Arthritis is a blanket term for many related–but not identical–conditions.
The knee, in particular, is typically impacted by three types of arthritis:
– Rheumatoid arthritis.
– Post-traumatic arthritis.
– Osteoarthritis.
This article will focus on the most common form of arthritis adversely impacting the knee–osteoarthritis (OA). The National Institutes of Health estimates that around 14 million Americans suffer from symptomatic OA. While there’s no cure for OA, there are ways to manage, cope, and offset symptoms, enhancing an afflicted individual’s quality of life. One such method is using an osteoarthritis knee brace (specifically, an unloader knee brace) for support, functionality, and pain relief.
Read below to explore some of the best knee braces for osteoarthritis.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is rooted in wear and tear. It’s a degenerative condition typically found in patients 50 and over, although younger patients can suffer from OA too. The knee cartilage is OA’s primary target, gradually dwindling as time passes. This degenerative process causes the cartilage to fray and become coarse over an extended period.
Bones surrounding a healthy knee have a protective space. This area decreases at the hands of OA, causing them to rub together and leading to potentially agonizing bone spurs. Since OA is degenerative, the resulting pain increases as the years pass.
What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis symptoms include stiff and swollen joints, causing difficulty bending and straightening the knee. Flare-ups often occur after resting (e.g., getting out of bed first thing in the morning) and sitting. Pain can also be triggered by vigorous activity.
Furthermore, loose cartilage fragments and other tissue can obstruct cohesive joint motion, possibly causing the knee to stick or lock during movements. This issue can also cause the knee to snap, click, creak, or make grinding sounds (crepitus).
Weather changes often increase joint pain in those suffering from OA of the knee. Lastly, the knee can often feel like it’s going to buckle due to weakness caused by osteoarthritis.
Knee Braces for Osteoarthritis: How Can They Help?
Properly fitted knee braces for osteoarthritis offer robust stability and support, decreasing pain and helping maintain range of motion.
Also, the following benefits are associated with fitted knee braces for osteoarthritis:
– Reduce swelling.
– Offset joint pain.
– Offer extra shock absorption and cushioning.
– Improve alignment.
– Decreases fatigue and weakness caused by high activity levels.
Expertly-designed knee braces for osteoarthritis (or any other arthritis) give proprioceptive feedback during movement. Thus, you can better monitor your motion and adjust without increasing further injury risks.
What is an Unloader Knee Brace?
An unloader knee brace is custom-designed.
Molded plastic, steel struts, and foam are all used to make these braces. Such materials help limit a joint’s side movement by stabilizing the knee joint. Flexibility and optimal movement are top of mind with an unloader knee brace, as it fits entirely around the leg at the knee joint level. The design of an unloader knee brace revolves around putting three pressure points on the thigh bone. Thus, the knee is forced to bend away from pain-causing areas in the joint. Some unloader brace types can unload the knee’s lateral (outer) part by adjusting the unloading hinge. It can also unload the medial area of the knee.
Finding the Right Unloader Knee Brace
There’s a caveat to using an unloader/osteoarthritis knee brace: Not all unloader knee braces for osteoarthritis are created equal. Only an exquisitely-crafted, expertly-designed osteoarthritis knee brace will do the trick. Here’s our list of the three top knee braces for osteoarthritis:
I. The Icarus Medical Ascender Knee Brace
We’ll begin with the best all-around unloader knee brace for osteoarthritis: The Icarus Medical Ascender Knee Brace.
The Ascender offers much more support than more antiquated braces or knee sleeves, preventing and successfully reducing bone-on-bone contact. This benefit helps improve mobility while decreasing pain levels. Despite its lightweight construction, anyone suffering from moderate to severe OA pain can rely on the Ascender to help unload up to 40 lbs from their knee.
Moreover, the Ascender Unloader Knee Brace offers tibiofemoral and patellofemoral unloading beyond traditional knee braces. We’ll then mention how Icarus’s innovative design has yielded the only knee brace with fully-adjustable assistance. Thus, daily usage will lead to a progressive decrease in pain. Icarus’s Ascender Knee Brace is covered by the majority of insurance plans, cutting down out-of-pocket expenses.
The Ascender isn’t the only excellent knee brace you can find. However, it is the most superior. Nonetheless, we’ll explore alternatives since OA impacts individuals differently, meaning all patients have different needs.
II. The Orthomen OA Knee Brace
The Orthomen OA Unloader Knee Brace focuses on unicompartmental (only impacting one part of the knee joint) OA. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and low profile. Furthermore, this model has three leverage points to decrease medial (inside) pressure. A key advantage of this knee brace is its universal fitting. The strapping system makes adjustment easier than less compatible braces.
III. Tairibousy OA Knee Brace
The Tairibousy Osteoarthritis Knee Brace offers pushing strength to elevate the opposite side of the knee joint experiencing pain. This reduces wear in the joints, offsetting pain in the impacted area. It can help correct valgus/varus since the brace’s pull and push strength can be adjusted. This unloader knee brace has 13 inserts for extension and flexion, helping offset related symptoms in the knee joint.
Selecting the Right Unloader Knee Brace for You
The Ascender Unloader Knee Brace is unrivaled in quality and the results it offers to patients. Through its innovative construction and design, the Ascender empowers those wearing it to live nearly unimpeded by their osteoarthritis symptoms.
Do you want to get started with your custom unloader knee brace?
If so, first perform a 3D scan of your knee with your smartphone. After completing and sending us your scan, our engineers will design your Ascender Knee Brace, tailoring it to your specific requirements. Then, you’ll receive your custom-fit unloader knee brace in the mail in two weeks or less.
Contact Icarus today if you have further questions about our processes and products. We’re happy to provide detailed answers and information to help you with your search for an osteoarthritis knee brace.
