the condition. It affects various joints, including the knees, hips, spine, and hands. Symptoms associated with osteoarthritis include:
- Joint Pain and Tenderness: This is often the first symptom of osteoarthritis. The pain may worsen after activity or toward the end of the day.
- Stiffness: Joints may feel stiff after periods of inactivity or in the morning. This stiffness usually resolves with movement.
- Swelling: Fluid accumulation in the joints can lead to swelling, which might be accompanied by warmth in the joint area.
- Reduced Flexibility: You may notice a decreased range of motion in the affected joints, which can affect your ability to perform everyday tasks.
- Grating Sensation: You might feel a grating or scraping sensation when moving the affected joint.
- Bone Spurs: These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.
The role of knee braces in managing osteoarthritis
For those experiencing knee pain due to osteoarthritis, wearing a knee brace can be a game-changer. Here’s how a knee brace can help:
- Support and Stability: A knee brace provides support, helping to stabilize the knee joint during movement. This reduces the load on the affected area, alleviating pain and preventing further damage.
- Pain Relief: By ensuring proper joint alignment and distributing weight more evenly, knee braces can significantly reduce pain, allowing individuals to participate more actively in their daily activities and enjoy a higher quality of life.
- Delaying Disease Progression: Regular use of a knee brace during activities can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis by minimizing stress on the knee joint and preventing additional wear and tear.
Choosing the right knee brace for osteoarthritis
When it comes to selecting a knee brace for osteoarthritis, a custom-fit brace is often the best option. These knee braces are tailored to fit the exact contours of your knee, providing optimal support without slipping or causing discomfort. This personalized fit ensures that the brace functions effectively, maximizing pain relief and joint support.
As for the best type of knee brace for osteoarthritis, hinged knee braces are ideal, as they offer robust support while allowing for necessary movement and flexibility. These braces often include features like adjustable straps and padding to enhance comfort and fit.
Are custom knee braces worth it?
Investing in a custom knee brace is worthwhile for many individuals with osteoarthritis. The precise fit and tailored support help to effectively manage symptoms and can improve overall mobility. While custom braces are an investment, the benefits they offer in terms of pain relief and enhanced function often justify the cost.
What to avoid with osteoarthritis
Effective management of osteoarthritis includes knowing what activities and habits should be avoided to prevent worsening of symptoms and progression of the disease.
- High-impact Activities: Avoid activities that put excessive stress on your knee joints, such as running and jumping, which can exacerbate pain and joint damage.
- Overexertion: Pushing yourself too hard in daily activities can increase joint pain and lead to further damage. Listen to your body and avoid activities that cause pain.
- Inappropriate Footwear: Wearing shoes that lack support or that put undue stress on the knees (like high heels) can worsen knee pain.
- Excessive Weight Bearing: Carrying heavy loads can increase the stress on your knees. Use carts or ask for help when moving heavy objects.
- Poor Posture and Ergonomics: Maintain good posture and ergonomic practices both at home and at work to reduce strain on your knees. Ensure your workspace is set up to support proper posture, particularly if you spend long periods sitting.
- Neglecting Pain Signals: Ignoring your body’s pain signals can lead to overuse and additional joint damage. Rest when needed and consult healthcare providers if pain increases.
When to wear a knee brace
Knee braces should be worn during activities that typically cause pain or during long periods of standing or walking. They can also be beneficial during sports or exercise, providing the necessary support to stay active without discomfort.
- During Pain-Inducing Activities: Knee braces should be worn during any activity that typically triggers knee pain. This could include walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, or engaging in activities that involve bending or twisting the knees.
- During Extended Periods of Activity: Long periods of standing or walking can exacerbate symptoms of osteoarthritis due to the continuous pressure on the knee joints. Wearing a knee brace during these times can help distribute weight more evenly and reduce the strain on the knee.
- While Participating in Sports or Exercise: Engaging in sports or exercise is crucial for maintaining joint health and overall well-being, but it can also pose risks to weakened knees. A knee brace can provide the necessary support to allow active participation without discomfort. For activities like jogging, cycling, or even playing golf, a knee brace helps stabilize the knee and ensure that movements do not aggravate the joint.
- As a Preventative Measure: Even in the absence of pain, wearing a knee brace during higher-risk activities can serve as a preventative measure to protect the knee from potential injuries or worsening of the condition.
Manage pain with confidence
For people dealing with osteoarthritis, custom knee braces offer a practical solution to manage pain and maintain mobility. By choosing the right type of brace and incorporating it into daily life, you can significantly enhance your comfort and delay the progression of osteoarthritis. At MVMT Physio & Chiro in St Albert, we provide custom knee braces tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals with osteoarthritis. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out how we can help you achieve greater comfort and mobility.
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