One of the most common forms of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA). It is often referred to as degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear arthritis.” The joints most commonly affected by it are the hips, knees, and hands. It is a condition in which cartilage within a joint begins to break down, and the underlying bone begins to change and deteriorate.
It is possible to develop arthritis in the knee joint at three primary locations – it can be located on the inside of the leg between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). The outside of the leg, between the thigh and the shin bones, and the area beneath the kneecap.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
The underlying causes of osteoarthritis include:
- Everyday wear and tear
- Previous severe injury
- Excessive strain caused by athletic activity
- Cartilage breakdown due to aging
You can experience knee pain caused by osteoarthritis at any time of the day. For example, when you get up in the morning, walk long distances, or get out of your car after a long drive. People sometimes don’t notice that their knee pain results from a fall or incorrect movement until months or years after the incident.
Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Treatments for osteoarthritis can include applying hot or cold compresses to the affected joints, making lifestyle changes like doing low-impact exercise, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, exercising and strengthening the joints, and other non-surgical options.
It is often helpful to use supportive therapies like knee braces for osteoarthritis to perform everyday tasks. Pain relief medications can also be prescribed to relieve pain, but they are not long-term solutions. Many people wonder what to do when the pain starts slowly, and its causes are unclear, and whether they should visit a doctor. In many cases, it is possible to reduce pain by protecting and supporting the knee and avoiding strenuous activities.
Despite this, certain treatments may be necessary when a particular condition causes knee pain. Some treatment options are physical therapy, pain medication, knee support, surgery, or a combination of one or more. At the same time, wearing an unloader knee brace or support can alleviate knee pain and stabilize the knee. Let’s look at some of the benefits of knee braces for osteoarthritis.
Benefits of Wearing a Knee Brace for Osteoarthritis
Knee braces can be an effective tool for managing knee pain and discomfort caused by osteoarthritis. Patients can reduce the pain in their knees by shifting the weight of the most damaged part of their knee by wearing a knee brace. When you feel that your knee tends to lock or buckle under your weight, a knee brace can also help you move more freely. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of wearing a knee brace.
I. Pain Relief
In people suffering from knee osteoarthritis, an unloader knee brace shifts the weight and pressure of the affected knee, reducing inflammation and overall pain in most users. This then allows for the strengthening and recovery process to begin.
II. Promotes Healing
Depending on the type of brace you choose, you can either keep your knee locked into place or allow it to bend and recover after surgery or injury. This takes the strain off the body and the knee to foster a proper healing environment.
III. Ensures Knees Are Aligned
A knee brace for osteoarthritis provides support and keeps your knee positioned correctly, thus transferring or shifting weight away from the inside of your knee (the part closest to your other knee).
In addition to providing pain relief, knee braces reduce pressure on the joint most affected by osteoarthritis. This can prevent the worsening of osteoarthritis or prevent it from affecting other parts of the knee. Patients have been seen to benefit from a knee brace for osteoarthritis as it reduces their symptoms and improves overall knee function.
It is common for people to stop wearing knee braces if they do not feel enough pain relief or if they experience complications, such as a poor fit or a bulky appearance. Wearing a knee brace generally allows those with osteoarthritis to increase their endurance and reduce pain, enabling them to walk longer distances, participate in higher-stress activities, and get back to living on their terms.
Do You Need a Knee Brace for Osteoarthritis?
Knee pain and inflammation can hamper everyday life, whether it is due to knee surgery, a torn thigh ligament, osteoarthritis, or a muscle pull or tear. In many cases, a knee brace is a good idea for treating and preventing osteoarthritis.
Most people report improved mobility and decreased pain when using a knee brace for their osteoarthritis, but it is essential to choose the right one. Custom knee braces and medical knee braces can be expensive investments; however, they are the most effective, and most insurance companies cover most of the cost.
The Ascender Unloader Knee Brace
The Ascender knee brace by Icarus Medical provides long-term pain relief by providing stability due to its custom design. The Ascender can relieve up to 40 pounds of pressure from your knee and has been demonstrated to reduce pain and swelling, provide joint stability, and support the knee area without limiting your mobility. The form-fitting and lightweight custom design ensures maximum comfort and prevents slipping.
Our team at Icarus Medical is here to help you recover fast and prevent you from experiencing further or worsening injuries or knee conditions. Check with your health insurance provider to see if a knee brace for your osteoarthritis is covered by your insurance policy when you plan to invest in a customized knee brace.
